Hi I went to turn off water supply to repair my washing machine and both valves were frozen in place- it’s strange because I am almost positive my plumber shut them off to disconnect the machine to get it out of the way of a recent plumbing repair which means they have been opened and closed within the last month- anyway I was able to loosen them with WD 40- heat from a hairdryer, tapping with a wrench, and slow steady pressure. The hot one is fine, the cold one was squeaky when I was turning it back and forth to slowly loosen, then it started dripping from the handle. I’ve gotten it to shut off. It if I open the valve it drips. I called a plumber and they quoted me $305 to replace both valves $185 labor and $85 for the valves because he said I need water hammer valves and they’re more expensive.
My questions are-
1. Does this need replacing? I’m a little afraid to mess around with it In case I create a bigger problem where the only solution is to cut the house water supply until I can get a plumber here
2. Could the valve have been broken by the previous plumber if he “over-opened” it?
3. Does that price sound right?
4. Do I need the water hammer valves? He said I do for code
Thanks!
My questions are-
1. Does this need replacing? I’m a little afraid to mess around with it In case I create a bigger problem where the only solution is to cut the house water supply until I can get a plumber here
2. Could the valve have been broken by the previous plumber if he “over-opened” it?
3. Does that price sound right?
4. Do I need the water hammer valves? He said I do for code
Thanks!