DIY Need help with tricky Sillcock

[Modmouse]

So I consider myself pretty handy, but why is it whenever I try to tackle even the simplest of projects, it never is quite textbook? I figure I could easily switch out the hose bib on the side of my house. After taking a look at it and then being completely dumbfounded I went looking for something that looks even remotely similiar to this connection. There isn't alot of pipe to work with but the bigger issue is how the heck is this connected? It isn't a thread and is doesn't look soldered. It actually looks like there is a pvc pipe jammed into the copper pipe? Link to picture below. Any opinions? Thanks.

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x392/modmouse43/DSC_0002-1.jpg

 

[Mr_David]

That is polybutylene (Google it) pipe and has been banned and discontinued.
That is a crimp ring. normaly there would be a copper tube going into the wall that you could solder to if you are careful.
The only way to fix that is to open the stucco.
It is the same O.D. as copper tubing. Sharkbite fittings will work on them.
We use John Guest fitting.

 

[havasu]

Good ol' PB Pipe! Hate it!

"The Polybutylene Pipe Settlement is now closed. If you have polybutylene and are looking for a plumbing contractor to replumb your home......"

BTW, I was also late in jumping on the Class Action lawsuit.

 

[johnjh2o]

If you have access to the pipe on the other side of the stucco wall I would cut the poly and adapt it to copper. That's the way it should have been done in the first place.

John

 

[Modmouse]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I can handle the hose bibb replacement now that I know what I am working with.

However, after reading the horror stories about PB, my simple hose bibb replacement has turned into a potential major job. Anyone have any opinion of the cost range for a 3 bath home re-pipe? Or if they think it's worth it based on a house piped with this garbage.

 

[havasu]

I don't think anyone could give you an Internet estimate correctly, because you would need to personally look at your layout, the location, and what other add on's you would like or need.

My best recommendation is to find some plumbing repipe specialists in your area, and get some estimates. What I found is many will give a low ball price with the condition that you patch up the drywall yourself. If this happens, you will find them doing their cuts half-azzed because they know it is your problem and not theirs.

 

[Modmouse]

That makes sense. So I either get one company to do the whole thing or have a good drywall guy ready as my wife won't stand for me doing that much drywall work in my spare time. Thanks again.

 

[johnjh2o]

What type fittings do you have with the PB pipe and have you had any failures yet? Most of the failures have been with plastic fittings, there are far less with copper fittings and very little with the pipe it self. I have seen many homes with PB that is over 20 years old with no failures. (type M copper fails in that length of time) I would not jump the gun with a repipe until I had some problems with the pipe.

John

 

[Modmouse]

Thanks for the advice. I think I got a little overzealous after seeing all the pictures of the damage these pipes caused. I took at look at the interior of the pipe I was working on and it looked in good shape. I was worried since our water supply has a high chlorine content. I'll check a fitting later tonight to see what they used. The house is 22 years old so even if I did decide to re-pipe it based on the fittings it wouldn't be like the house didn't get it's use out of the current pipes.

On another note, the hose bibb is is place and working perfectly. Removing and replacing the stucco was by far the toughest/most time consuming part. The Sharkbite fitting was awesome, it couldn't be any easier. Now all I have to do is unscrew the bibb next time I need to replace.

 

[rosky]

I don't think anyone could give you an Internet estimate correctly, because you would need to personally look at your layout, the location, and what other add on's you would like or need.

My best recommendation is to find some plumbing repipe specialists in your area, and get some estimates. What I found is many will give a low ball price with the condition that you patch up the drywall yourself. If this happens, you will find them doing their cuts half-azzed because they know it is your problem and not theirs.

I knew the estimate I got to repipe my house was too affordable! So today (a week after I paid a $400 non-refundable deposit on the work) the plumbers show up and inform me that if I want the drywall done, that would cost more. I was mad as he!!, but it's too late now. I guess I'll be patching drywall in 5 different spots. At least the guys who are doing the work minimized the damage to the walls and hid some of the holes behind cabinets, so I won't have as much work later. Sorry...not trying to hijack the thread.

 

[Bigbigboy]

If the hose is on without the nozzle on, everything is fine. If the nozzle is on, water backs up into my basement. Maybe sillcock problem?

 

[IFIXH20]

sounds like you have a bad frost proof hydrant -- measure the hydrant for correct length of replacement.

 

[johnjh2o]

I'm betting you didn't remove the hose last winter and the frost proof froze.
As IFIXH2O said replace the faucet.

John