How to Pack a Water Shutoff Valve

Last Updated: February 21, 2022 References

Dripping faucets cost money, not to mention the damage those annoying drops can do to your sanity. Following these steps will save your wallet...and your mind!

Steps

1
Locate and shut off water supply to the line that feeds the leaking valve. You may need to shut off water to the entire house if there is no cut off for the line.^{[1]
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Research source} Open a faucet to relieve back-pressure on water line.
2
Remove the packing nut with an adjustable wrench. The packing cap is the cap just below the handle. The packing material is behind the nut and one washer.^{[2]
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3
Carefully remove the old hardened packing from around the stem of the valve. Don't damage brass surfaces. Use a toothpick or dowel rod to clear compacted material.^{[3]
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4
Re-wrap the clean stem with new packing.^{[4]
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5
Tighten packing nut enough to compress packing material. Do not over-tighten.^{[5]
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6
Open water supply.^{[6]
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7
If stem still leaks, tighten packing nut a little more.
8
If valve still leaks, the valve stem may not be seating properly due to wear.^{[7]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I use white teflon packing? Is there a washer in the packing nut, and should it be replaced?

Community Answer

Yes. White teflon packing string is preferred. And yes, if your faucet has a washer under the packing nut, it should be taken to the store and matched up to a replacement.
Question

What if the main water shut off valve is leaking?

Community Answer

Then you have to have to turn the water off at the street. You would either have to contact the water utility for this, or they may allow a master plumber to do so.
Question

What if I cannot shut off the valve to the toilet but need water for the rest of the house?

Community Answer

You’ll have to shut off the main to repair the shut off valve to the toilet.