how to repair a main water shut off valve

by Miss Julia Bode II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How to Fix a Leaking Main Water Shut off Valve

Tighten the Packing Nut. A shut off valve’s packing nut is the nut next to the handle. ...
Wrap Packing Material on the Valve Stem. Sometimes your main water shut off valve is leaking because the packing washer has hardened over time and disintegrated.
Replace the Valve Stem Washer. ...
Replace the Gate Valve with a Ball Valve. ...

Full Answer

How to change main water shutoff valve?

Steps:

If the indoor shutoff valve is not stopping water flow, the local water department has access to a shutoff valve near the street and can be called to shut off ...
With the water off, open the faucets and showers in the building to drain any water left in the pipes.
Use sandpaper to clean the main water line before cutting into it.

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How do I Find my main water shut off valve?

Tips for Locating the Water Shut Off Valve Within the House

In most cases, the shut off valve will be near the perimeter of the house.
Keep your focus on-grade. ...
Track a line from the water meter to the house. ...
Sometimes the shut-off valve will be located behind a plastic access panel.
A PEX plumbing manifold is a type of plumbing collection point that is increasingly being installed in newer homes. ...

How to rebuild a shutoff valve?

Screw in the new valve from the repair kit.
Tighten the gland nut back over the new valve with the wrench.
Put the handle back on with the screwdriver.
Turn the water back on.

How to replace shut off valves?

Steps Download Article

Obtain a replacement valve. The valve you purchase should be an exact match to the old valve in terms of size, thread and type.
Assemble the proper tools. Supply valves under the sink typically can be removed with a crescent, open-end wrench or channel-lock pliers.
Shut off the next valve up the line. ...
Drain and verify the water is off. ...

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Can you repair a water shut-off valve?

First shut off the water to the leaking water valve. Next remove the handle from the stem and then loosen and remove the packing nut. Remove the old washer and slide on the new one. Reinstall the packing nut, tighten lightly with a wrench (don't over tighten at this or any other point) and reattach the handle.

How do you fix a main water valve?

1:163:05How to Repair a Damaged Main Shutoff Valve | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you would freeze the pipe right here just long enough make a block of ice wait a second theMoreAnd you would freeze the pipe right here just long enough make a block of ice wait a second the plumber is freezing the pipe now absolutely just long enough just long enough to make the change.

How do you fix a broken shut-off valve?

1:013:28HOW TO REPLACE A WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the lines removed. Next remove the valve. Itself either by unscrewing. It or by loosening theMoreWith the lines removed. Next remove the valve. Itself either by unscrewing. It or by loosening the compression nut at its base. The types of valves you'll see vary other pipes may not be threaded.

How much does it cost to replace a main water shut-off valve?

It typically costs between $375 and $600 to replace a water shut-off valve, but the cost can reach as high as $800 or more depending on where the valve is, what type you have, and whether you hire a professional to do it.

How do you replace a shut-off valve without turning off the water?

0:522:01How To Install A Water Shutoff Without Turning Water Off - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut what you need to do is just cut it clean it you might not even have to clean it if you got aMoreBut what you need to do is just cut it clean it you might not even have to clean it if you got a nice. Nice. Clean cutter and just slip want to be sharkbite son.

Why do water shut off valves fail?

Shut-Off valve failures (seizing) are most often caused by aging internal components like rubber washers. Lots of plumbing components as well as home appliances within your house require a shut-off valve that allows you to turn off the water promptly and comfortably in the event of a pipes emergency situation.

What does the main water valve look like?

Generally speaking, the lifespan of most residential water shut off valves is about 10 to 15 years. So, if you're purchasing a home that is 10 or 15 years old - we would recommend that you invest in replacing your shut off valves now to avoid any problems in the near future.How Often Should Shut Off Valves Be Replaced? | Dallas Ga Plumbershttps://www.dallasgaplumbers.com › articles › how-often-...https://www.dallasgaplumbers.com › articles › how-often-...Search for: How long do water shut off valves last?

