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Replacing a Water Shutoff Valve Washer

easyHome Repair30-60 minutes8 steps

Safety Warnings

  • Ensure the main water supply is turned off before starting to prevent flooding.
  • Use caution when working with old metal pipes to avoid stripping threads or causing bursts.

Tools Needed

Wrench — check locally
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Screwdriver — check locally
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Materials

Plunger washer — matching size of original(1)
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Steps

1
Shut off the main water supply to the house or line.
Tip: Open a faucet lower than the valve to drain remaining water.
2
Disassemble the supply valve by removing the handle and packing nut.
3
Extract the valve stem to access the plunger washer.
4
Remove the worn plunger washer from the stem.
Tip: A worn washer is the primary cause of valve leaks.
5
Install the new replacement plunger washer onto the stem.
6
Reinsert the stem back into the valve body.
7
Reassemble the packing nut and handle, tightening securely.
8
Slowly turn on the main water supply and test the valve for leaks.
Tip: Ensure the valve closes fully to stop any drips.

Pro Tips

  • If a shower head drips and the valve is closed, the valve itself likely needs repair.
  • A worn plunger washer in the supply valve is a common cause of leaks.

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Sources

Synthesized from 2 verified sources:

USDA Farmers' Bulletin (Gutenberg)View →
Gutenberg: Simple Plumbing Repairs (FB 1460)View →