Water Shut Off Valve Leaking When Open: Causes and Fixes

Your water shut-off valve is an important part of your plumbing system. This valve controls the flow of water to your sinks, toilets, and appliances. If you’ve noticed that yours leaks when it’s open, ignoring it is a bad idea. A leaky shut off valve can cause water damage in your home and hike up your water bill.

Knowing the most common causes and how to fix them is a great first step. In this blog post, we go over what the reasons might be, and what you can do about it.

Don’t want to read, just want solutions? Our expert plumbers have are here to support you. We have over 40 years of plumbing experience and will quickly diagnose and solve your leaky valve woes.

Get Water Valve Support
 

Let’s take a look at the main offenders for leaking valves:

1. Worn Out Packing Nut

The packing nut is a small but mighty piece of the shut-off valve. The packing nut’s job is to stop water from leaking around the valve stem. Over time, the packing nut can loosen, or the material inside it can wear out, and it will leak.

2. Damaged Valve Washer

Inside the valve, there’s a small rubber washer that helps seal the valve tightly when it’s closed. If this washer starts getting worn out, water can leak when the valve is open.

3. Corroded Valve Body

Corrosion is common in valves, especially in old homes with older plumbing systems. The body of the valve can rust over time, causing little cracks that let water trickle through when the valve is open.

4. Improper Installation

It could be that your valve wasn’t installed correctly. If it wasn’t seated or tightened properly when it was put in, this could be why it’s leaking.

How to Fix a Leaking Water Shut-Off Valve

1. Tighten the Packing Nut

If the leak is around the valve stem, try tightening the packing nut. Use a wrench to turn the nut clockwise a little bit. Don’t over-tighten! You can damage the valve with too much force.

2. Replace the Packing Material

If tightening the packing nut doesn’t work, the packing material inside might need to be replaced. First, shut off the main water supply. Then, remove the old packing material and replace it with new packing string or tape.

3. Replace the Washer

If the valve is leaking from the outlet, the washer inside might be the problem. You’ll need to take the valve apart to get to the washer and replace it. This is a simple job if you’re comfortable with plumbing, but if not, a plumber can do it for you.

4. Replace the Valve

If the leaking shut off valve is rusted or leaks even after repairs, you might just need to replace the whole valve. This involves turning off the main water supply, cutting out the old valve, and installing a new one. Some will be comfortable doing it themselves, but for most, it’s better to hire a professional to make sure it’s done right.

When to Call a Professional

While a few kinds of minor leaks can be fixed with a quick DIY repair, most are best left to a professional. If you have an old shut off valve, serious corrosion, or if the valve is hard to reach, calling in a licensed plumber can save you time and headaches.

Final Thoughts

If your water shut-off valve is leaking, get it fixed right away. For most people, calling in a professional is the most convenient and best way to go. You’ll know you won’t have to worry about your valve for many years to come with a professional replacement. Son-Rise Plumbing is able to quickly and easily replace any worn-out valves— so give us a call and we’ll ensure you will no longer have to worry about leaky, dripping valves.