Water Shut Off Valve Leaking When Closed? Quick Fixes Inside

There may be a main water shut-off valve for your house that controls the water supply to all faucets of the house or there is more than one shut off valve for kitchen and bathroom faucets. After installing a shut-off valve, we don’t touch it until we don’t need to stop the water supply to the faucet.

In most cases, while repairing or replacing a faucet, you turn off the shut-off valve to stop the water flow so you can do the repair work easily. We don’t touch it for a long time so it may leak when you turn it off. To know why the water shut off valve leaking when closed and how to fix its leak, keep reading.

What Causes Water Shut off Valve Leaking When Closed?

A water shut-off valve is an essential component in the home plumbing system. It can turn on or off the water supply to a specific area of the house or the whole house. With time, the water shut-off valve leaks in the off position. Here are some common causes of this issue.

Corrosion and Rust on Valve

Corrosion and rust are common issues for the plumbing system. Due to prolonged exposure to moisture and air, corrosion and rust happens. Metal components of the valve start being rusted and corroded when they come into contact with moisture and air.

Although it might not seem important, rust and corrosion can seriously harm your plumbing system. The valve’s ability to effectively stop the flow of water might deteriorate with time. And to make this situation worse, the valve body may develop tiny cracks or holes due to rust. These tiny cracks have the ability to make leaks appear even while the valve is closed.

Loose or Damaged Valve Components

Seals, washers, stems, and O-rings are just a few of the parts that make up the shut-off valve. Any of these parts that are worn down or weakened might no longer seal properly, allowing water to flow out of the valve even when it is shut off. The water is meant to be off, so it’s like having a leaking faucet, except much more annoying.

Wear and tear are one of the most frequent causes of loose valve parts. The components may fail or become loose with repeated usage and exposure to water pressure.

High water pressure will cause the shut-off valve’s parts to become loose or break more rapidly, which can result in leaks. It’s like a tire on a car – after thousands of miles, it needs to be replaced.

Improper Installation

Incorrect installation destroys components in addition to causing a leak in the shut-off valve. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for a correct shut-off valve installation. A valve’s improper installation may result in leaks, which may cause water damage to a building’s floors, walls, and other components.

The valve is either overtightened or improperly tightened during installation. A leak will occur when the valve is turned off due to improper tightening. The valve components will also be harmed by overtightening.

How to Fix a Leaking Water Shut-Off Valve?

You can have it working as well as new in no time with a few basic tools and some know-how.

To begin, use an adjustable wrench and unscrew the valve. After loosening the nut, you may remove the valve handle and stem. If the stem is kept in place by a retaining nut, you must remove that as well. It may appear frightening, but trust us when we say it’s far easy than it appears.

It is now necessary to inspect the valve components. Are they in excellent condition or should they be replaced?

To ensure that the valve operates correctly, it is important to repair any worn or broken parts. Using a wire brush and vinegar, you may quickly clean the valve if it has dirt or buildup.

It is essential to inspect the valve for corrosion or rust before reassembling it. Use a mild cleanser to get rid of any you find. Dry the valve completely after giving it a good rinsing. Be sure the new item is the exact same size as the old one when changing any components.

Reassembling the valve is necessary once any worn or broken components have been replaced. Reattach the handle and tighten the retaining nut clockwise until it is snug. This will hold the stem in place.

Check for leaks after turning on the water supply. You may need to replace the entire valve if the leak persists.

Can a Leaking Water Shutoff Valve Cause Damage To Home?

A leaky water shutoff valve is no joking matter and if left unattended, it can seriously harm your house. The issues only worsen the longer you wait, from seeping water potentially causing mold development to damage to walls and flooring.

Even a minor leak can cause significant complications, such as structural damage and other problems that can be challenging and expensive to fix. Hence, it’s imperative to fix a leaking water shutoff valve right away before it causes expensive damage to your home.

How Does a Faucet Shut-off Valve Work?

A faucet shut-off valve is known as a stop valve. It is used to control the flow of water for the faucet. It is typically located beneath the faucet. A shut-off valve contains a handle, a stem, and a sealing mechanism.

There are 2 handle designs for the shut-off valve – lever or knob. For the lever handle, when it is aligned with the supply pipe, it is in the open position and water flows through it. When the handle is perpendicular to the pipe, it is in a close position. For the knob-type handle, you need to turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to stop and start the flow of water.

Inside the shut-off valve, there is a valve stem that connects to the valve handle. Handle movement controls the valve movement. Stem operated the valve mechanism.

Should I Use Water Even If The Shut-off Valve Is Leaking?

It’s recommended to refrain from using water while the leak in your shut-off valve is being addressed. Using water while the valve is leaking can lead to a variety of issues, including water damage to your property, not to mention the possibility of not having enough water pressure to meet your requirements.

Even worse issues may result from a leaking shut-off valve since it may continue to let water out even after it is closed. So, to restore appropriate water flow to your home and prevent any damage to your property, it’s imperative to replace the valve as soon as possible in order to avoid any potential complications.

How Do I Know If The Shutoff Valve Needs To Be Replaced Entirely?

Here are a few signs that indicate, it is time to replace the valve.

• If your valve is more than ten years old, there’s a significant probability it has rusted and might soon collapse.
• It may indicate that the valve needs to be replaced if you find it difficult to turn or if it requires more effort than normal.
• Fixing a leaking cutoff valve might not be a long-term solution because it may be an indication of wear and tear or damage.
• If the valve is not completely shutting off the water flow, this may be a symptom of wear and tear or a defective valve that needs to be replaced.

Can Cold Weather or Freezing Temperatures Cause a Water Shut-off Valve To Leak?

Yes, cold weather or freezing temperatures can indeed cause a water shut-off valve to leak. In freezing weather, the water inside the shut-off valve freezes and expands. This situation damages the internal components of the shut-off valve. Once the ice thaws, the damage may result in a leak around the valve.

James Lewis

James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.