What should be done if the packing adjustment can no longer be tightened and it is leaking excessively?

When the packing adjustment can no longer be tightened and excessive leaking occurs, replacing the packing is the appropriate course of action. Packing is used to create a seal around the pump shaft, preventing the fluid from leaking out. Over time, packing materials can wear out, become brittle, or lose their effectiveness, leading to leaks.

If the packing can no longer be tightened adequately to stop the leak, it indicates that the material may be damaged or degraded beyond repair. In this case, replacing the packing with new, suitable material is essential to restore the sealing capability and maintain the pump's efficiency.

Other options, such as replacing the entire pump, adjusting motor speed, or using tape, do not effectively address the root cause of the leak. Replacing the entire pump is typically unnecessary and can be much more costly than simply changing the packing. Adjusting motor speed does not directly solve the leak problem, as it does not address the condition of the packing material. Sealing the leak with tape is a temporary fix and does not provide a reliable or durable solution for the packing issue. Thus, replacing the packing is the most effective and proper maintenance procedure in this scenario.