Rant: My bathroom vanity faucet started leaking at the base last Tuesday and I discovered the shutoff valves underneath were completely seized.

After spraying them with PB Blaster for two days, I finally got them to turn, but now I'm wondering if I should just replace the whole valve assembly while I have the cabinet open.

3 comments

3 Comments

charlescraig18d ago

Hot take: Do it now. Replace them. Those valves gave you a clear warning by seizing up. Forcing them just buys a little time before they fail for good, probably at the worst moment. A new quarter-turn valve costs very little and takes minutes to install since you already have everything open. Future you will be glad you took care of it.

miller.rowan18d ago

That exact situation is like a universal law of home ownership. You fix the one broken thing, and the process of fixing it reveals two more problems waiting to happen. If the valves were that stuck, replacing them now while everything is apart saves a future, more urgent headache.

gibson.avery18d ago

My buddy Mark had the same leak last year. He forced the old valves open just like you did. They worked for about three months. Then one failed completely at 2 AM on a Tuesday. Had to use the main house shutoff, water everywhere. Cost him way more in drywall repair. If they're that crusty, swap them now. It's cheap insurance.