Plumbing Question

[jsfinn]

Hey folks,<br /><br />I've got a question about plumbing.<br /><br />It seems like every supply line valve in this 8 year old house leaks when it's closed. They don't spray water out - but most of them do drip quite a bit - but only when the valve is closed - and it's only on the supply line controls. All of the faucets are fine.<br /><br />Whenever I have plubing work to do, I just put a towle under the control and everything is fine but is this the begining to a big problem? I wouldn't be worried if it was just one or two of them - it's not. It's ALL of them - including the main into the house - that's the worst one.<br /><br />I do have above average water pressure in the house which I'm sure is causing most of the problem. Also, this is not a new problem - it's been like this since I moved in a couple of years ago.<br /><br />How do I fix the valves? Do I have to replace them or is there a washer inside that I can replace without much trouble? <br /><br />Thanks in advance!<br /><br />-Josh

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Plumbing Question

Josh,<br />What are we talking about here?? Brass valves?? Copper pipes? steel? Where are they leaking, the valve stem, valve body where the pipe enters or leaves the valve??<br />A little more info please. Thanx

 

[roscoe]

Re: Plumbing Question

What type of valves are you talking about?<br /><br />I doubt that your water pressure is high enough to be causing this. But who knows, how high is it?<br /><br />I have yet to come across water pressure in excess of 84 lbs, and valves are usually rated for 125 and up.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Plumbing Question

Most valves have a packing nut around the stem that can be tightened down a little to keep water from seeping out into a drip. Just a little tightening usually cures the drip.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Plumbing Question

same problem here... cheapo PVC valves.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Plumbing Question

Probably no big deal. Pipes are like people they don't like sudden change. But as long as you don't experience a serious increase in pressure, I am sure you are not going to have an issue. If you were you would have seen it b4 8 years.<br /><br />Tighten top nut as mentioned earlier and forget about it .

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Plumbing Question

Thanks everyone.<br /><br />They are steel valves and leak from the stem that goes from the valve to the handle.<br /><br />I'll try adjusting that top nut... I didn't know what it was for so I didn't want to mess with it. <br /><br />Thanks guys!

 

[oddjob]

Re: Plumbing Question

My supply valves are 12 years old. when ever I do repairs to toilet or sink buy a replacement valve to have on hand. <br /><br />Because these valves are rarely used, the nylon washers become brittle and take a set, especially if they were over torqed when closed. You have to be gentle and even then you may develop slow leak when opening or closing. As someone suggested, you can tighten the screw located in the knob/handle. Do only a little at a time and wait to see the result of each 1/4 turn of the screw/nut that you are tightening. <br /><br />Lastly, the brass fittings are soft...for a reason. you should always tighten brass fittings snug first, then a quarter turn. if you have a leak tighten only till the leak stops. If you over tighten in the first place,it shouldn't leak but you may have to replace this fitting if you ever have to disassemble it in the future. I hope this helps.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Plumbing Question

jsfinn....one more thing, if the packing is bad, any good plumbing store will carry replacement packing. Just take the old in with you to get the right size.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Plumbing Question

If you do decide to replace some valves do yourself a favor and use ball type valves. Gate valves are gonna leak sooner or later.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Plumbing Question

Thanks everyone - I'm going to tinker with it this weekend and see what happens.<br /><br />This has got to be the best forum EVER! So much information!