[foxten]

Hi Guys First time posting here. I'm hoping you can help me figure this out.

I have a leaky spigot I'm trying to fix. It does not leak at the spout. It leaks at the handle and it only leaks when I turn the water on (i.e. when a hose is attached and I turn it on, you see water coming out of the handle.) I'm trying to plumb from this spigot to another spigot near my garden so I can leave this permanently on without it leaking.

This is a NIBCO valve if that helps. My goal was to take it apart and replace the packing, but I'm having trouble doing that. I can remove the screw to the handle, but I'm unable to remove the handle. Then I tried undoing the hex below the threads, but my crescent wrench keeps slipping and I'm rounding over the hex, so I abandoned that plan. I feel like my only option is to remove the handle so I can use a socket and get a better grip on the hex portion below the threads. Any ideas? I'm really trying to avoid removing a bunch of siding and replacing the entire fitting. The house is about 20 years old and in SC. Please let me know what I need to do. Thanks!

 

[foxten]

It won't let me embed the images.

 

[foxten]

I've added the pictures to my album if you click under my username "View foxten's Album". Thanks!

 

[plumberinlaw]

Put the nut under the handle back on, tighter that nut until it no longer leaks

 

[foxten]

Well, that nut was on when it was leaking. I just took the photos at my furthest point of disassembly.

 

[foxten]

I can't send PMs, so I can't reply to you, but here's my response.

From what I can see in the pics you are attempting to remove the bonnet. The water supply must be shut off to remove that. The packing nut will be above that and if the valve has adjustable packing it will be rope graphite packing that can be added to. If it has an "O" ring for packing it will need to be disassembled and replaced.

The handle sometimes needs a light hammer to get its attention and break the crust that binds them.

Those valves usually have a back seat and the stem packing often quits leaking when the valve is fully open.[/QUOTE]

I've shut off the water supply. Which direction am I hammering? Perpendicular to the stem? In Line with the stem as if I'm hammering the handle down? Pulling up doesn't seem to do anything. I gave it a few light taps in a bunch of directions and I didn't notice any improvement. Is there any way to know for certain that the handle is supposed to come out?

Thanks!

 

[TheEplumber]

Options I'd try-
Put the crescent wrench behind the handle- around the stem and try tapping it off with a hammer- tapping on the wrench. The handle is stuck on due to age.
Or
Purchase some graphite packing string from a hardware store and put a wrap or two around the stem and put the nut back on.

Don't worry about the hex nut part. If you take that off you'll get a face full of water....