Unfortunately those valves only last about 10 years. I heard the new ball
valves last longer but my plumber says the small ones aren't perfected yet
so he is sticking with the old small turnoffs for now. You need to turn off
the water at the shutoffs and replace both valves, unfortunately, which you
probably already new.


"DangerMan" wrote in message
...
Well, I tried to shut off the gate valves under the sink so that I
could install new washers on the kitchen faucets and found two
problems.

The hot water valve closed and immediately started leaking. Since
it's a high-rise condominium, I don't have immediate access to the
watershutoff. I tightened the compression nut as tight as I could and
that stopped the leaking --- but every time I reopen the hot water
valve, it leaks.

The cold water valve won't budge!!! I'm pretty big with years of
weight lifting behind me but it won't move at all.

Appreciate any help from the plumbing experts out there.

DJ