The caps for compression fittings drip (in my experience) unless you either
put a compression ferrule in the valve or use a rubber washer which will
fit. Teflon tape won't help. If the valve shutoffs drip a bit, this is not
generally a problem when you use them for their normal function (working on
the kitchen faucet), but the caps dripping could be a real problem if it
sits there for a few days.


"Speedy Jim" wrote in message ...
CMF wrote:

Hello, all.

I am doing some work under the kitchen sink and I am trying to get it
good
and dry. I have taken out the disposal, all pipes, the faucet, etc. I
turned
the water off at the valves (of course) before removing everything, but
still get a drip out of them. One is worse than the other. I went and
bought
caps for them, just so I can get the work done. Squeezes water around
the
caps, and still drips. Not a lot, mind you, but enough to be
exasperating. I
guess I could teflon tape as well to really seal it up, but the real
question is do these valves need to be replaced? Is this some weird
safety
feature (nothing surprises me anymore) that keeps whatever from
happening or
not happening? I mean, over the 9 year life of the house they haven't
exactly been worked to death; it's not everyday you turn off the water
under
the sink.

Ideas? I am obviously not a plummer, but unfortunately not in the
position
to hire one.

The valves have rubber washers in them which may need to be replaced.
But, to do that, you would have to shut off *all* the water *and*
drain all the piping.

You may be better off living with the drip from the caps.

Jim