[hellohello]

I've noticed this in the past and have noticed this recently too. A globe/gate valve has scale buildup (near a leaking packing nut). I tried tightening the packing nut but it wouldn't budge. The valve still leaked small slow drops, even after a few days. But I noticed after a few weeks, this leak was non-existent. Have you ever noticed this? Is this because the minerals/scale in the water have essentially plugged the leak?

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

yes, but they sell packing material that with the valve shutoff, you can take the packing nut off and put more packing in and then tighten the nut back down...leak fixed..

 

[joecaption]

Any time I can I replace or add a ball valve in the line.
That style valve is always going to be trouble.
Very common for then to not shut completely off or even have the stem break off.