Water Shut Off Under Sink Wont Turn
Supply shut off valves under the sink can be prone to several common problems, such as getting stuck and leaking water. According to Dallas GA Plumbers (2020), this can be due to lack of regular maintenance, which can cause the valve to become seized. It is therefore important to ensure that these valves are regularly checked and maintained to avoid any costly repairs.

The most straightforward way to turn off the water to a bathroom sink is to locate the two turnoff valves beneath the sink, usually located in a built-in cabinet. According to Home Guides SF Gate, these valves control the hot and cold water faucets respectively. It is important to note that in some cases, a third shutoff valve may be located under the sink as well.
How do I loosen a sink shutoff valve?
To loosen a sink shutoff valve, use two adjustable wrenches to turn the bonnet nut located underneath or next to the knob of the water valve. According to Home Guides' article "How to Loosen a Sink Shutoff Valve" (2022), it is important to take extra caution when loosening the valve, as it is easy to break the knob or nut if too much force is applied. To further prevent damage to the valve, it is recommended to wrap both the knob and nut with a cloth before attempting to loosen them.
Why won't the shut-off valve close?
If the shut off valve under your sink wont shut the water off, it can be due to a stuck valve, partially closed valve, leaking valve, bursted pipe, or leaking saddle valve. According to upgradedhome.com, fixing or replacing the valve is the only way to fix this problem. It is recommended to regularly check for any signs of water leakage or damage in order to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Can you close the faucet?
To close a faucet under a sink, grasp the hot and cold water valves with your hands, and turn them clockwise until they are tightly closed. According to SFGATE HomeGuides, it is important to turn off the water supply to the bathroom sink before attempting any repairs or maintenance. It is important to make sure that both the hot and cold valves are completely closed to ensure that no water is leaking from the faucet.
Is the shut-off valve working?
A shut off valve under the sink not shutting off water can be caused by it being stuck or closed. According to the article from Your Nifty Home (2020), the valve may also be leaking, which will require repair or replacement. It is important to assess the cause of the leakage, as this could be due to a variety of issues such as outdated fittings, corroded pipes, or a build-up of mineral deposits.
A stuck, closed, or leaking shut off valve can cause a problem shutting off the water under the sink. According to Your Nifty Home, a stuck valve can make the valve useless, a closed valve can also cause problems, a leaking valve will not let the valve close completely and a burst pipe can interrupt the shut off valve. A saddle valve may be an issue if it is installed incorrectly.
Where is the shutoff valve?
To turn off the water supply to a bathroom sink, one must locate and loosen the sink shutoff valve. According to homeguides.sfgate.com, this is done by first locating the shutoff tap for water at the kitchen sink, then loosening the sink shutoff valve, followed by fixing any broken shutoff fixtures, and finally closing the faucet valve. It is important to note that when turning off the water to a bathroom sink, one should also turn off the water to any other sinks in the house to prevent water pressure from building up in the system.
Can the shut-off valve be fixed?
A shut-off valve under a sink may not shut off water due to an issue with the other valves in the system. According to UpgradedHome.com (2020), this issue is typically due to the need for a safeguard in case another valve is not working properly. To avoid potential water damage, it is important to make sure all valves are in good working order.
Do shut off valves leak?
Supply shut off valves under the sink can be prone to several common problems, such as getting stuck and leaking water. According to Dallas GA Plumbers (2020), this can be due to lack of regular maintenance, which can cause the valve to become seized. It is therefore important to ensure that these valves are regularly checked and maintained to avoid any costly repairs.
Can water flow through the valve?
A shutoff valve that has been closed and reopened may not allow water to flow through it, which may be due to a buildup of scale in the faucet from an ongoing leak. According to experts at DIY Stack Exchange, completely removing the faucet and cleaning it can help restore water flow.
Do you need a shutoff valve?
Under-sink shutoff valves, also known as fixture shutoffs or stop valves, are components that allow you to turn off the water flow to a sink or other fixtures without having to use the main shutoff of the home (The Spruce, 2020). These valves are typically inexpensive and come in a variety of forms, including ball valves, needle valves, gate valves, diaphragm valves, frost-free sillcocks, and more. Generally, these valves require minimal maintenance and can last for many years.
Can the main shut-off valve be used?
If a shut-off valve isn't working, the main shut-off valve can be used to stop water flow to the rest of the house. According to Upgraded Home (2020), this is a common solution for when a shut-off valve under the sink won't shut off water. In addition, having different valves in place serves as a safeguard in case other valves are not working.
How can shut-off valves be loosened?
Stuck shut-off valves can be easily loosened using a twisting motion, which is the first method recommended by Plumbing Sniper (2020). This method involves grabbing the valve's handle/knob and attempting to twist it clockwise and counterclockwise. Other methods such as using a pair of pliers or a strap wrench may be employed in order to loosen the valve further.
How do I fix a stuck valve?
A video from Roto-Rooter® shows how to fix a stuck water shut-off valve. By following the step-by-step instructions, you can stop the flow of water and start your cleanup and repairs. It is important to test the valve regularly to ensure it remains mobile and can be used in an emergency. It is wise to familiarize yourself with your home's water shut-off valves in order to be prepared for any potential plumbing problems.
