Gate Valve Stem / Threads Lubrication

[Provincial]

I have numerous gate valves in my home.
For example, the water cut-offs for outdoors, and even the master water cut-off are all gate valves.

Am I supposed to be doing something to properly maintain or lubricate those valves?
Should I put WD40 on the stem, or perhaps spreading on some plumbing silicone?

The question occurred to me because it's about time to again turn on the cut-off valves for the outside water, and I would prefer to keep those in good condition rather than seeing some failure one day.

 

[Sylvan]

On OS & Y valves we use key grease on the spline (Stem) and close and open the valves and make sure we give the gate valves a 1/4 turn back from closed

 

[Sponsor]

 

[DIYorBust]

Had one break off on my last year. Man was that a pain, I didn't have a ball valve one hand the right size, and it was in a point I couldn't easily drain. Truly, is greasing the valve less work than replacing it? Probably yes, but not by a ton.

 

[Reach4]

I have numerous gate valves in my home.
For example, the water cut-offs for outdoors, and even the master water cut-off are all gate valves.

Why do you think they are gate valves? Most multi-turn valves in houses are not gate valves.

 

[hj]

That would usually only be true if you also counted all the shut off valves at the fixtures. The ONLY way to lubricate a gate valve stem, NOT an OS&Y one, it to take it apart. Spraying lube on the exposed portion is useless.

 

[Sylvan]

Actually, most fixture valves are Globe pattern for throttling.

For example, a Fluidmaster 400A can cause a hydraulic shock like a washing machine, dishwasher, or any other type of quick closing valve, solenoid valve for example

Gate and ball valves are not for throttling


Gate valves are considered a positive shut off