Main Water Shut Off Valve Leaking From Stem

It s not uncommon for a brand new shut off valve to leak around the handle area whenever you turn it on.

Main water shut off valve leaking from stem. The water valve stem passes through a packing nut and washer which provide a watertight seal. You may need to shut off water to the entire house if there is no cut off for the 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. The first thing you should do to stop the leak is to tighten the packing nut.

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. Avoid gumming up the inside of the shutoff valve. Tighten the packing nut the packing nut is responsible for making a watertight seal where the valve stem meets the water line. The main water shut off valve stops the flow to the entire home from the water meter while other water valve types shut off the water at individual appliances fixtures and faucets.

Don t use any pipe dope or plastic tape on the valve stem s threads. Step 3 remove the screw in the center of the shutoff valve handle using a screwdriver. Required tools for this project. So if there is a leak at the valve stem it most likely means the valve is not shut off all the way.

In all homes you can shut off the water at the main water cut off valve. In the old days fiber was packed tightly around the stem hence the name. Is probably occurring around the water valve stem. A water shut off valve leaking can make a mess and waste water.

Over time though this packing material can form a solid seal because it hardens or disintegrates which causes the valve to leak. If the valve leak persists turn off the main water shutoff valve then disconnect the valve and replace it. Turn on all the faucets and flush all the toilets associated with the main shutoff valve to empty the pipes of water. Not sure if this is your problem.

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. Reassemble the shutoff valve turn the main house valve back on and check for leaks. Water shut off valves can also leak at various points on the valve. This turns off water to the entire house even outside spigots.

Open a faucet to relieve back pressure on water line.