Taps fixed twice, water still running from faucet and tap handle

[Erica]

I have a basic two handle laundry tub tap arrangement. A couple of years ago I had a problem with gurguling sounds in the faucet (not the drain). At some point the hot water tap would not shut off either and I had to use the shut off which meant no hot water for the sink, nor for the washing machine. I believe the faucet still made gurgling sounds, which stopped when I stuffed a plastic bag in the faucet the stop the noise until I could pay for a plumber. I eventually paid a plumber to repair it. New tap handles and fitting were were put in at that time on both the taps for the hot and the cold water. A couple of months ago, the hot water tap started running again. This time, the shutoff did not work either. I paid a plumber from a different company to fix it. It worked for a month. First the faucet started gurgling loudly, and then the last night I realized the water was running non-stop again. It is more than a drip. It is thin continuous flow. I used the shutoff which requires almost more force to turn that I can manage. In addition to no hot water in the sink, the shutoff also means no hot water for the washing machine once again. However, the gurgling stopped. Today I turned the shutoff on again as I though I might turn it on to do some laundry. The water did not run out the faucet much - just a drip, but this time ran out behind the handle of the shutoff. I believe that was an issue before the new fittings were put on last year, too. I just went to take a couple of pictures and note that when all taps are turned off, it sounds like there is water running. However, I checked the water meter and it does not indicate that we are using water.

I have had some maintenence done on the hot water tank and expansion tank and was told everything was in order there now.

I cannot affford to pay for a third round of repairs. It will have to be a DIY job, although I have no idea what I am doing. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Erica

 

[Mr tee]

We need a picture to give a reasonable answer.
800 pixels or less can be uploaded as an attachment.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Erica]

We need a picture to give a reasonable answer.
800 pixels or less can be uploaded as an attachment.

Okay. Plumbing may be a challenge, but I can manage a picture. Two images ahave been added to the original post.

 

[Terry]

Replacing the shutoff may be easier.
You have 1/2" copper pipe and this stop will go on with a wrench and pliers. You can cut the old valve off and tighten this one on the pipe.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...VRAnnCh2zuQPGEAQYCSABEgIsg_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Jadnashua]

That type of valve uses a washer and a seat. If the seat is damaged, a new washer may only work for a short time, if at all until those rough edges on the seat tear it up.

If I were going to deal with this, I'd consider installing a washing machine shutoff that easily lets you shut both the hot and cold water off quickly. It is recommended to shut the water supply off to a washing machine when you are not actively using it in case a hose decides to let go. There are lots of different versions. A type that uses a 1/4-turn ball valve, as long as you used it regularly, would probably last longer than one with a washer. Here's one that combines both into one on/off fixture.

 

[Erica]

Replacing the shutoff may be easier.
You have 1/2" copper pipe and this stop will go on with a wrench and pliers. You can cut the old valve off and tighten this one on the pipe.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...VRAnnCh2zuQPGEAQYCSABEgIsg_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

View attachment 63945

That seems less complicated than I anticipated. One of my few DIY skills is cutting copper pipe. I helped my son make a glockenspiel he designed for a science project. Tuning was accomplished by cutting copper pipe to specific lengths. The price is certainly right. Thank you.

 

[Erica]

That type of valve uses a washer and a seat. If the seat is damaged, a new washer may only work for a short time, if at all until those rough edges on the seat tear it up.

If I were going to deal with this, I'd consider installing a washing machine shutoff that easily lets you shut both the hot and cold water off quickly. It is recommended to shut the water supply off to a washing machine when you are not actively using it in case a hose decides to let go. There are lots of different versions. A type that uses a 1/4-turn ball valve, as long as you used it regularly, would probably last longer than one with a washer. Here's one that combines both into one on/off fixture.View attachment 63946

That would explain why neither repair lasted, although everything worked well to begin with. I will look at this fitting and the one above and see what I am most able to attempt. I am happy to have some options in an affordable price range now.