I have a leaking main valve that has been built around. I can touch the handle and turn it while on my toes. I tightened the packing nut and it appears to have stopped leaking. Has anyone ever seen a closed nut that I could use to by pass the gate valve. That is, remove the insides of the gate valve and seal the outside while letting water go through. I realize there are many different kinds of valves so I am going to have to figure a way to cut the valve out. It is in an office building, and trust me, real nightmare trying to access this valve. I will try and braze the packing nut to the stem first. There is a shut off at the meter.