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Shutoff Valve Will Not Close All the Way - Water Still Drips

A shutoff valve under the sink that drips after you turn it off means the valve seat is worn. You can replace the valve without turning off the main water.

Category:Plumbing
Difficulty:Moderate
Time:25 min
Success:50%
Updated:May 27, 2026

quick_referenceQuick Answer

For Shutoff Valve Will Not Close All the Way - Water Still Drips, start with "Close the main water valve if available, or plan to work quickly": Look for the main shutoff near your water meter or where the main line enters the house. Close it first - it stops all water so you can work without a drip. If there is no main shutoff, you can work on one valve at a time by opening the other valve slightly to let air in and stop the drip. Stop DIY if the valve is on the main line and you do not have a main shutoff - call a plumber. This is listed as a moderate recovery and usually takes about 25 min.

verifiedGuide Snapshot

Repair areaPlumbing
Estimated time25 min
DifficultyModerate
Stop conditions4

Last updated May 27, 2026. Review the stop conditions before continuing.

account_treeRecovery State

DeviceShutoff Valve
Current stateWont Close Completely
Specific stateDripping At Stem
Failed stepValve Closing
Likely failure typeWorn Part
DIY boundaryDIY recovery first
paymentsCost decision

help1. Understand the Problem

Shutoff valves (the small angled valves under sinks) have a rubber washer that presses against a brass seat when you turn the handle. Over years of use, the washer hardens and the seat gets grooved. When this happens, the valve will not fully seal - it drips at the stem. This is very common in homes older than 15 years.

build_circle2. Try This First

Best First Step

Close the main water valve if available, or plan to work quickly

Look for the main shutoff near your water meter or where the main line enters the house. Close it first - it stops all water so you can work without a drip. If there is no main shutoff, you can work on one valve at a time by opening the other valve slightly to let air in and stop the drip.

visibility3. Visual Guidance

See what's happening and how to try the first recovery step.

1
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Disconnect the supply line and inspect the valve seatUse a wrench to disconnect the supply line from the shutoff valve (the nut that holds the line to the valve). Look inside the valve opening - you will see a brass cone-shaped seat. If there is a groove worn into it (visible as a ring around the seat), the valve is done. If just the washer is worn, you can replace the stem assembly.
2
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Replace the stem assembly - it includes the washerStem replacement kits are available for most valve brands. Turn the handle to the open position. Unscrew the packing nut (the round nut below the handle). Pull the stem out - the rubber washer is on the bottom of the stem. Replace the whole stem with a matching kit. Reassemble and test.
3
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If the seat is grooved, replace the entire valveIf the seat (not just the washer) is worn, the whole valve must go. Cut the copper or PEX supply line above the valve. Install a new 1/4-turn ball valve - these are more reliable than older compression valves and cost about $12. Solder or crimp the new valve in place.

autorenew4. If That Doesn't Work

Try the next recovery options.

plumbing
Install a 1/4-turn valve while the main is off - it lasts longerOld multi-turn shutoff valves (like the ones that drip) are prone to wear. Replace them with a 1/4-turn ball valve (90-degree rotation from open to closed). They are more reliable, easier to operate, and the shutoff is immediate - not several turns.
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warning
Use a repair clamp if the valve is in a location that is hard to accessIf the valve is behind a cabinet and difficult to work on, consider a pipe repair clamp as a temporary measure. This will not fix the valve but can stop a drip for months while you plan the proper repair.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a shutoff valve without turning off the main water?expand_more
Yes - close the main shutoff first. If you do not have a main shutoff, close the valve you are replacing as far as it goes, and have a helper open another faucet in the house to break the pressure. Work quickly.
Why do shutoff valves fail?expand_more
The rubber washer hardens and the brass seat gets worn from repeated use. Every time you turn the valve, the washer presses against the seat. After 15-20 years, the seal is gone.
Should I replace all the shutoff valves in my house at once?expand_more
If one is failing, the others in the house are likely the same age. Consider a plumbing project to replace all angle stops under sinks at once. It is preventive maintenance that avoids emergency repairs.

warning5. Stop DIY If

Don't continue if any of these apply.

reportThe valve is on the main line and you do not have a main shutoff - call a plumber.
reportThe pipes are lead or galvanized (old plumbing) - do not cut or solder these without professional help.
reportYou see water spraying from a crack in the valve body - the valve body itself is cracked and under pressure.
reportThe valve is soldered into place and you do not have plumbing experience - this is a plumber job.
Still stuck?Get personalized help with AI Recovery.

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This page provides general DIY guidance.
If you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional.