Stopcock leaking

[Maboza-Ritchy]

Hi
I know this problem has been posted a few times but could someone give me a bit more info.
Stopcock under the sink is now leaking, occaisional drip with stopcock off, constant drip when 'on'. The drip is coming from the gland nut/shaft area. Tightening the gland nut has stopped the drip when 'off', but not when 'on'.

Is it safe to completely unscrew gland nut?
What do I use to pack behind gland nut - Plumbers Mait or what?
Does area behind gland nut require cleaning prior to packing?
What is the cause of this type of leak? - is there a seal in there that is worn?

Thanks in advance.

Steveo

 

[kirkgas]

it is quite safe to completely unscrew the packing gland you will only get a steady drip, use PTFE tape to seal, roll the tape into string then wrap a few turns round the stopcock stem and push it into the joint then refit the packing nut and tighten up enough to stop the leak but loose enough to turn the handle,

 

[gaspro1981]

get some graphite string as this is far better the ptfe tape and then do as kirkgas has suggested

 

[Maboza-Ritchy]

Kirk/Gas
Thanks for the replies. Backed of gland nut this evening, wrapped some ptfe tape, tightened up nut and opened stopcock and Hey Presto - no leak!

Thanks again for the replies.

Steveo

 

[Agile]

Check it again in a day and then in a week!

Stopcocks should be closed once every month or two to stop them getting jammed up.

Tony