thru hull ball valve stuck open
- Thread starter b crites
- Start date
I would start with hot soapy water, to remove salt crust if the boat is in salt water. Then after drying up the remnants of that, I would soak it in your favorite flavor of penetrating oil for several hours or a day. Then I would move it back & forth gently & perhaps tap it gently with a SMALL hammer. Sometimes, a gentle impact will break things loose, when constant pressure will not. Once it moves, I would either lubricate it with grease or replace it.
If the valve has a 2-piece body, you may want to temporarily loosen up the body joint a thread or two, to relieve pressure on the seat. That should get it to move if nothing else will.
It's a good idea to open & close your sea cocks on a regular basis, to prevent them from getting stiff. Once barnacles or other critters grow in there, it can be a real nightmare.
If the valve has a 2-piece body, you may want to temporarily loosen up the body joint a thread or two, to relieve pressure on the seat. That should get it to move if nothing else will.
It's a good idea to open & close your sea cocks on a regular basis, to prevent them from getting stiff. Once barnacles or other critters grow in there, it can be a real nightmare.
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What size is the thru-hull? What brand is the valve? I would get a plumber’s test plug (Lowes/Home Depot or plumbing supply) of that size, take a quick dive over, clean the thru-hull opening and install the test plug. Then back inside you can safely try some of the methods mentioned or just take the hose off, remove the valve and take it to a bench where you can work on it. If you cannot repair the valve, you’re all set to install a new valve and be done. Good luck with it.
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