How to Troubleshoot Mainline Valves

If your house is "rustic," your pipes and valves are probably rusty. Older valves on your pipes can cause small leaks that can be big trouble. You should replace those valves to avoid such trouble, but check them out first--the trouble could be just a leak in the packing nut.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Replacing Old Valves

1. Check the condition of the valves thoroughly. If there is any sign of wear or corrosion, the valve should be replaced.

2. Shut the water off before replacing the valve. This is easy if your house has a shutoff up-line from the valve. Otherwise, the water company will probably have to do it for you.

3. Replace the valve with one that works best for you. Ball valves, which use a lever-style handle, cost more but are the most reliable. Of the two types of wheel-handle valves, globe valves are more reliable than gate valves.

Packing Nut Leaks

4. Tighten the nut gently. Don't tighten it too hard or the valve could crack.

5. Check if the leak stops immediately. If not, catch the dripping with a bucket and see if the leak stops in a day or two. If it still doesn't, repack the valve.

6. Shut off the valve by turning it clockwise until tight. Unscrew the top screw and remove the handle. Remove the packing nut.

7. Apply a packing washer or strand packing inside the valve. Reinstall the packing nut, then reattach the handle.

Tips & Warnings

• If the shutoff valve handle breaks off and you can't easily replace it, you'll need pliers or a pipe wrench to open and close the valve when needed. This is one big reason the valves should be replaced when needed.
• Check to see which type of valves are needed for your pipes. Galvanized pipes or brass adapters should take screw-on valves. Copper lines will likely need to be soldered on.