Main Water Shut Off Valve Leaking When Open

There s an easy way to fix it and you may want to give it a try.

Main water shut off valve leaking when open.

If the leak persists before replacing the entire valve try this. If you have an old style gate or globe valve they are prone to leaking corrosion and damage which is an easy way to figure out if that s what s causing the leaking. Turn on all the faucets and flush all the toilets associated with the main shutoff valve to empty the pipes of water. Shut off the hose spigot and slowly open the main water supply valve to the house.

If you ve noticed that your home s main water shut off valve is dripping water you re probably wondering if this is a sign of a larger plumbing issue. It will cut off your home s entire water supply allowing you to open up any pipe within the house. Tips for locating the water shut off valve within the house. Check to see if the washing machine water supply valve leaking.

The water valve stem passes through a packing nut and washer which provide a watertight seal. This is usually found in a utility space near where the main water line enters the house or on an outside wall. How to fix a shutoff valve leak. Turning the water off at the main shutoff valve.

Place a bucket or a thick towel on the floor under the leaky valve just in case some residual water leaks out during work. We recommend replacing the gate valve with a ball valve which lasts longer and is. It s not uncommon for a brand new shut off valve to leak around the handle area whenever you turn it on. The long term answer is to replace it with a ball valve.

Shutting off the water at the cut off valve located within the house is the best option for leaks that cannot be shut off by local valves. Turn off the water at the house s main shutoff then disassemble the problematic shutoff valve without disconnecting the valve from either the water supply line or the line leading to the toilet. Unscrew the handle the packing nut and the threaded valve stem photo 2. If your water supply valve is leaking you may not need to replace it.

This valve usually is in the basement or a utility closet and it will be clearly labeled. Open the hot water valve at the water heater. Well it could be that you have a standard gate valve which is prone to leaking corrosion and damage. If you ve noticed that your main water shut off valve is dripping it could be a sign of a big but easily fixable plumbing issue.