It leaked through the stem, drip by drip. This valve having been sweated in place, the idea of cutting it out, removing the other pipe and fittings was just not something you would want to contemplate. Accordingly the handle and stem retaining nut were removed and a small O ring was snugged into the space not designed for one and that seems to to have stopped the leak for now.

Went to my local big-box store. Searched every isle for a valve as common as air, asked for help, only received blank stares or insults. Went home and ordered on Amazon had it the next day. Problem solved.

After I cut my water main and installed the valve and a coupling, there was a drip. It was coming from the stem. It was NOT a solder joint. I tightened the nut on top of the stem (underneath the handle) as much as I could. That slowed it down, but water was still seeping through the top of the stem. After all the work I had to do to solder in this valve and a coupling I had to cut it out, get another valve and $5 coupling, and start all over.The new valve I got from a local hardware store worked perfect. Not one drop of leakage.

Avoid at all cost! Installed this valve properly and after 1 day it started leaking from the middle junction where the 2 parts come together. It will be a real pain to replace this valve!!! Horrible

Would buy again.