Main Water Shut Off Valve Leaking From Stem

In all homes you can shut off the water at the main water cut off valve.

Main water shut off valve leaking from stem.

This turns off water to the entire house even outside spigots. This guide reviews the types of water shut off valves how they are used and where to find them inside and outside your home. 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.

Not sure if this is your problem. 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. Turn on all the faucets and flush all the toilets associated with the main shutoff valve to empty the pipes of water.

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. Water shut off valves can also leak at various points on the valve. Open a faucet to relieve back pressure on water line. It s not uncommon for a brand new shut off valve to leak around the handle area whenever you turn it on.

Over time though this packing material can form a solid seal because it hardens or disintegrates which causes the valve to leak. 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. Don t use any pipe dope or plastic tape on the valve stem s threads. Required tools for this project.

In the old days fiber was packed tightly around the stem hence the name. The first thing you should do to stop the leak is to tighten the packing nut. Locate and shut off water supply to the line that feeds the leaking valve. Reassemble the shutoff valve turn the main house valve back on and check for leaks.

The water valve stem passes through a packing nut and washer which provide a watertight seal. 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. Is probably occurring around the water valve stem. 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.

A water shut off valve leaking can make a mess and waste water.