Posted by Tony Conner, TBP Industrial Steam Systems on December 24, 1997 at 19:04:30:
In Reply to: angle stops posted by Ray Hosler on December 24, 1997 at 17:41:44:
: I had some "frozen" angle stops. A plumber fixed them by adjusting
: a nut behind the adjusting knob. However, the water comes
: out at a very slow rate now. The angle stops are open
: full. I guess I need to adjust the nut but which way do
: I turn it? And do I close the angle stop by turning the
: knob before making the adjustment?
: Thanks,
: Ray Hosler
Ray: The nut is the packing nut. The packing is like heavy string, or small diameter rope impregnated with graphite (some types teflon, or other material)that is wrapped around the valve stem, under the nut. (Actually, there's a metal washer-like piece called the "gland" between the packing and the nut.) The packing is what keeps the fluid (steam, water, air, etc.) from leaking out around the valve stem, while letting you open and close the valve. After a while (years, usually), the packing gets hard, or wears and has to be replaced. You can try to tighten the nut (clockwise), with the valve open. Tony