How To Stop A Leaking Ball Valve

How to Stop a Leaking Ball Valve

Stopping a Leaking Ball Valve: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ball valves are widely used as part of different plumbing systems to manage the water or gas flow. Yet, just as any other mechanical element, they may sometimes start leaking. In this regard, it is important to know how to stop a leaking ball valve to prevent possible water damage or waste of resources. The following is a step-by-step guide to help readers address a ball valve leak.

Step 1. Turn off the water supply.

Before attempting to repair a valve, it is paramount to turn the water supply off. Find the main water shut off valve, and prevent water from flowing into the system while the valve is being repaired.

Step 2. Inspect the valve for leaks.

Check the valve to identify where the leak is. It can be leaked by the valve door, the handle, or the body. A leak will help choose the best way to address a malfunction.

Step 3. Tighten the valve nuts.

Sometimes, a leak in a ball valve is caused by loose nuts or fittings. Use a pipe wrench to tighten the accessible nuts around the valve. Do not overtighten, as this may damage the valve or the fittings. See if the leak has stalled.

Step 4. Check the valve stem packing.

Over time, the packing around the valve stem is worn, which causes a leak. To verify this, loosen the packing nut with a pipe wrench and adjust the packaging around the valve stem. The packaging may impair, so replacing the packaging material may stop the leak.

Step 5: Replace the Valve Seat or O-Rings

The valve seat and O-rings within the valve can go bad over time, leading to leakage. If tightening the valve and adjusting the packing fails to stop the leak, you may need to repair the valve’s seat or the O-rings. You will need to disassemble the valve to access them.

• To replace the valve seat: Take out the old valve carefully and install a new one in its place. The seat creates a close seal between the ball and the valve body. Therefore, changing the ratty seat with a new part can fix the valve.

• To replace the O-rings: The old O-rings should be removed and new ones put in their place. O-rings are accountable only for a snug seal; hence, changing malfunctioning ones is essential.

  
  

Step 6: Apply Pipe Thread Sealant

If there is leaking from around a threaded connection, you should use pipe thread sealant or Teflon tape. This ensures you get a watertight seal that the valve is screwed back into the pipe. Teflon tape should be wound around the threads in the order of their screw in a clockwise direction.

Step 7: Test the Valve

After making the prior repairs, you can turn the water back on slowly. You can test if it has stopped leaking if you open and close the valve a few times. If it is still leaking, you will need to confirm that your repairs have been done correctly and all parts are put in their right places and tightened.

Step 8: Replace the Ball Valve.

Lastly, should the valve continue to leak even after all your efforts, the last option is to replace it. Ball valves wear out over time, and at times, they may get damaged beyond repair. In such cases, you can purchase a new one and install it.

This will help keep the heater and plumbing from losing their pressure, which can be high enough to power false alarms. Prevalent alarm bells. When working on plumbing systems, always exercise caution, and if you’re ever uncertain about any step in the process, contact a professional.

Referrer:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_valve