Stuck water isolating valve under sink

[Urqs]

Hi all,

First post so be kind. I'm new to the DIY as well.

I have managed to turn off the hot water isolating valve under the kitchen sink, I then changed the washer on mixer taps. Went to turn the isolating valve back on and I can't get it to move back. I have tried different screwdrivers and it won't budge. I've attached a picture of the type of valve and understand that this one is on. Is there a tool I can get as there looks like a threaded hole on the centre of the valve, has anyone got any ideas?

Thanks
Neil

 

[rpm]

With the screwdriver slot in line with the pipe as per the photo the valve is open. Oh, and welcome to the forum.

 

[Urqs]

Thanks for replying.:smile5:

The picture is the cold water valve, the hot water valve is closed, can't get a picture of that one as it has pipes in front of it. Is the hole for an Allen key? Or am I going to have to get a plumber to replace the valve?

 

[rpm]

If you managed to turn it off with a screwdriver then the same tool should be able to turn it back on. Have you tried turning the screwdriver both clockwise and anti-clockwise as there are some that have an inbuilt stop.

 

[Urqs]

Gonna be a bit thick now but what is an inbuilt stop? I turned it anti clockwise to turn water off and have been trying clockwise to switch it back on.

 

[rpm]

With most isolation valves the screwdriver slot just goes around and around whilst others only allow limited movement hence an inbuilt stop. Can only suggest you keep trying, maybe use the largest screwdriver you have but don`t damage the slot.

 

[Urqs]

Thanks for your help, rather than going clockwise I tried it anticlockwise and it worked!! Unfortunately the mixer tap still drips when I turn it on!

 

[rpm]

Thanks for your help, rather than going clockwise I tried it anticlockwise and it worked!! Unfortunately the mixer tap still drips when I turn it on!

Well one thing at a time eh!