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How to fix water leakage from a ball valve handle

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  • OVERALL DIFFICULTY INDEX: 2/10
  • IF YOU HAVE NO TOOLS, YOU PAY $10 TO GET THEM FOR THIS JOB
  • IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE YOU SPEND 20 MINUTES TO CARRY OUT THIS JOB
  • NO SAFETY ISSUES RELATED TO THIS TASK
BEFORE YOU START
  • This fix is much useful for ball valves that are difficult to dismantle or, whenever the valve removal requires to drain the circuit like it is the case in this central heating system. It allows then to avoid costly repairs especially the fix takes a minute.
  •  For smaller ball valves (1/2", 3/4") that can be easily replaced without draining or dismantling portions of the piping, it is always better to replace the entire ball valve. 
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Readers who envisage to carry out similar works inspired by the below method shall do this at their own risks and liability.

Fixing a leaking ball valve stem

Take out the ball valve handle by removing its nut in order to access the stem.
You will notice another bigger nut around the ball valve stem which you need to unscrew and remove using a spanner.
Now find a rubber washer which outer diameter almost matches the one of the nut and innder dia the one of the stem.
Preferably, a conical seal will be used but a flat one will work also.
Insert the washer around the stem and push it down with a flat screwdriver.
You might not be able to put again the ball valve stem nut due to the thickness of the washer you just inserted.
If this is the case, use as shown a nut socket of the adequate size around the stem, so this socket compresses the seal when you tighten the C-clamp, then turn the nut with a spanner in order to have its thread catching the one on the ball valve body.
Tighten well the stem nut.

Refitting the ball valve handle

If the handle of your ball valve is corroded, it would be then worth cleaning it and painting it prior to refitting.
Brush off the ball valve hande with a wire brush and clean it with penetrating oil (WD-40 or any equivalent).
Dry the handle well with a clean cloth and apply a coat of any spray paint can you have.
Once dry, refit the handle to the ball valve, refit its washer and nut and tighten the nut.

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