Hi:

I am trying to fix a leaky compression faucet. I have turned off the shut off valve for the cold water under the sink so the when the handle for the cold water of the compression faucet is turned, there is no water as expected.

However, even if I turn off the shut off valve for the hot water under the sink, I still get water when the handle for the hot water of the compression faucet is turned! Why is this? BTW, this shut off valve is leaking as well so I will be repairing this. But is it possible that you turn off the shut off valve yet is sends water up to the sink? I am sure I am turning it off completely.

Please reply.

Thanks,
KK

kutra

Follow up question to my previous question:

I have repaired the non-working hot shut off valve so it no longer leaks. Now I have to fix the hot handle of the compression faucet, but can I work on it without switching off the hot water supply since the hot shut off valve does not seem to be working?

speedball1

If you want to open up the valve to work on it you'll have to shut the hot water off. This can be be done in one of two places. (1) At the cold water inlet to the water heater or (2) at the outside house shut off.
Good luck, Tom

kutra

Thanks, Tom, for your reply.

But is it possibe for the shut off valve to behave the way it is behaving? That is, even when it is turned off completey, it still lets in water? I am convinced I have turned it off completely...

Thanks,
KK

speedball1

Yes, if the washer has disintegrated and no longer seals on the seat it will not shut off. regards, tom

kutra

Great! So I wasn't imagining things!! :-) And now the all-important question, Tom: How do I fix this non-working shut off valve problem?

Regards,
KK

speedball1

I'm assuming you're referring to the hot water side of your kitchen sink faucet, (see image).
Shut the water off to the hot side and remove the handle/knob. Unscrew the bonnet packing nut and unscrew the stem and washer assembly. You may now replace the washer. A few more things. Check the seat by running your finger nail around the seat. If it's rough or nicked, replace it. Now place a pan over the faucet to reduce splash and turn on the hot water shut off for a minute to flush out the hot water supply. Now you can reassemble and test. good luck, Tom

kutra

Thanks for your reply, Tom. My mistake for not being precise. I can fix the "hot water side of your kitchen sink faucet". It's the shut off valve for the hot water udner the sink that I want to fix. Even when it is turned off completey, it still lets in water up to the kitchen sink faucet. You replied saying it's possible if the washer has disintegrated. So how do I fix the non-working shut off valve?

KK

speedball1

". It's the shut off valve for the hot water udner the sink that I want to fix."

Why bother? Simply replace the angle stop. They are cheap and easy to change. Cheers, Tom

kutra

Hi Tom:

I went to HD to buy an angle stop as you suggested and the store guy asked me if the shut off valve is compression fitting or iron-pipe fitting!!!! I have no idea what I have so can you let me know how I can find that out? If it helps, the sink above is a compression faucet.

Where can I get good instructions to replace the shut off valve? My plumbing experience is basic (tho' I did successfully replace the compression faucet last week) and my tools are limited, so can you tell me whether I should be even venturing to replace the shut off valve?

Thanks,
KK