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.
Main water shut off valve leaking when closed.
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.
When i turned the main water shut off back on a slow drip is now occurring right at the knob.
How to fix a shutoff valve leak.
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.
Water shut off valves often leak at the handle or the stem after they.
Turn on all the faucets and flush all the toilets associated with the main shutoff valve to empty the pipes of water.
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.
Well it could be that you have a standard gate valve which is prone to leaking corrosion and damage.
It s not uncommon for a brand new shut off valve to leak around the handle area whenever you turn it on.
If you get drips of water coming through your pipes even with the main shutoff valve completely closed it s probably time.
We recommend replacing the gate valve with a ball valve which lasts longer and is.
Place a bucket or a thick towel on the floor under the leaky valve just in case some residual water leaks out during work.
The long term answer is to replace it with a ball valve.
Turning the water off at the main shutoff valve.
Is probably occurring around the water valve stem.
This valve usually is in the basement or a utility closet and it will be clearly labeled.
This is usually found in a utility space near where the main water line enters the house or on an outside wall.
In all homes you can shut off the water at the main water cut off valve.
The water valve stem passes through a packing nut and washer which provide a watertight seal.
Main water shutoff valves can become clogged with mineral deposits and grit causing slow leaks.
This turns off water to the entire house even outside spigots.
Details and alternatives.
With the right materials and correct procedure it s a safe and easy repair.
I turned off the water to the house at the main shut off valve while i was fixing a faucet problem.
Step by step instruction showing how to stop a shut off valve from leaking at the stem.
Shut off water in your house.
