Do I need to call a plumber to fix a leaking intake valve for cold water to my washing machine -- is this a soldering job? The valve leaks when I open it, and drips even when I shut it closed clockwise. Thanks, I tried searching this page and didn't see any previous posts, sorry if I am repeating an earlier question.

gametime

hey i seem to have the same problem with my cold water valve and i was wondering if you are having any other problems??? smells??? sorry i cant help Helen.

speedball1

Helen,

I realize the faucet shown isn't the same as the washer hose bib but the innards are the same. If it leaks past the stem when on then snug up the bonnet packing nut untill it stops. It it leaks out the spout when you shut it off then change out the washer.
Gametime,
You haven't given m,e enough data to answer your question. Where's your valve located? Is it a hose bib or a fixture faucet? What exactly is it doing? Get back to me and I'll get back to you. Regards, Tom

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gametime

hi speedball,
the leak basically comes from just below the handle. the valve is located just behind the washer and im just trying to get rid of a smell from behind the washer and was just wondering if a small leak could over time cause a smell?

speedball1

Yes, a leak could cause mold to grow and cause odor. Same answer as Hellen. If it leaks past the stem when on then snug up the bonnet packing nut untill it stops. Good luck Tom

HelenC

Thank you Speedball,
Here's what happens: The valve is closed. When I open the valve it leaks a whole lot, sprays, until the valve is completely open, and then it leaks less. When I go to close the valve, it sprays again, until the valve is completely closed.
What is bonnet packing? Is there a special way to apply it? clockwise, counter?

speedball1

Hey Helen,
"What is bonnet packing? Is there a special way to apply it? clockwise, counter?"
Look at the image I put up. The bonnet packing's under the bonnet packing nut. You stop a stem leak by opening up the faucet until it starts to spray water. Then you snug up the bonnet packing nut clockwise compressing the packing until the leak stops. If you can't get it to stop then the bonnet packing must be replaced. Good luck, Tom

HelenC

Thanks, Tom. It worked just fine once I got up enough nerve to look for the water shutoff for the entire house. All fixed! I'm batting 100 right now -- I managed to fix a loudly grinding fan this morning by spraying with a tiny bit of lubricant inside the opened housing -- so I'd better quit while I'm ahead. You guys on the internet make being a single mom/homeowner...manageable. My daughter gave me a high five! -- Helen

speedball1

Hey Helen,
You not only get a hi five from us but a "WELL DONE and A HUG".

Proud of ya!! Tom

HelenC

Well, unfortunately, the nut started to leak a little so I went back and put in more packing. But I tightened the nut too much, so that it is cracked, now only half of it is holding, which I am worried about. Does the handle unscrew so that I can replace the nut? It has a flat screw in the top but it's not budging (counterclockwise, right?) . Thanks. Helen