Do-It-Yourself: Repairing A Leaking Water Valve

A simple guide to fixing a water valve

Although it sounds complicated, repairing a leaking water valve is a fairly simple task. With the right tools and a little patience, you will have that leaking water valve replaced in no time.

Locating the leak

Perhaps the most frustrating part of repairing a water valve is simply identifying where the leak is. An easy way to do this is to apply liquid soap to the area or joint of the water valve that you believe is leaking. The liquid soap will cause bubbles and lead you straight to water valve's leak.

In order to get a good look at the water valve's leak, you may need an inspection mirror. The inspection mirror will enable you to see all angles of the water valve.

Start with the obvious

Before you go to the trouble of replacing the water valve try tightening it to see if the leak stops. To do this, use a pipe wrench to secure the water valve and an adjustable wrench to turn the nut.

Time to replace the water valve

If tightening the water valve didn't eliminate the leak then it's time to replace it. Before you can begin to repair a leaking water valve you need the right equipment. Some of the tools you need to repair a leaking water valve include:

an adjustable wrench

a pipe wrench

a toothbrush

a garden hose

pipe joint compound, and'

a replacement water valve.

Get to work

Replacing a water valve involves just a few simple steps.

The first step in replacing a water valve is to turn off the main water line to the water heater. Attach a garden hose to the drain so you can empty the tank.

Remove the water valve by turning it counter-clockwise.

To avoid future water valve leaks take the time to clean out the threads of the housing. A toothbrush is the best tool for this job.

Attach the replacement water valve. Before you screw the water valve into place apply a light coat of pipe joint compound.

Use the wrenches to tighten the new water valve.

A couple of helpful hints

Be sure to read and follow any instructions that accompanied the new water valve.

Considering that damaged or corroded washers typically cause the water valve to leak, it might be wise to purchase a water valve repair kit that includes a new washer.

Don't be cheap when it comes to water valves. Select a quality replacement water valve.
 

More information on water valves