Turn off the main water supply to the house to prevent water flow during the repair.
Open a nearby faucet to relieve pressure and drain any remaining water from the line.
Place a bucket or container under the shutoff valve to catch any residual water.
Use a towel or rag to dry the area around the valve for better visibility and grip.
Use an adjustable wrench to gently tighten the packing nut behind the valve handle.
Turn the valve on and off to check if the leak has stopped after tightening.
If the leak persists, turn the valve to the off position and loosen the packing nut with a wrench.
Remove the old packing washer or string from inside the nut using a screwdriver or pick.
Wrap new packing string around the valve stem or insert a new packing washer into the nut.
Reinstall the packing nut and tighten it snugly with the wrench, avoiding overtightening.
Turn the main water supply back on slowly and monitor the valve for any signs of leaking.
Check the valve operation by turning it on and off to ensure smooth movement and no leaks.
If the valve continues to leak, consider replacing the entire shutoff valve.
Shut off the main water supply again before attempting valve replacement.
Use a wrench to disconnect the old valve from the water line and supply pipe.
Apply plumber's tape to the threads of the new valve to ensure a watertight seal.
Install the new valve by tightening it onto the pipe and reconnecting the water line.
Turn the main water supply back on and check the new valve for leaks.
Wipe the area dry and monitor for any slow drips over the next few hours.
Dispose of old parts and clean up tools and materials used during the repair.
