How to Repair a Leaking Globe Valve
A globe valve operates on a very simple and reliable design. For this reason, there are few points where failure or leaking can occur. When a leak does develop, repairs are limited to one of three areas: the seating, gasket or packing. If you must take apart the globe valve to repair any of the three areas, consider replacing all three components, even if they are not currently leaking.
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Diagnose the problem. If the globe valve allows water to pass through it when it is fully closed, the problem is in the seating. If water leaks from the point where the stem (handle) enters the bonnet, the problem is the packing. If the leak is at the joint where the body and bonnet connect, the problem is the gasket.
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Turn off the water supply at the nearest shut-off valve. Open the globe valve and allow any residual pressure to be released.
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Use a wrench to loosen the bolts where the body and bonnet come together. Depending on the size of your globe valve, there could be just two bolts, or several. Carefully insert the screwdriver into the seam just below the bonnet and pry it away from the body of the valve.
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Lift the valve out of the body. Replace the valve seat and seating to insure proper sealing when the valve is closed.
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Replace the gasket between the body and the bonnet to prevent any leakage at this joint.
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Find the area of packing where the stem passes from the handle to the seat. This packing prevents leakage and may need to be replaced as well. In some valves, this can be done without further disassembly. In some cases, you will need to remove the stem completely in order to install new packing.
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Reassemble the valve, making certain all the bolts are tight and the gaskets are properly set and secure.
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Turn the water supply on. Initially there will be air in the lines. Allow time for the air to be flushed out, then check for leaks.
References
Tips
- Be certain to get the proper packing, gasket and seating materials for the model globe valve you are repairing.
Writer Bio
Tom Raley is a freelance writer living in central Arkansas. He has been writing for more than 20 years and his short stories and articles have appeared in more than 25 different publications including P.I. Magazine, Pulsar and Writer's Digest.
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