leaky laundry faucet
 

Hi,

I just got a new washer and I've noticed that there is a very slow leak
coming from the faucet. I don't know specifically where the leak is
coming from, but the faucet was not leaking during the time there was no
washer present (and thus the faucet was shut off).

Does anyone have any suggestions how to diagnose this problem?

Thanks,
Tony

"Tony Tung" wrote in message
.. .
Hi,

I just got a new washer and I've noticed that there is a very slow leak
coming from the faucet. I don't know specifically where the leak is
coming from, but the faucet was not leaking during the time there was no
washer present (and thus the faucet was shut off).

Does anyone have any suggestions how to diagnose this problem?

Thanks,
Tony

A few things.

New washer. New hose? If yes it most likely it isn't the rubber ring
inside the hose connection but make sure it is tight. A quarter turn with
pliers is far better than finger tight. If this is the cause the leak will
be around the hose threads or where the hose changes from brass to hose.

If it is coming from the faucet, it is most likely a loose packing nut. This
leak will usually show as a small drip around where the stem of the faucet
enters the valve body. This is the nut that sits between the hose connection
and the faucet body. Usually a quarter turn or less is all that is required
to stop the drip. This is the most likely place if you have a completely
new install.

To figure out where it is, dry all parts with paper towels and observe. For
really slow leaks use toilet tissue placed around the parts and see which
part shows moisture or evidence of moisture.

Happy hunting

Colbyt

"Tony Tung" wrote in message
.. .
Hi,

I just got a new washer and I've noticed that there is a very slow leak
coming from the faucet. I don't know specifically where the leak is
coming from, but the faucet was not leaking during the time there was no
washer present (and thus the faucet was shut off).

Does anyone have any suggestions how to diagnose this problem?

Thanks,
Tony

By washer I assume you mean washing machine rather than the little rubber
gasket that slips into the end of the hose. I also assume your washing
machine has two hoses going to two hose bibs.

First thing to do is to try turning knob on the hose bib all the way on. if
it still drips, try tightening the packing nut. That is the nut that the
valve stem goes through. If that does not stop the leak turn off the water
main, loosen both packing nuts and unscrew the stems. Take them to the
hardware store and get new washers and packing for the stems.

In the alternative remove the whole hose bib and replace it. I personally
do not like hose bibs and replace them with ball valves. The first option
will be cheaper and easier especially if you have copper pipe.

--

Roger Shoaf

About the time I had mastered getting the toothpaste back in the tube, then
they come up with this striped stuff.

On 2004-12-21, Colbyt wrote:

"Tony Tung" wrote in message
.. .
Hi,

I just got a new washer and I've noticed that there is a very slow leak
coming from the faucet. I don't know specifically where the leak is
coming from, but the faucet was not leaking during the time there was no
washer present (and thus the faucet was shut off).

Does anyone have any suggestions how to diagnose this problem?

Thanks,
Tony

A few things.

New washer. New hose? If yes it most likely it isn't the rubber ring
inside the hose connection but make sure it is tight. A quarter turn with
pliers is far better than finger tight. If this is the cause the leak will
be around the hose threads or where the hose changes from brass to hose.

If it is coming from the faucet, it is most likely a loose packing nut. This
leak will usually show as a small drip around where the stem of the faucet
enters the valve body. This is the nut that sits between the hose connection
and the faucet body. Usually a quarter turn or less is all that is required
to stop the drip. This is the most likely place if you have a completely
new install.

To figure out where it is, dry all parts with paper towels and observe. For
really slow leaks use toilet tissue placed around the parts and see which
part shows moisture or evidence of moisture.

Happy hunting

Colbyt

Hi,

Just so I don't get things messed up, I assume that the packing nut is
"nut #1" in http://csua.berkeley.edu/~tonytung/faucet.jpg.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks!
Tony

"Tony Tung" wrote in message
...

Hi,

Just so I don't get things messed up, I assume that the packing nut is
"nut #1" in http://csua.berkeley.edu/~tonytung/faucet.jpg.

Please correct me if I am wrong.


Yes, #1 is the packing nut. You might be ahead of the game if you take off
the whole valve and bring it to a good hardware store.

--

Roger Shoaf

About the time I had mastered getting the toothpaste back in the tube, then
they come up with this striped stuff.

On 2004-12-21, Roger Shoaf wrote:

"Tony Tung" wrote in message
...

Hi,

Just so I don't get things messed up, I assume that the packing nut is
"nut #1" in http://csua.berkeley.edu/~tonytung/faucet.jpg.

Please correct me if I am wrong.


Yes, #1 is the packing nut. You might be ahead of the game if you take off
the whole valve and bring it to a good hardware store.

Thanks for your help. Tightening the packing nut did the trick.

Tony