Gate valve leak

[Rmk9785e]

This gate valve has a minor leak at the stem but there was no visible seal when I opened it up. The folks at Ace Hardware suggested using graphite packing tape. Your opinions are requested.

 

[John Gayewski]

Get a new valve. Change it out for a ball valve. You could repack it, but why?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

If the valve is leaking at the stem only when the valve is open, I would use white PTFE packing cord, but many others prefer the graphite. The packing cord would not have needed this much disassembly.

 

[Mr tee]

At the handle end, above the threads, is a piece that pulls out. The packing goes under that.

 

[Rmk9785e]

Thank you all for your valuable advice. Yes, changing to ball valve would be a better long term solution but I don't want to send things to the dumpster if they can be fixed.

Excessive disassembly is indicative of an amateur learning on the job. I miss the time when high schools used to have training in trades. This forum is a great educational resource.