Plumbing in the Home/plumbing

Advertisement

Expert: Dana Bostick - 11/7/2009


Question
HI Dana my toilet drips at she turn off valve  how can i stop it thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Kathy,
If you mean the turn off valve, called a "stop", it is probably leaking around the stem that comes out of the valve and holds the handle. There is a large 6-sided nut on the top, under the handle called a "packing nut" or "bonnet" that squeezes a tapered gasket against the stem.  If you use a wrench to turn the nut clockwise a bit at a time, you can tighten the gasket until it stops leaking.  If that does not work, you will need to turn off the water to the house and take the stop apart to put in new gaskets, or replace the stop new.  They are only about $10.
Good Luck,
Dana

Plumbing in the Home

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dana Bostick

Expertise

Pretty much any residential plumbing questions. For "item specific" details such as a specific model of fixture, I will need to research and there may not be any useful information available. Note: I live and work in Southern California. We do not, as a rule, use hot water or steam heating systems, oil fired boilers or private water wells so my knowledge in those areas is pretty limited. There are others here on AllExerts that can probably answer those questions better.

Experience

Retired Licensed General Contractor with Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical sub-licenses. Active Certified InterNachi Home Inspector and Infrared Thermographer

Organizations
InterNachi

Publications
SearchWarp, Article Alley, www.DIYHomeInspection.blogspot.com, ActiveRain.com "Rain Maker",

Education/Credentials
30 years in the trades, Licensed General Contractor, Certified Infrared Thermographer

Awards and Honors
InterNachi Certified Property Inspector, Listed FHA Fee Inspector, HUD Mobile Home Inspector

Past/Present Clients
Home buyers, sellers and owners, Investors, Commercial roofing companies (infrared roof scans for moisture intrusion)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.