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Main water shut off valve leak

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2.6K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  Dave Sal  
#1 ·
Hey guys,

I just finished up changing a leaky Aprilaire humidifier feed tube on the side of the furnace. It had been leaving a trail of water about four feet to the floor drain. Not a big deal but it seems to be fixed now. Once the floor dried I went to take a look to make sure it wasn't still leaking and noticed that the floor was still wet, but a foot
Image
to the left. Turns out there is a slow leak from the main water shut off valve. I'm pretty sure that I should just twist the nut at the top while holding the larger one below. Since this is the main water line for the house I just wanted to be sure before I proceed. You can see the water slightly pooled under the handle by the arrow. Thanks
 
#4 · (Edited)
If tightening the packing doesn't work you need to identify the valve and replace the packing and/or seat. But that sort of thing is always a challenge for this DIYer. It is unlikely that you will be able to find the parts you need at a box store, assuming you can identify it in the first place. T'was me I'd get a new quarter turn ball valve, shut the water off at the street, cut the old one out and solder the new one in.

Edit: and a question for you plumbers... is there some easy surefire way to figure out what kind of packing fits a valve like this?
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the replies guys. I had to wait a day before I attempted to tighten the nut as I couldn't find my adjustable wrench. I carefully tightened it the smallest amount and the leak seems to have slowed down by about 90%. I don't want to force it and think it may eventually stop. At this point I'm satisfied. Thanks again.
 
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