How to Fix a Leaky Shut-Off Valve

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to quickly and easily fix a faulty valve.

by Richard Trethewey

Skill

EasyVery easy

Cost

About $5

Estimated Time

10 to 20 minutes

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to quickly and easily fix a faulty valve.

How to Fix Shut-Off Valve Leak

Close the main water supply to the leaky valve.
Loosen the bonnet nut on the leaky shut-off valve with an adjustable wrench.
Pull the nut back to expose the valve’s threaded spindle.
Wrap Teflon packing around the spindle, then hand-tighten the bonnet nut back into place.
Use the wrench to firmly tighten the nut, but don’t over tighten it.
Turn the main water-supply valve back on.
Now slowly open the repaired shut-off valve, and check to make sure it’s no longer leaking.

Tools

Adjustable wrench