By Mark J. Donovan
When twisting this particular plumbing valve open and closed, to service the
faucet for example, it's not uncommon for the large brass nut to become slightly loosened.
As a result, a small plumbing line leak can occur around the nut. If you see
mineral deposits around the nut, it's a sure sign that this is indeed the source
of your plumbing supply line leak.
In addition, particularly with the hot plumbing supply line, due to the
repeated expansion and contraction of the plumbing valve as it heats up and
cools down, the nut can slightly loosen up over time. As the nut slowly loosens
up, a slow leak can form around the plumbing valve and nut assembly.
To fix a plumbing supply line leak of this nature, a crescent wrench or
adjustable wrench is typically all that is required. While holding the plumbing
supply line securely with one hand use the crescent wrench to tighten the
plumbing valve nut a quarter of a turn. Make sure to not over-tighten the nut or else
you could damage the valve, and spring an even bigger plumbing line leak.
