Leaking Valve Stem Repair

Ever have a leak start out the top of a faucet or hose bib? I just had that happen at the icemaker. My first thought was to just replace the entire valve, however because I have a newer home with the plastic type pipe (common in most homes 10 years old and newer) the repair required a special crimping tool or several adapters. After talking with the plumbing experts at Grover’s Pay & Pack I found that to repair the valve stem was by far the easiest solution. In fact it took about 20 minuets from start to finish and cost whopping $1.47. Here is what I did to make the repair in case you want to do the same.

	The leak started at the top of the valve stem.
	This is all it took to make the repairs. A). A new washer. B). Valve stem packing.
	1. Shut of the water 2. Remove the valve stem from the valve body by unscrewing it.
	2-b. Remove valve stem.
	3. Take the valve stem to your hardware store to insure they provide you the correct washer.
	4. Remove the screw that holds the washer. I could not remove it with a screw driver but could easily remove it with a pair of pliers. 5. Wrap new valve packing around valve stem, Follow the directions on the back of the package. 6. Reinstall valve stem. 7. Turn on water and check for leaks.