help for bad hose bib
All winter, 2 water faucets close to the lawn were unused. Now I can not turn the knob too. Used a wrench to move the knob; used WD40 lubricant-didn't help.
One of them, opened the nut, wahser and the nut on top of the knob, cannot even put the nut back.
What should have been a minor task has become a huge problem for me.
Any help is appreciated not having to call a plumber for this.
Yes - they make hose bib assemblies with a vaccuum breaker stub that protrudes into the wall behind the hose bib itself. assuming you have this hose bib into a basement, you should replace your old connection with one of these, and install a globe or ball valve before it's connection. In winter, you shut off the valve inside, then open the hose bib outside about 1/2 way. Once the water has drained, coat the interior with vaseline or graphite powdered lubricant. Sorry you cannot just repair the hose bib, but if the nut is stripped you are doomed to replace the hose bib (cheaper than all replacement parts and time) By replacing to the system mentioned above, you should never have the problem again. If you already have that type of hose bib, then replace, but do your pre-winter maintenance, add a valve to shut off the water to it. The stub mentioned is about 6" long. It is so that when water is drained, the system will stay dry, not freeze or collect gummy debris from the air causing corrosion. WD-40 does not work so well on brass parts, you will need PB Blaster or general gel lube. A wintergreen nut cracker solution works best from my experience. WD-40 is good for composites, inconel, aluminum and other aircraft material, but not so good on plumbing. Check your local codes before use though.
To install/ replace your hose bib, if you have no solder experience or plumbing, check your local library or DIY Home Improvement store. Get a book on DIY plumbing, then get the "proper" materials and follow directions in the book and packages very carefully. If you have trouble with this, write me at
Rb249@tampabay.rr.com, tell me your piping material and where it goes through the wall, ie: basement, 1st floor bedroom wall, etc., and I will try to steer you. Yes I have been a plumber, in the New England States out west and now down south. Water utility experience and now own a landscaping and irrigation business. I can help, but you will have to do the work. Good luck. OH, And MOST Importantly - before you begin work - shut off your water supply and water heater.
