Help Around the House host Henry Harrison helps a homeowner uncover and unstick a main water shut-off valve that has become partially buried (
figure A ). He also shows her how to install a new handle. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a two.
Tools:
shovels
brass brush
flat-head screwdriver
penetrating oil
adjustable pliers
Phillips-head screwdriver
new faucet handle and valve cover
Steps:
1. Dig a hole around valve, about a foot in diameter should be fine. Be careful not to dig into water pipe.
2. Clean valve off with brass brush (figure B). Remove piece of the broken valve handle with the flathead screwdriver. If the handle is corroded, you may need to loosen it with penetrating oil. Give the oil several minutes to work.
3. Take a pair of adjustable pliers and gently rock valve free (figure C) . Use care not to disturb the water pipe.
4. Install new handle by screwing into position with Phillips-head screwdriver.
5. Turn it slowly clockwise to see if it works to shut off water, then turn water back on.
6. Buy a covered irrigation valve bucket and install it over the valve (figure D). The cover will prevent the valve from getting buried again. Buckets can be found in the plumbing section of most hardware stores.
7. Replace dirt in the hole, tamp down the ground to level it out and you're done.
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