Main water shutoff valvel leak ?

[bigdog]

I have a leak at the valve of my main water shut off, just a drip now and then but very concerned !
Valve is original about 25 years old. I only noticed small puddle of water on floor, when I shut off water after last visit and then turned back on after returning a week later.

Valve is typical lever ball valve on a 3/4" pipe.
Going to have a plumber inspect, when he comes for another issue.

I suspect this ball valve and easy fix for a plumber, any idea of amount time to replace?

Thanks,
BD

[Lakeboater]

If it is a good valve it will have a nut underneath the handle. It may just need to be snugged up. I'm not talking about the nut that holds the handle onto the valve.

[dpg]

haha have this EXACT thing going on at home right now got a little bucket catching the drip. I was wondering with it being the main shutoff and if it needs replacing does the town have to shut off the water for the plumber to fix it?

[Top-Water]

does the town have to shut off the water for the plumber to fix it?

No you can usually just go around the leak with a few elbows and short pieces of pipe. :liplick:

http://i67.tinypic.com/kdv4nr.jpg


Sadly I think you are going to have to shut off the water at the street to make this repair, usually not that big of a problem. Had the same problem a few months ago.

[bigdog]

Water supply is provided by condo complex, each unit has their own shut off valve, so owners can shut off water incoming to their unit.

A number of owners head South for the winter, and shut off their water,
in order to prevent possibility of pipe leakage causing unit to flood !

Will try to snug up nut at 'lever' first to see if it makes a difference.

I also have another valve above the 'main' where I can shut off water.
It's a series of valve shut-offs I have connected for my water filter system.

Thanks,
BD

[SIKSUKR]

Ball valves almost never leak past the ball itself. Your leak is probably a very simple packing nut leak and probably only needs a slight tightening of the stem nut. Typical ball as shown has a nut holding on the handle. Take both off and turn the nut underneath clockwise looking down onto the nut. Dont over tighten. It usually doesnt take more than a very small amount of turning to stop it. You should be able to tell as you do it. Pop the handle back on before securing it with the nut and try the valve a few times to see if you have fixed it. Congratulate yourself!