Isolation valve type

shiraz99

Can anyone identify this type of isolation valve? I can't get it to budge and the grooves are too wide for a standard flat head to get any purchase.

Exodi

Have you tried a hex bit/allen key?

Alternatively your biggest flathead screwdriver, even if a bit narrower than the slot.

MyRealNameToo

Wouldnt an allen/hex key work better? Would need to use a pin or such to get all the crud out of it first

shiraz99

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81938011#Comment_81938011

Yes, I was thinking that. I'll have to see if I've got anything that fits.

subjecttocontract

When you do find something that fits you normally only need to turn it 90 degrees to shut it off and another 90 degrees to turn it back on.

flaneurs_lobster

That slot looks like it's just there to indicate open/closed - it's rather too shallow to allow decent purchase with a flat-head screwdriver.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6661386/isolation-valve-type

It looks like there is some paint between the spindle and body, so even with a hex wrench it may not budge.

Be careful not to damage the pipe and joints when applying force.

If you do get it to move then be prepared for water to start leaking out around the spindle - have a bucket to hand and know where/how to isolate the supply to the pipe from upstream.

subjecttocontract

I agree. My experience with this type of isolation valve is that the ball inside eventually corrodes and causes it to leak. You might be lucky and it won't leak or you might not but as already mentioned have a bucket handy.

bjorn_toby_wilde

It looks like a standard valve for a slotted screwdriver TBH. Feel free to tell me off if I’m being patronising but are you trying to turn it in the correct direction? Clockwise for off in this case.

daveyjp

If you don't have a large screwdriver try using a coin.

plumb1_2

it looks like a Ballofix valve, not the cheap isolation valves you get now.

And use a hex key to move the center , screwdriver is not ment to operate it.

Gently move it left to right to gain small movement first with a hex key,