Does it matter what direction rope is wrapped also? Just asking. Reminds me of a “stuffing box” on a boat where shaft goes through hull. It’s made from a waxy wool.
I have a same problem with main shutoff valve, local 5-star plumber quoted an estimate of $980 to replace valve and pressure regulator, I know they would be very unhappy to see this video, because now I can fix it with only a few bucks.
@Jirong Hu , Hi. Thank you for your comment. We think you should do what works best for you, given your supplies, skills, and situation. 😊 We chose a rope seal repair. If you do this, once the packing (or bonnet) nut is loose and its threads clean, you can wrap its threads with PVC tape in a single or double layer to prevent leaks there once the packing nut is tightened. Apply the PVC tape, wrapping in a clockwise direction and slightly stretching as you go; this will hold in place while you finish the repair with the rope seal. The rope seal goes on the valve stem and will be under the packing nut when that is tightened down again. The rope seal is also wrapped in a clockwise direction so that it stays wrapped as you tighten the packing nut back on the threads that you covered with PVC tape. Basically, the thin PVC tape prevents leaks between tight metal to metal surfaces (such as packing nut to threads), whereas the rope seal is used to seal larger gaps (such as the space between the valve stem and packing nut). Both tape and seal are applied in a clockwise direction so they tighten as the packing nut is tightened. Remember to tighten the packing nut just enough to stop the leak. Do not over-tighten it; that could cause restricted water flow. Please read and follow the cautions in this video's description. Whatever method you choose, we hope it works well for you. 💦✅
Here are links to two articles on How To Solder A Gate Valve. Both articles have useful info. Recommend reading both before tackling this job: homeguides.sfgate.com/solder-plumbing-valves-21379.html www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-solder-a-gate-valve Good luck!
Depends on where the hot water shut off valve is located. If the valve is the drain at the bottom of the water heater tank, then, yes, definitely need to drain the tank. You would also need to shut off the supply line coming into the top of the water heater tank or you'll be waiting forever for the tank to drain. :-P Read this video's description section for safety tips. If you don't feel comfortable with doing it, it may be better to hire a pro.
Tay, water flows downhill. So if your valve sits above the tank, you shouldn't need to drain the tank. You do still have to shut off the water supply coming into the valve. Also follow the safety tips, clike utting off nearby electricity and allow hot water to cool before working with the valve. Check the description for more info and good luck.
I would shut off the water heater first, if draining it. Otherwise it will be heating up without water in it and when you fill it back up, the heating elements will get fresh cold water coming in on the hot empty inside of water heater. Can cause steam and or cracks to happen inside.
That's true, DIY john. And for anyone concerned with this type of repair, it is a good idea to wind the rope seal clockwise so the nut will tighten it, rather than causing it to unspool (if it catches the end of the rope). We were fortunate that the rope stayed put. Should it leak again in 30 or 40 years from now, we will endeavor to twist the rope seal in the clockwise direction. 😝 Thanks for commenting.
@@cjjonez if you mean that thin PVC tape, we would NOT recommend that. You want the rope seal shown in this video. It's not too expensive; and you don't need much. 😀 Thanks for the question. 👍 Hope this helps.
Will this work for a water shut off valve under the kitchen sink if the valve spinner is on top? Also do you have any videos or any advice how to stop a very slow tear drop leak coming from a steel pipe under the kitchen sink?
Under-sink valves are slightly different. They are compression valves. Just check online for how to articles or vids for them. Our experience has been that sometimes the service line (the flex line from the valve to the sink) needed to be replaced. Other times it was a simple matter of tightening the nut. And one time we had to add the PVC tape. Simple fix As for the tear drop leak, we would replace the small section of pipe that is leaking before the leak gets any worse. Be sure it is the pipe that is leaking, not a nearby fitting or valve. Water travels to the low spot, so a drip on a drain may run off the bottom of a pipe and look like a slow pipe leak. Just be sure you find the source before doing anything drastic.
