House has main water shut-off valve in kitchen pantry closet. We often shut off this valve when leaving for weekend trips. Valve has developed a slop drip. Dripping is worse when valve is closed than when open. Suggestions?
COMMUNITY FORUM
Valves with stems have a nut around them that connects to the valve body. Inside this nut is stem packing of different materials. When we turn the stem the material tends to loosen. You can tighten the packing nut to stop the leak. Eventually you have to replace the stem packing.
This same concept applies to wall hydrants, most faucet and toilet supply valves and others with a stem handle. Sometimes we have to loosen to turn the valve off and on and then retighten.
This same concept applies to wall hydrants, most faucet and toilet supply valves and others with a stem handle. Sometimes we have to loosen to turn the valve off and on and then retighten.
Recently, my main water valve in our crawl space developed a slow leak. Do not attempt to repair this valve yourself. You probably will end of with a flood. There is only one way to shut off the main water to your home. Call your water supplier and they will come out and shut it off at the street. Call a plumber. Do not attempt temporary fix. A new valve must to installed.
I usually check this valve on a monthly basis. I would recommend monthly checks. I did this and found the slow leak had started.
Replace both valves, the main valve and the valve to the house. The main is located in front of the water meter and the house valve is located on the other side of the water meter.
Always keep a pan under your valves in case a slow leak starts.
Good Luck to all. And, remember, do not attempt a temporary fix. It will not work and always call a professional and DON'T PANIC.
Sgtretired93
I usually check this valve on a monthly basis. I would recommend monthly checks. I did this and found the slow leak had started.
Replace both valves, the main valve and the valve to the house. The main is located in front of the water meter and the house valve is located on the other side of the water meter.
Always keep a pan under your valves in case a slow leak starts.
Good Luck to all. And, remember, do not attempt a temporary fix. It will not work and always call a professional and DON'T PANIC.
Sgtretired93
Normally the main valve is not to be used constantly as a shut of.
I would strongly suggest you have another valve installed after this one (Ball valve) The leak you have sounds like the stuffing box (nut under the handle) normally the the gate /globe type of valves don't drip if the valve is opened fully and closed 1/4 turn.
The nut can be tightened CAREFULLY and not to much pressure and this stops most leaks.
The handle can sometimes be removed and the nut removed and repacked with Teflon packing NOT graphite as the grit in graphite can destroy the stem over time.
If in doubt better call a professional licensed master plumber so you do not cause a flood that is out of control
I would strongly suggest you have another valve installed after this one (Ball valve) The leak you have sounds like the stuffing box (nut under the handle) normally the the gate /globe type of valves don't drip if the valve is opened fully and closed 1/4 turn.
The nut can be tightened CAREFULLY and not to much pressure and this stops most leaks.
The handle can sometimes be removed and the nut removed and repacked with Teflon packing NOT graphite as the grit in graphite can destroy the stem over time.
If in doubt better call a professional licensed master plumber so you do not cause a flood that is out of control
