Kitchen Gas Appliances - natural gasvalve
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01-24-01, 06:27 PM
I have what appears to be a stuck gas shutoff valve for my dryer. On the oppisite side of the t-handle is a nut. I have two questions. First,which direction do shutoff valves typicaly turn for shutoff. Second, if I loosen the nut will the valve turn more easily or will it cause a leak.
Sharp Advice
01-24-01, 10:20 PM
Hi:7valkyries
To answer your second questions first, the answer is BOTH.
That type of gas valve you'll need to be very carefull with. You'll have to slightly loosen the nut and notice if the is a stop or bumper the core stops against.
This is rather difficult to explain in text only. However, once the nut is loose, the valve will both leak some but turn more freely. Counterclockwise should be off. However, the direction could be either way.
What is very important is to only lightly snug up that nut when your done or while your working on the dryer, etc. Overtightening it will cause it to snap the threads or damage the core of the valve. Either of which could cause huge problems! Be careful.
Best suggestion is to replace the valve with a newer type of valve. The ball valve is the latest and best type and it has it's only built in level handle.
Use caution if your going to replace that valve also. If your not sure of what to do, etc. request help from the gas utility or other qualified person.
Safety note:
I have arrived at homes where the do it them selfers have broken these types of valves and held the core in by hand for 30 minutes or more to keep it from popping out and filling the room up with gas! Mentioned here for the sole purpose to make anyone and everyone aware of the dangers of a simple gas project gone wrong and why I may seem to over emphasize cautions.
To answer your second questions first, the answer is BOTH.
That type of gas valve you'll need to be very carefull with. You'll have to slightly loosen the nut and notice if the is a stop or bumper the core stops against.
This is rather difficult to explain in text only. However, once the nut is loose, the valve will both leak some but turn more freely. Counterclockwise should be off. However, the direction could be either way.
What is very important is to only lightly snug up that nut when your done or while your working on the dryer, etc. Overtightening it will cause it to snap the threads or damage the core of the valve. Either of which could cause huge problems! Be careful.
Best suggestion is to replace the valve with a newer type of valve. The ball valve is the latest and best type and it has it's only built in level handle.
Use caution if your going to replace that valve also. If your not sure of what to do, etc. request help from the gas utility or other qualified person.
Safety note:
I have arrived at homes where the do it them selfers have broken these types of valves and held the core in by hand for 30 minutes or more to keep it from popping out and filling the room up with gas! Mentioned here for the sole purpose to make anyone and everyone aware of the dangers of a simple gas project gone wrong and why I may seem to over emphasize cautions.