[newbs]

I am a newbie and not especially handy, but I can usually do some simple stuff, and I want to figure out if I should attempt replacing my outdoor hose bibb. I currently have a "screw-down" type faucet that sometimes leaks. I have adjusted the nut at the base of the screw a little bit and it doesn't leak too much, but I would rather replace it with a quarter turn ball valve. (Incidentally, why isn't the ball valve type used more often? Isn't it supposed to be more reliable?)

Anyway, if the job just involves some wrenches, I am probably game to take it on. If I have to get a saw or a blowtorch and start soldering, then it is probably beyond my ability. I'd be too afraid of doing some real damage.

I have attached some pictures of the current bibb. What do I need to do to take it off? I tried turning the "nut" that is closer to the faucet, holding the "inner" nut in place, but could not get it to turn. Are those two connected and part of the same assembly?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Thurman]

That's a new one to me. Is the "pipe" coming through the wall copper? If it is then that may be a compression fitting. Again, if that's a compression fitting then that's the first hose bib I've personally seen with compression fitting built on. IF it is a compression fitting then it should be easy enough to remove by holding the bib securely and loosening the nut. Maybe, just maybe, you can find another bib in your area that could just replace that one, using the same compression sleeve and nut without creating any new leaks. Good Luck, David

 

[al's sewer]

That's a new one to me. Is the "pipe" coming through the wall copper? If it is then that may be a compression fitting. Again, if that's a compression fitting then that's the first hose bib I've personally seen with compression fitting built on. IF it is a compression fitting then it should be easy enough to remove by holding the bib securely and loosening the nut. Maybe, just maybe, you can find another bib in your area that could just replace that one, using the same compression sleeve and nut without creating any new leaks. Good Luck, David

I was going to respond to this thread yesterday but like you I wasn't sure if that was a female adapter or a compression fitting. If it is compression I have never seen one like that. I don't think I have ever heard of a ball valve on a hose bibb either. Not saying they don't make them just that in 35 yrs of being a plumber I have never seen one.

 

[newbs]

Like I said, I'm not really all that handy, and there isn't much pipe sticking out beyond the wall, but it does look like it could be copper under a layer of paint. If it helps, the house is relatively new construction. We bought the house in 2001 from the builder (Pulte Homes).

In any case, since I am a little worried that I will screw things up and have to shut off the water coming to the house, I think I'll leave it alone for now rather than try to mess with it not knowing what I am doing.

 

[kenmac]

since I am a little worried that I will screw things up and have to shut off the water coming to the house, I think I'll leave it alone for now rather than try to mess with it not knowing what I am doing.

Mabe your best course of action is to call a plumber

 

[mazzonetv]

i never saw a compression fitting on a hose valve either, but it does look like 1/2" copper with a compression fitting. I guess the best thing to do would be to take it off and solder on a 1/2" adapter and replace it with a ball type hose valve (they are out there -getting more common now and not expensive either). If the OP is not comfortable with soldering maybe he could get a sharkbite type fitting - I've never used them but they seem to be catching on...

 

[al's sewer]

Mabe your best course of action is to call a plumber

why didn't i think of that :whistling2::whistling2::laughing::laughing:

 

[kenmac]

why didn't i think of that :whistling2::whistling2::laughing::laughing:

Well , if he's not all that handy & is affraid he'll screw things up. As he says.. My opinion is that he to call a pro. Go under the house cut the line , add to it & extend the line & add the proper spigot

 

[brokenknee]

I was going to respond to this thread yesterday but like you I wasn't sure if that was a female adapter or a compression fitting. If it is compression I have never seen one like that. I don't think I have ever heard of a ball valve on a hose bibb either. Not saying they don't make them just that in 35 yrs of being a plumber I have never seen one.

They sell them at Home Depot.

 

[plumber Jim]

Is it leaking from the spout or just under the handle? If it is leaking from the nut under the handle then remove the handle then that nut and get some teflon packing from the hardware store and put some in under that nut. Just about one wrap maybe two but thats it. then tighten the nut and that should do it.