Disconnecting washing machine; taps stuck

[NutsaboutFruit]

I know this is meant to be a simple job... just turn the taps to the horizontal position. But what if they are stuck, absolutely stuck in the on position? And repeatedly spraying them with WD40 has not made the slightest difference? To add to the misery they are in a really inaccessible corner, facing downwards (pipe kind of turns a corner into the wall) and stupidly close together.

I don't have anyone I can ask for help with this and it is fair to say I am at my wits end. Washing machine is old and broken, not replacing it as I am hoping to move later this year. I fear any attempt to use a tool to create enough force to turn them is going to result in snapped off taps and possibly a flood.

So simple, so stuck. Any ideas?

No ideas myself but bumping for you! Unless you're in north east Wiltshire in which case I can recommend a reliable plumber.

Try some mole grips

Thanks, but unfortunately I'm a long way from north east Wiltshire... more like north east London!

Mole grips... are they just those locking pliers? I don't have anything like that, but was a bit worried about applying excessive force in case of snapping the taps off or worse.

have you tried turning them the other way?

Yes, @PigletJohn, I have tried turning them in both directions, but they aren't budging.

Can you post some photos? Might spark ideas. If you know where your main stopcock is you can turn off the water before removing the actual valves.

The washing machine is in what used to be an airing cupboard near the back of the house and the main stopcock is under a floorboard near the front door. I'm a bit worried if I turned the water off and then did something wrong with the valves I'd cause a gush when I turned it back on again. Worst case scenario I know!

I don't know how to post a picture, I'm afraid.