Wheelhead Gate Valve unscrewed but won't slide off pipework

[RobG]

Hi, this is my first post to this esteemed forum so please excuse any faux pas.
The red wheel head gate compression valve has seized half on-half off so I have unthreaded the nuts holding it in place (wasn't easy) ready to replace with a 22mm Pegler ball valve (bought from S...x - the only chain outlet I have found retailing Peglers for under a tenner). The bottom part of the gate valve slid off the pipe work easily (exposing the olive) but the top part won't budge. The top nut keeps slipping back onto the thread so I have tied it up. I have tried lubing the valve with copious amounts of WD40 (if that is the correct technical expression); heating it with a blow dryer for 2 to 3 minutes; yanking it downwards with pliers; turning it back and forth, and banging it with a wrench (pre-6pm), but nowt works. I would upload photos but don't know how to do this on this site (tried accessing Help but found nothing there about uploading images, and when I returned to my post all the text had disappeared - so this is my 2nd version). Oh, yes, I have loosened the gland nut and removed the small nut in the centre of the wheel head but the spindle does not pull out. I have also failed to loosen by any degree the nut that surrounds the spindle at the base of the valve. One of the issues is limited access and getting both hands to the area to apply pressure and torque. All suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Sorry for War & Peace.

 

[Burger]

Hi RobG,

To upload a photo, you need to upload file which is underneath text box, choose photo library and select photo, but all depends on what operating system and computer/device you’re using.

With the gate valve, it could be tight between the two olives, so you might have to see if there’s any “play” in the pipe(s) top and or bottom, therefor per you should be able to remove?

 

[RobG]

Ok, thanks for this. I'll try uploading photos now. I use Windows 10 Pro and the photos were taken on an older iPhone. Wow, it worked. When I tried before posting I was directed to put in an URL so I guess I must have chosen the wrong options.

 

[Burger]

I can’t see any reason why that won’t come off. Try grabbing the red wheel with your hands, pulling down and twist side to side, if you can’t get it with your hands try some grips.

 

[Deleted member 32524]

If you have shifters (adjustable spanner) open it up and get it onvalve and give it a whack with your hammer. Or just cut pipe above nut looks like you should have enough movement to get it back on without adding pipework.

 

[RobG]

Thanks, so much, CBW1982 (or can I call you pennywise?). You gave me the confidence to have another go and pull harder. So I propped up the upper pipework (see photo); grabbed a hold of the bottom of the valve with my small footprint wrench and yanked. Off it came with a little water (the cold mains was turned off). You're a star. Thanks again. By the way, when fitting the new lever ball valve should I leave the olives in situ?

 

[Darren Jackson]

Sometimes these things feel like they are welded on! Don't be scared to resort to brute force it's the only way. Try holding an open end spanner on the valve body and then sharply tapping it down with a hammer. It will eventually work loose & come off.

 

[Burger]

Thanks, so much, CBW1982 (or can I call you pennywise?). You gave me the confidence to have another go and pull harder. So I propped up the upper pipework (see photo); grabbed a hold of the bottom of the valve with my small footprint wrench and yanked. Off it came with a little water (the cold mains was turned off). You're a star. Thanks again. By the way, when fitting the new lever ball valve should I leave the olives in situ?

View attachment 39086

No worries. I’d either use existing but wrap with ptfe tape, or go for new ones, but can’t see quality of olive on pipe. You might be better replacing them to make sure you get the socket depth and use ptfe for belt and braces. P.s. call me what you want, I’ve been called worse 😀

 

[RobG]

Thanks DuncanM and thanks Darren Jackson - I was apprehensive of using too much force and causing more problems for myself. Thanks for the reassurance. I have one or two more minor plumbing projects to complete but feel I may be coming back for more expert advice. Cheers to you all.