Will my valve remain not leaking?

Question

I turned off the feed valve on a toilet to replace the flapper. When I turned it back on again it started leaking.

I tightened the cap (or whatever it is properly called) a bit. It would only go about turn about 5 degrees; but that was enough to stop the leak.

Will it remain non-leaking as long as I don't use it again, or must I replace it now? I expect I will have to replace it the next time, as there is no more tightening possible, but would just as soon put it off if it should be stable. Thanks.

Art · Accepted Answer

It is fine.  For some reason professional plumbers leave everything loose. Next time you use it it probably will not leak.

spudnuty · Answer

There is a compression washer or stem washer under that nut on the stem. Over time deposits build up and when you disturb the seal (by turning it) it leaks and needs to be tightened. The cheaper they are the worse the problem. Richard

dnoyeB · Answer

You opened the valve all the way?  1/2 way and they can often leak.

hallerb · Answer

Congrats you tightened the packing nut! Thats what its there for!It will likely be fine and not leak again!

mm · Answer

My unverified impression is that some valves will leak when they are partly open but will not leak when they are firmly totally open.

OTOH, who wants to be limited to just totally off and totally on?

OT3H, sometimes that's fine.

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Will my valve remain not leaking?

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