Pat asked:


I am trying to repack the packing washer of my outdoor (back yard) gate vale, which controls the water of my man-made pond. However, I can not shut the water supply off. I have tried the main water shut off in my basement. Unfortunately, it only shut off the water supply of the house, not my garden/back yard.

Where else should I try looking? I see irrigation valve on my lawn for the sprinklers. However, I'm not sure if it would help. Also, would it be all right if I try the repair with out shutting the water supply off? It wouldn't bother me if I get my clothing wet.
The main shut off valve didn't work for my gate valve. I tried the faucets in my house and the our door faucet that's connected to my house. after shutting my main valve No water after a couple of minutes. However, the gate valve continued to leak from the stem/handle.

I spend about 30 minutes trying to do the repair with the water on. However, I wasn't able to get the handle off. I think i is a bit rusty.

I was advised by HomeDepot sales person to

1. Use a hammer and tap on the handle lightly to get the handle loosen and off.

2. If the handle doesn't come off, just loosen the packing nut, put new graphite packing string on the steam, and repack with out removing the handle, packing nut and old packing.

*sigh*

I might try the hammer trick tomorrow.

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