How do you replace a water meter valve?

Shark bite valve will be fine. Just make sure you clean the copper pipe thoroughly so there are no rough edges or bits of solder left.Dec 29, 2014Should I replace my main water valve with a SharkBite shut off valve?https://diy.stackexchange.com › questions › should-i-repla...https://diy.stackexchange.com › questions › should-i-repla...Search for: Can a sharkbite valve be used for main water shut off?

How do you fix a gate valve that doesn't close?

There may be a hidden plumbing leak in the walls of your home, or maybe your toilet is running when it's not in use. These “hidden” leaks can cause your home to be using water even when your main water valve is turned off.Sep 14, 2017Why Is My Water Meter Still Turning? - Pipe Wrench Plumbinghttps://www.pipewrenchplumbing.com › blog › septemberhttps://www.pipewrenchplumbing.com › blog › septemberSearch for: Why is my water still running after main shut off?

What happens if the main shutoff valve is not holding?

If the homeowner-accessible shutoff is not holding, the water utility usually has access to another shutoff in the street.

How to repair a damaged main shutoff?

Cut out the damaged main shutoff with the pipe cutter and solder on the new connection as quickly as possible . Upgrade older gate valves to a more reliable ball valve.

Is it safe to replace a main shut off valve?

Replacing the main shutoff valve is a risky job that should be left to professionals only.

How to stop a valve from leaking?

Tighten the packing nut. The packing nut makes a watertight seal where the valve stem meets the water line. So, if there is a leak at the valve stem, it probably means the valve is not turned all the way off. The first thing you should do to stop the leak is to tighten the packing nut.

Why does the packing nut on a water shut off valve 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. Over time, though, this packing material can form a solid seal because it hardens or disintegrates, which causes the valve to leak. When this happens, you’ll have to replace the packing material by following these steps:

How to replace packing material on water meter?

When this happens, you’ll have to replace the packing material by following these steps: Shut off the water from the street at your meter box (turn the valve next to the meter counterclockwise) Remove the packing nut and any old packing (if it’s made of Teflon or other fibers, a toothpick can be used to pull it out).

How to stop water from leaking from washer?

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. Over time, though, this packing material can form a solid seal because it hardens or disintegrates, which causes the valve to leak. When this happens, you’ll have to replace the packing material by following these steps: 1 Shut off the water from the street at your meter box (turn the valve next to the meter counterclockwise) 2 Turn on a faucet in your house to let out all the water that’s inside your water line 3 Remove the shut-off valve handle 4 Remove the packing nut and any old packing (if it’s made of Teflon or other fibers, a toothpick can be used to pull it out).#N#If you see a rubber gasket instead of Teflon, you’ll have to remove the rubber gasket completely. Since you’ll need to make sure the new washer is the same size as the old one, your best bet is to remove the washer and take it with you to a hardware store so you buy the correct size. 5 Wrap the new packing around the stem 3 times counterclockwise or just replace the rubber washer 6 Screw the packing nut back on, making sure the packing fits tightly into the packing nut. Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut 7 Turn the water back on and check for any leaks

What causes a globe valve to leak?

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.

Can you remove a Teflon gasket?

If you see a rubber gasket instead of Teflon, you’ll have to remove the rubber gasket completely. Since you’ll need to make sure the new washer is the same size as the old one, your best bet is to remove the washer and take it with you to a hardware store so you buy the correct size.

Why is my water shut off valve leaking?

It could also be a very old valve in which case it is likely to be damaged or worn down. Depending on the exact cause of the main water shut off valve leaking, you may choose to replace it or you can just take a few corrective steps to fix it.

How to tell if a toilet valve is leaking?

You would find obvious signs of the leak when you check the valve under a toilet or sink or one in the basement. As you open and close the valve, it may leak a little. There may be steady drips. A very severe leak is unlikely unless the valve fails completely. There are two things you can do.

How to change packing washer?

