Pack a Water Shutoff Valve

Dripping faucets cost money, not to mention the damage those annoying drops can do to your sanity. Following these steps will save your wallet...and your mind!

Steps

 * 1)  Locate and shut off water supply to the line that feeds the leaking valve. You may need to shut off water to the entire house if there is no cut off for the line. Open a faucet to relieve back-pressure on water line.
 * 2)  Remove the packing nut with an adjustable wrench. The packing cap is the cap just below the handle. The packing material is behind the nut and one washer.
 * 3)  Carefully remove the old hardened packing from around the stem of the valve. Don't damage brass surfaces. Use a toothpick or dowel rod to clear compacted material.
 * 4)  Re-wrap the clean stem with new packing.
 * 5)  Tighten packing nut enough to compress packing material. Do not over-tighten.
 * 6)  Open water supply.
 * 7)  If stem still leaks, tighten packing nut a little more.
 * 8)  If valve still leaks, the valve stem may not be seating properly due to wear.  [[Image:VALVE.JPG|thumb|Old valve.]]

Tips

 * Graphite-impregnated twine for packing material is available at your local home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

 * adjustable wrench
 * packing
 * toothpick

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
 * How to Fix a Leaky Washer
 * How to Construct a Small Septic System
 * How to Build a Hot Tub Platform