Small leaks at water main valve
#1
12-29-16, 06:53 AM
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Small leaks at water main valve
Forgive my ignorance, but what is the best way for me to diagnose and fix these leaks? They are very slowly dripping and it appears to be coming from the house side valve. I've taken it off, along with the connected items... re-taped and re-installed and it didn't appear to make a difference. 
Is it possible to over tighten? Perhaps I'm just making things worse. What should my next step be? Try replacing the valve? Here are some pics if they are of any help. Thanks
Is it possible to over tighten? Perhaps I'm just making things worse. What should my next step be? Try replacing the valve? Here are some pics if they are of any help. Thanks
#2
12-29-16, 07:11 AM
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dexter-
I thought this was a joke when I first heard about it, but it is not, plumbers do this all the time. Use both tape AND pipe dope on threaded connections. I wrap several layers of Teflon tape around the threads and then smear a good amount of Rectorseal #5 around and on top of the tape. Then really use some muscle and two wrenches to tighten the joint.
I haven’t had one leak using that method.
RectorSeal 4 oz. No.5 Pipe Thread Sealant-25631 - The Home Depot
I thought this was a joke when I first heard about it, but it is not, plumbers do this all the time. Use both tape AND pipe dope on threaded connections. I wrap several layers of Teflon tape around the threads and then smear a good amount of Rectorseal #5 around and on top of the tape. Then really use some muscle and two wrenches to tighten the joint.
I haven’t had one leak using that method.
RectorSeal 4 oz. No.5 Pipe Thread Sealant-25631 - The Home Depot
#3
12-29-16, 07:33 AM
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Thank you, I will give that a try! I was using the 2 wrench method for tightening which is one of the reasons I thought perhaps I was over tightening. It's also why I was getting so annoyed by the fact that it would continue to leak even after I tightened it as much as I thought was humanly possible. Hopefully by adding the pipe dope it will do the trick!
#4
12-29-16, 08:19 AM
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dexter-
Hopefully the pipe dope will do the trick. I think it should. You could use pipe dope other than Rectorseal #5 but that has worked very well for me – and I’ve heard the same from others. It is a very gooey mustard colored stuff and I make sure the tape has a good amount all over.
Good luck and hopefully you could post back with the results if you have time.
Hopefully the pipe dope will do the trick. I think it should. You could use pipe dope other than Rectorseal #5 but that has worked very well for me – and I’ve heard the same from others. It is a very gooey mustard colored stuff and I make sure the tape has a good amount all over.
Good luck and hopefully you could post back with the results if you have time.
#5
12-29-16, 03:46 PM
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Just picked up some #5, so I'll re-tape and put that on and tighten. I'll report back in a day or so, thanks!
#6
12-29-16, 04:48 PM
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Update: It appears to have fixed one of the two leaks!
The larger of the two is still leaking though. Albeit slower than before. I've tightened the connection as much as I humanly can. I'm not sure what to try next? Should I be putting the dope around the connection as well after I have connected them together? I just don't understand where the leak is happening.
The larger of the two is still leaking though. Albeit slower than before. I've tightened the connection as much as I humanly can. I'm not sure what to try next? Should I be putting the dope around the connection as well after I have connected them together? I just don't understand where the leak is happening.
#7
12-29-16, 05:52 PM
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Hi, I looked at the picture and it looks like the galvanized bushing is rusted. I don't know if galvanized fittings react with brass the same way as copper but I would replace that bushing with a brass one'
Good Luck Woodbutcher
Good Luck Woodbutcher
#8
12-30-16, 07:45 AM
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dexter –
I see what Woodbutcher is saying. That bushing connected into your valve may have deteriorated. I’m pretty sure I’ve had that same problem in the past with steel bushings/pipe nipples connected to brass – like the one bushing connected into your valve. I agree with Woodbutcher you should replace that with a brass bushing. They look like this but I’m not sure of your size:
BRB100-075 - Bluefin BRB100-075 - 1"x 3/4" MIP x FIP Brass Bushing (Lead Free)
Is it possible for you to remove the bushing and take it to a plumbing supply?
Are you saying that leak 2 is now fixed but you still have leak 1?
I see what Woodbutcher is saying. That bushing connected into your valve may have deteriorated. I’m pretty sure I’ve had that same problem in the past with steel bushings/pipe nipples connected to brass – like the one bushing connected into your valve. I agree with Woodbutcher you should replace that with a brass bushing. They look like this but I’m not sure of your size:
BRB100-075 - Bluefin BRB100-075 - 1"x 3/4" MIP x FIP Brass Bushing (Lead Free)
Is it possible for you to remove the bushing and take it to a plumbing supply?
Are you saying that leak 2 is now fixed but you still have leak 1?
