Main Water Shut Off Valve Leaking From Stem

Reassemble the shutoff valve turn the main house valve back on and check for leaks.

Main water shut off valve leaking from stem. Required tools for this project. Over time though this packing material can form a solid seal because it hardens or disintegrates which causes the valve to leak. Not sure if this is your problem. Step 3 remove the screw in the center of the shutoff valve handle using a screwdriver.

Tighten the packing nut the packing nut is responsible for making a watertight seal where the valve stem meets the water line. The water valve stem passes through a packing nut and washer which provide a watertight seal. Don t use any pipe dope or plastic tape on the valve stem s threads. Open a faucet to relieve back pressure on water line.

This guide reviews the types of water shut off valves how they are used and where to find them inside and outside your home. In all homes you can shut off the water at the main water cut off valve. Avoid gumming up the inside of the shutoff valve. This turns off water to the entire house even outside spigots.

The first thing you should do to stop the leak is to tighten the packing nut. For instance a standard stop and waste valve has three other washers that can leak in addition to the washer that shuts the water off. When you tighten the packing nut on your main water shut off valve it binds down the packing material against the washer to stop any water from getting through. A water shut off valve leaking can make a mess and waste water.

Is probably occurring around the water valve stem. It s not uncommon for a brand new shut off valve to leak around the handle area whenever you turn it on. Place a bucket or a thick towel on the floor under the leaky valve just in case some residual water leaks out during work. So if there is a leak at the valve stem it most likely means the valve is not shut off all the way.

If the valve leak persists turn off the main water shutoff valve then disconnect the valve and replace it. You may need to shut off water to the entire house if there is no cut off for the line. Locate and shut off water supply to the line that feeds the leaking valve. If you have a water leak or just need to turn off the water in your home for remodeling or repairs you must turn off your water upstream at some point.

In the old days fiber was packed tightly around the stem hence the name.