If the main water valve will not turn or will not stop the water, do not force it, because the stem can snap. Look for a second valve on the street side of the meter, or ask the water department to shut the water at the curb. Then call (413) 603-1274: we stop the leak, replace the valve and dry the damage.
Why old main valves fail
Most older Chicopee homes have a gate valve at the main: a round handle that drives a metal gate down across the pipe. After decades of never being turned, the gate seizes, the stem corrodes, or mineral buildup keeps the gate from sealing. So the handle will not move, it spins without closing, or it closes but water keeps trickling through. See gate valve vs ball valve.
What to try, safely
- Check for a second valve. Some meters have a valve on each side. The one on the street side of the meter also shuts the house off.
- Use steady hand pressure only. A little back and forth can free a stiff handle. No cheater bars or long wrenches.
- If it spins freely, the stem is broken inside. Stop. It will not close.
- If water is pouring, call the Chicopee Water Department to shut it at the street. See who shuts off the water at the street.
- Reduce the damage meanwhile. Open low faucets to lower the pressure at the leak, move belongings, and catch the water.
- Call us. (413) 603-1274.
What we do
- Stop the leak, with the water shut off at the street if needed
- Repair the burst pipe
- Replace the old gate valve with a full-port ball valve that closes in a quarter turn
- Dry the walls, floors and basement
See main water shut-off valve replacement.
Prevent the next one
Once a year, close and reopen the main valve so it stays free. If it is stiff or leaks at the handle, replace it before winter, when you are not in a hurry.
Slowing the water while you wait
If the main will not close and help is on the way, a few steps reduce the damage:
- Open the lowest faucet in the house, such as a laundry sink or basement spigot. Water takes the easiest path, so less comes out of the break
- Turn off the water heater's cold supply valve if that one works, and switch off the heater
- Close any fixture valves near the break
- Catch spray with a bucket and towels, and wrap the break with a rag and tape to direct water down
- Move belongings out of the path and turn off power to wet areas
Ask the Chicopee Water Department about shutting the curb stop at the street. See who shuts off the water at the street.
Stuck valve questions
Can I use WD-40 on a stuck valve?
Penetrating oil on the packing nut can help a stiff handle, but it does not fix a seized gate inside the valve. In an emergency, do not wait on it.
Is it safe to tighten the packing nut?
A small turn can stop a drip at the stem. Do not crank it, and do not take the valve apart under pressure.
How long does replacing the main valve take?
Usually a few hours once the water is off at the street.
Valve stuck and water running? Call now
Call (413) 603-1274 now. Locally owned in Chicopee.