Leaking stopcock spindle

[wazza139]

Whenever I turn off my mains (although I have 2 mains water inlets to the house) stopcock in my garage it leaks slightly from the spindle. After about 6 - 12 hours the leaking stops and in total it probably leaks no more than a soup spoon full of water. I know that tightening up the gland nut will probably cure this slight leak but I am reluctant to do this in case I make it worse.

My main question is if I decide to do nothing about this am I going to come home some time (I go away a lot and religously turn my stopcocks off when I leave, which i find difficult as i observe this stopcock leaking) and find the place flood? Is it possible for the gland to fail and start spraying water everywhere? Is it more likely that it will just carry on leaking for a bit?

Thanks

Wazza139

 

[kevplumb]

I know that tightening up the gland nut will probably cure this slight leak

just answered your own question

 

[wazza139]

Thanks, I thought that might be the answer but what is likely to happen if i choose to do nothing? Is there a risk of a catastrophic failiure?

 

[kevplumb]

na risk of damp patch

 

[wazza139]

OK, Thanks - last question on this topic. Why is there not a leak from the spindle when the stopcock is open - why only when I close it off?

 

[billplumb]

hello wazzal open the spindle nut and pack the gland with ptfe push down and tighten the nut and job done.

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when the valve is in the open position the valve acts as a seal thus no water coming from your valve.

MOD 2

use the EDIT KEY