How to Pack a Water Shutoff Valve

Last Updated: October 21, 2024 References

Dripping faucets cost money, not to mention the damage those annoying drops can do to your sanity. Following these steps will save your wallet...and your mind!

Steps

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid11557-v4-728px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

You may need to shut off water to the entire house if there is no cut off for the line. ^{[1]
X
Research source} Open a faucet to relieve back-pressure on water line.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid11557-v4-728px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

The packing cap is the cap just below the handle. The packing material is behind the nut and one washer. ^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid11557-v4-728px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Don't damage brass surfaces. Use a toothpick or dowel rod to clear compacted material. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid11557-v4-728px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

^{[4]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid11557-v4-728px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Do not over-tighten. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid11557-v4-728px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

^{[6]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid11557-v4-728px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid11557-v4-728px-Pack-a-Water-Shutoff-Valve-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

^{[7]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can I use white teflon packing? Is there a washer in the packing nut, and should it be replaced?

Community Answer

Yes. White teflon packing string is preferred. And yes, if your faucet has a washer under the packing nut, it should be taken to the store and matched up to a replacement.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
Question

What if the main water shut off valve is leaking?

Community Answer

Then you have to have to turn the water off at the street. You would either have to contact the water utility for this, or they may allow a master plumber to do so.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
Question

What if I cannot shut off the valve to the toilet but need water for the rest of the house?

Community Answer

You’ll have to shut off the main to repair the shut off valve to the toilet.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Graphite-impregnated twine for packing material is available at your local home improvement store.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You'll Need

adjustable wrench
packing
toothpick

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

Log in

How to Pack a Water Shutoff Valve

Steps

Community Q&A

Tips

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories