Plumbing question

[nrc]

We have an old Mansfield frost free hose bib (or sillcock, or bibcock, or spigot, or hose faucet, or wall hydrant, whatever you call it). I believe it's like this one although the handle is different.

https://www.griggindustries.com/page33.html

The plastic handle seems to be stripped. It turns freely without turning on the water. The handle screw is rusty, and if I turn it with a screwdriver I can turn the water on and off with it. I assume that this is because it's rusted up the stem end.

I can't hold the stem still to losen the screw because the handle is stripped. But am I correct in thinking that if I turn the spigot all the way open with the screw, the stem will eventually hit a stop without potentially backing out the packing nut (or stem cap as they call it on that page)? I'm an idiot with plumbing but it seems like this must be true since otherwise normally turning the handle past wide open could do the same thing.

I just want to make sure I'm not going to generate a plumbing emergency when I try to replace this. There's no isolated water shutoff for this spigot so if I create a gusher it's no water until a plumber comes.

[chop456]

Pretty sure you've already considered this, but why not just wait until the wifely unit is away, turn the water off to the whole house and replace the spigot? Throw a cutoff in there while you're at it. :tony:

Also, buy all metal next time.

[SteveH]

Pretty sure you've already considered this, but why not just wait until the wifely unit is away, turn the water off to the whole house and replace the spigot? Throw a cutoff in there while you're at it. :tony:

Also, buy all metal next time.


Also it is usually best to attempt this in the evening. So that if professional assistance is required while water is leaking everywhere, their schedule is usually pretty wide open. Of course, it will be at their OT rate but hey, you'll get quick service.

Signed,
Voice of Experience

[nrc]

Pretty sure you've already considered this, but why not just wait until the wifely unit is away, turn the water off to the whole house and replace the spigot? Throw a cutoff in there while you're at it. :tony:

Also, buy all metal next time.

I considered that but it's a bigger job than a really want. Outside the base is buried in the stucco and inside the the plumbing is hidden behind HVAC ducting. Plus, it looks like it's soldered on so I going to pass on that if possible. :D

[Mr. Vengeance]

A bit late to the game but... Sharkbite fittings are your friend. I haven't watched this but I think it'll cover your situation. You could attach a piece of PEX to the end of the spigot and use a Sharkbite union to make the connection to your copper in a convenient spot.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soQVWEMpclk

https://www.sharkbite.com/products/brass-push-outdoor-hose-valves

https://www.homedepot.com/p/SharkBite-1-2-in-x-10-in-Push-to-Connect-x-MHT-Brass-Anti-Siphon-Frost-Free-Sillcock-24629LF/301969294

[nrc]

A bit late to the game but... Sharkbite fittings are your friend. I haven't watched this but I think it'll cover your situation. You could attach a piece of PEX to the end of the spigot and use a Sharkbite union to make the connection to your copper in a convenient spot.

Cool. I had seen sharkbite fittings used on PEX but I didn't realize that they could be used on copper or PVC. Not sure I'd want to bury those in s wall but for a connection accessible in the basement it would be perfect for a fix like this. Although my plumber might disagree. :)