How to Repack a Water Shutoff Valve

How to Repack a Water Shutoff Valve
Written By
Nathan Fisher
Nathan Fisher
Published: Nov 19, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Rubber O-rings

When the value is then turned--generally to make a plumbing repair--the O-rings can no longer create a watertight seal against the valve’s internal surfaces. A water shutoff valve can often be repaired by replacing the O-rings.

  1. Turn off the main water supply.

  2. Remove the valve shutoff handle with a Phillips head screwdriver.

  3. Loosen the packing (retaining) nut with a wrench.

  4. Remove the stem from the valve. Remove the old rubber O-rings from the valve stem. Clean the stem, then replace install the new O-rings.

  5. Insert the stem back into the valve and replace the packing nut. Replace the valve shutoff handle.

  6. Turn the main water supply back on. Check for leaks. If the valve still leaks you'll need to replace the entire unit.

Tips

It's not necessary to remove the entire valve assembly from the waterlines.

Warnings

Be sure to install the correct sized O-rings, or the valve will not seal properly.

Photo Credits

valve image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com

valve image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com

Nathan Fisher

Nathan "Guide" Fisher began writing in 1997. A pilot and avid outdoorsman, Fisher has written articles on aviation and outdoor recreation, and produced marketing materials for “The Great Outdoors NETWORK!” Fisher holds bachelor's degrees…

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