Unable to close regulating valves to kitchen sink!

[Hydrographer1]

I'm trying to shut off the water to my kitchen faucet so that I can swap out a new cartridge. However, I'm not able to completely shut off the water under the sink. I realize that I can shut off the water to the house to perform this task, however, I would prefer to be able to shut it off below the sink. Are there any concerns of my trying to force the valve(s) to get it to shut off? If so, then I will need to call a plumber to replace them with angle valves, but would prefer not to have to do so if can be avoided. Would appreciate any techniques that I might be able to perform to get the valve(s) to close completely!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Reach4]

The stop valves will probably need to be replaced. The new ones should be nice 1/4 turn ball valves.

You could just try forcing and exercising them some to see if that brings them to life, but maybe do that on a Monday morning so that you can call a plumber during the week if it becomes urgent. They are unlikely to break, but planning ahead for contingencies is good. I am not a pro.

There is another possibility: a retrofit stop valve. You unscrew the flex connector at the output of the stuck valve, put the retrofit stop valve on the old stuck-open valve, and put the flex connector on the output of the new retrofit valve. You will need a wrench.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

Very often on multi-turn shutoffs to the kitchen sink, the rubber washer is in really bad shape. If it doesn't shut off easily, it's a good idea to replace the shutoff. Sometimes you can open it up and replace a rubber washer, but I like throwing on a 1/4" stop that doesn't use the rubber washer solution.
Small bits of rubber can cause problems if they wind up in the tubing and cartridges of the faucet.

 

[Hydrographer1]

Very often on multi-turn shutoffs to the kitchen sink, the rubber washer is in really bad shape. If it doesn't shut off easily, it's a good idea to replace the shutoff. Sometimes you can open it up and replace a rubber washer, but I like throwing on a 1/4" stop that doesn't use the rubber washer solution.
Small bits of rubber can cause problems if they wind up in the tubing and cartridges of the faucet.

 

[Hydrographer1]

I'm still waiting for the replacement cartridge to arrive. Once it does, I'm thinking it might be best to schedule a plumber out to replace the multi turns to 1/4 stops. The house was built in 2002. Why didn't the plumber install 1/4 stops in the first place? Have already replaced with 1/4 stops on the toilets and one sink in the M/B.

 

[Jeff H Young]

the 1/4 turn stops are better builder dosent care so dosent spec them out to the plumbing contractor. plumber buys the cheaper.

 

[Terry]

the 1/4 turn stops are better builder dosent care so dosent spec them out to the plumbing contractor. plumber buys the cheaper.

Yes, It's about the money. New construction is about competing with all the other contractors in your area, providing work that often you only get if you have the low bid. You can't throw money out and compete that way. The first home I built I added many upgrades, and when I tried to explain to buyers what those upgrades were, they made it sound like I was lying to them.

"I'm sure Mr. Love that the other builders have the same features and quality as your home here. Why are you saying they're not?"

The homes after that I went with "Builder Grade" and kept my mouth shut. Yes, just the same as the other guys. Sure. And the next set of buyers had no idea either. Why would they install better stuff if nobody ever notices. I'm in service now, started in new construction rough plumbing five three bath homes a week with my three man crew. Me, an apprentice and a helper. Then moved to multi family projects, biggest was in Federal Way, twenty buildings, with 164 apartments total. Tallest was seven stories for BECU, their main office in Tukwila. I have customers that have been calling me for more work for years now. It's just me and them. I can sell them what I think they should have and they love it. We don't have that third party filter on what I can do now.

 

[Jeff H Young]

btw my house built in 2001 changed all angle stops supply lines and faucets at least once through out. Mostly by choice . all the faucets were serviceable.
Been through most aspects of plumbing Residential tract many years custom home equal amount of commercial, some hospitol. Pipefitting desalination water plant , solar power plant . and smaller amount of resedential re-pipes and various repair.

 

[JerryR]

When I moved into my house 7 years ago that was built in 2000 I personally replaced all the angle stops with Dahl 1/4 turn ball valves.
I bought a Pasco compression sleeve puller and 19 Dahl ball valves. I did all 8 sinks and 3 toilets. Not one leaked and every one turns off and on like butter.