To replace a packing washer, you must first turn off the supply of the water. Uninstall the handle, loosen the stem and pull out the packing nut. Remove the washer and get a new one in. You must be ready with a new and identical packing washer to complete the job. Reassemble the whole system and ensure all components are optimally tightened.

Why turn on main water shutoff valve?

To ensure the plumber has carried out the repair appropriately, you should turn on the main water shutoff valve with the intention of allowing water to push stagnant air out of the pipes. You can now reexamine the newly replaced or repaired valve for leaks, especially after turning off your water faucets.

Why does my water shut off valve leak?

Loose packing nuts on the water shut-off valve are known to cause the leaking and in certain circumstances, the washers might malfunction due to an accumulation of mineral deposits on them. The shutoff valves located under the sink or behind the toilets are rarely turned on or off over the years. Such an inactivity of key parts of your plumbing system can make the valve lose its capacity to seal drips and leaks by weakening the washers to become delicate due to the mineral deposits.

How to fix a water shut off valve?

If your main water shut-off valve is stuck, loosen the shut-off valve by applying grease. After greasing the valve, turn the handle of the valve with a wrench.

Why do you need a main water shut off valve?

A main water shut-off valve is imperative when replacing or repairing plumbing fixtures. Shut-off valves should be functioning correctly in case of an emergency when you should turn off the home’s water supply. If you find that your shut-off valve is stuck, it is vital to fix it immediately. If your main water shut-off valve is stuck, loosen ...

What Is a Shut-Off Valve?

A shut-off valve is a valve designed to manage compressed air. People also refer to a shut-off valve as a lock-out valve, cut-off valve, shutdown valve, or ball valve.

How to loosen a stuck shut off valve?

First, try turning the main water shut-off valve, then spray the stuck valve with penetrating oil. Sold in most home improvement stores, penetrating oil has a low viscosity, allowing it to penetrate tight spaces.

Why is a water shut off valve needed?

How do valves work?

Valves can operate in two ways. A valve can have an internal part that rotates to open or block the flow of water. Valves can also have a stem with a washer that seals the flow of water.

What happens when a valve is off?

When the valve is off, the gate blocks the flow of water. Like the ball valve, the gate valve completely opens or completely shuts off the water flow. Similar to the ball valve, the gate valve is large and metal. You don’t often find gate valves in residential plumbing.

What to do if you can't find water shut off valve?

If you still cannot find the water shut off valve after physically searching for it, one alternative is to check the property inspection report that was completed for you when you were in the final phases of purchasing your home.

Where is the water shut off valve located?

Search for your house's main water shut off valve on the inside of the home. Typically, it will be located on the perimeter of the house, since that is where the water first enters your house. Also, stay on the side of the house that is facing the street. Your water main begins at the street and usually heads in a straight line to your home.

What are toilet handles made of?

As with the toilet handles, these are often made of easily breakable plastic . Clothes Washer: Some houses have the valves clearly exposed above and behind the washer. If this is the case, turn both valves clockwise to shut them off. If you do not see these valves, slide the washer outward and you will likely see them.

How to clean a water meter?

Do not discard the sand or dirt. If you live in a climate that freezes in the winter, this sand or dirt is required to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. After clearing the box, you will see the glass-covered meter that may have a secondary cover to protect the glass. Ignore this as it has nothing to do with shutting off the water. You may find two valves in the utility box.

What to do if you have a leak in your toilet?

If you have a leak in your toilet, sink, clothes washer, or bathtub (with exposed plumbing), your first option should be to shut off water close to the source as possible .

Where to find shut off valve on property inspection?

Look in the plumbing section of the report. This section should locate the shut-off valve and have a photo of the valve. Even if the water system was not defective at the time of the property inspection report, the report should still note the locate the shut-off valve as a matter of course.

How to turn off a ball valve?

To turn off a ball valve, the handle will move from a parallel position to a perpendicular position. The valve body has stops that only allow the handle to move from one direction to another and will stop the handle when it is fully perpendicular.