Need basic help with replacing outdoor faucet / hose bib

[amodoko]

Hey guys, visiting my parents today and need to replace their outdoor faucet / hose bib since it has been dripping. My local hardware store didn't sell replacement washers so I just bought a brand new hose bib for about $8.

It is an old house, and pictured below is the actual faucet I'm trying to replace. Anyways, I tried to remove the nut in the center of the handle and it is rusted on pretty well and won't come off. Either way, it doesn't matter I believe since I need to remove the whole hose bib.

I know people can put a number on their internal plumbing if they don't remove it correctly (by rotating their copper pipes by trying to unscrew the hose bib), but this old outdoor hose bib has no screws to hold onto, and I don't know how to safely remove it.

Do I just take some channel lock pliers and rotate the whole apparatus counter-clockwise? Or is there something else I need to do? Please help, I kind of need to get this done today. Take care

 

[johnjh2o]

That is a frost proof faucet. Chances are it doesn't unscrew. You have to cut the copper pipe inside the home to remove it then install the new one. You will have to solder some joints. A picture of what it looks like inside would help.

John

 

[amodoko]

Oh wow, you are right. I will try to see if I can just unscrew the nut on the outside and then find a washer that will fit instead of installing a brand new one. Thanks so much for the help, I appreciate it.

 

[johnjh2o]

Once the handle is removed there should be a nut behind it. Be sure to use two wrenches when trying to remove it so your not turning the faucet. Once it's off the just turn the stem out. It will be a very long stem as that's what makes it frost proof. The seat is actually back inside the house. The faucet should take a standard faucet washer.

john

 

[amodoko]

Thank you very much John, I appreciate the help. It has gotten dark here so I will have to try it another day. But I know the first issue I will run into is getting that rusty screw off on the outside. I tried using a socket wrench and a screwdriver and it wouldn't budge even after spraying wd-40 on it. Any suggestions for that part?

 

[phishfood]

I would first try a large flat screwdriver and use a hammer to tap on the handle of the screwdriver as you are trying to unscrew it. Often times the impacts will break seized threads loose.

 

[amodoko]

Great idea phishfood! I never thought of that, I was thinking atf transmission fluid was the route but what you mentioned is a more practical approach. Thanks a bunch, will let you guys know how it goes when I get to it again

 

[DFBonnett]

...and it wouldn't budge even after spraying wd-40 on it. Any suggestions for that part?

WD isn't much as a penetrating oil. Try something like Kroil, or my favorite, PB Blaster.

 

[amodoko]

Thanks DFBonnet, I'm always looking for an excuse to buy new tools/supplies/materials and since my local hardware store carries PB blaster I'm going to buy it and try it out. Been needing to get off some rusted bolts on my car as well and from what I read online seems like PB blaster works great. Thanks for the advice

 

[havasu]

I was waiting for someone to mention my favorite...PB Blaster!