Five Common Problems with Supply Shutoff Valves

Water shutoff valves are located throughout your home. The most important is the main shutoff valve, which can turn off the water supply to your entire home. This valve is located either in the basement, on an exterior wall of the home, or in an underground box outside the home. Individual fixtures like toilets, sinks, and water heaters also have individual shutoff valves located near them.

These valves are useful when plumbing repairs are necessary or when an emergency occurs, but they can also create their own problems. There are a few common problems that plumbers see year after year.

A Water Supply Valve That’s Leaking or Dripping

If you leave a valve turned off for a long period of time and finally switch it back on, it is common for the valve to start dripping. Here’s how you can fix this problem in a jiffy:

1. Tighten the packing nut and turn the valve off and back on again a few times for the dripping to stop.
2. If that didn’t work, turn off the main valve and replace the drippy one completely. 
3. If the main valve is the one that’s dripping, you’ll need to turn off the street-side valve before replacing it.
4. If the street-side valve needs replacement as well, you’ll have to call your water utility company to shut off the water supply at the curb.

A Leaky Shutoff Valve Due to a Burst Pipe

It is common for homeowners to shut off their water if their homes won’t be in use for an extended period of time in the winter. This way, they don’t have to worry about pipes freezing. Unfortunately, the water between the spigot and supply shutoff valve frequently freezes in these scenarios, and the pipe can burst.

This won’t leak or even be noticeable until the water is turned back on. So when you turn the water back on, be sure to check for burst pipes or leaking around the valve.

Old Saddle Valves That Are Leaking

Some old homes and plumbing fixtures may have saddle valves instead of regular shutoff valves. These T-handled devices are especially prone to leaks and should be replaced with regular shutoff valves as soon as possible to prevent serious water damage.

Toilet Shut-Off Valves That Get Stuck

Your toilet takes a beating, so it’s no surprise that the toilet shut-off valve can often get stuck. This happens because of mineral buildup and corrosion from constant exposure to water. Here’s how to replace a toilet shut-off valve if yours is stuck:

1. Turn off the main water supply and drain the toilet tank.
2. Disconnect the water supply line from the shut-off valve (use a bucket to catch any dripping water).
3. Use a wrench to unscrew the valve, and wrap plumber’s tape around the pipe threads.
4. Screw on the new shut-off valve and tighten securely.
5. Reconnect all the lines and turn the water back on to make sure it was a success.

Water Valve Is Open, But There’s No Water

If the valve’s open but nothing’s coming through, something’s blocking the flow. It could be a clogged pipe, a closed main valve somewhere else, or even a broken valve inside. Sometimes air trapped in the pipes causes a temporary pause. Checking the main shut-off and looking for leaks often helps pinpoint the issue.

What to Do If Your Water Valve Won’t Shut Off

With all these problems that can occur with shutoff valves, you may be tempted to just leave them alone for fear of making things worse, but this is a bad idea. You should always be familiar with your plumbing and know where your valves are in case an emergency happens and you need to access them. But if the problem is too bad, you can always call a professional for help.

Got a broken water valve? Or maybe you have an outside water shut-off valve that’s stuck open? Don’t wait around for a flood. Roto-Rooter is ready 24/7, and there’s no extra charge for nights, weekends, or holidays. Call now for fast help and a free estimate from plumbing experts who know their stuff.

FAQs on Shut-Off Valves

How can you tell if a water shut-off valve is bad?

If you notice the water shut-off valve leaking, it’s probably failing. Other signs include it being hard to turn or the shut-off valve being closed, but water is still running. Rust, mineral buildup, or age can mess with how these valves work.

How do you fix a faulty shut-off valve?

Sometimes tightening the packing nut helps. If not, you may need to replace the valve completely. It’s usually a pretty quick job. Just shut off the main water line, disconnect the supply line, unscrew the old valve, and screw on the new one.

Why are some reasons a shut-off valve wouldn’t work?

It could be stuck due to corrosion. Maybe it’s stripped inside. Or perhaps it was installed years ago and simply wore out. Valves don’t last forever.

How long does a shut-off valve last?

Properly maintained, a shut-off valve might last for 20 years. But water quality, usage, and materials all play a role in how long it’ll last.