Forged steel GATE VALVES control the flow of liquids. Unlike other valves, gate valves are either all the way open or all the way closed. They are often used as the main control valve --- such as the valve controlling the water coming into a house. Sometimes these valves require special wrenches and often these wrenches are called keys. This is partially because companies who own the valves do not want unauthorized people to open or close the valves.

1 Shut off the water before the gate valve by closing a valve upstream of it. You may have to close the main water valve to the home if there is not another option. If it is your main water valve that needs repairing, you will need to contact the city to turn off the water at the street. Open a valve downstream of the gate valve to remove the pressure from the pipes.

2 Remove the turning mechanism from the gate Floating Ball Valve with the appropriate tools. Most turning mechanisms will be secured by a single slotted screw in the center of the handle. Loosen this screw to remove the turning mechanism.

3 Remove the retaining nut from the top of the gate and then remove the gate from the valve by turning it counter-clockwise. Examine the gates stem washer for evidence of damage. If the stem washer is damaged, replace it with a new part from the hardware store.

4 Remove the gate valves seat with a seat removal tool. The seat removal tool maybe specific to your faucet. Examine the valves seat for evidence of damage. If the seat is not smooth or uniform replace it with a new seat.

5 Reassemble the faucet the same way you to took it apart. Test it by turning on the water supply.