How to Close a Gate Valve

Operating a gate valve is similar to operating other household plumbing valves.

Just a sliding grate is used to block the entry of a castle, a gate valve stems the flow of liquids by lowering a solid plate into its interior passageway. Conventional gate valves open and close with simple, hand-operated knobs. The simple rhyme, "righty tighty, lefty loosey," reminds you of how to operate all types of valves. However, homeowners sometimes unwittingly damage gate valves with excessive tightening. An overview of standard gate valve operation helps you shut off your water when necessary and extend your valve's life.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight
• Rag

Instructions

1. Locate the gate valve's handle. Use a flashlight to find gate valves in utility closets, beneath floors or other dark areas. Gate valve handles are usually round or semi-round discs that sit on a plane perpendicular to the valve's body. Valve handles connect to the body via a thin, smooth shaft, called a "stem."

2. Grip the gate valve's handle. Turn the valve handle clockwise with gentle yet firm force. If the handle sticks or hurts the palm of your hand, wrap a rag around the handle to soften the gripping surface.

3. Turn the gate valve's handle clockwise until you hear the water slow. Continue to turn the valve handle clockwise until the gate valve's plate, also called a "gate," seats against the bottom of the valve. Turn slowly as you feel the plate reach the bottom of the valve; you can easily damage the valve's internal components with excessive tightening.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that gate valves are not like threaded plumbing fittings; whereas plumbers turn threaded fittings beyond "hand tight," you should only tighten gate valves hand tight.

References

• University of Florida; Valves in Irrigation Systems; Hazman, et al.
• Virginia's Community Colleges; Gate Valves; Joseph Cerow
• Mueller Company: Gate Valve Troubleshooting