View Full Version : Anyone know how outside faucet is connected to plumbing?
EdFNJ
01-03-2019, 03:45 PM
I guess it would be different depending on type of home. This is a wood frame built construction 10 yrs old in Amelia.
I'm pretty good at plumbing especially with CPVC pipe and I need to replace the outside hose bib. I removed the 4 screws marked with arrows. I am guessing the bib is connected to a cpvc to threaded adapter but don't want to twist it off and break it inside the wall. The bib seems to be attached (with sealant?) to that white block of whatever behind it. If I turn the bib with my hand the block moves so I am afraid I might break whatever water line is behind it..
Anyone ever take one of these off? Is it threaded to the cpvc? Replacing it is no problem if I can remove it.
There is also some sort of thing that seems to be threaded onto the spout. If I could remove that I might not need to replace it as it is leaking around it but nothing I do can get that off so it seems to be part of it. That is where the slow leak is.
https://i.ibb.co/y8SDPQK/2019-01-03-14-05-50.jpg
graciegirl
01-03-2019, 03:50 PM
Call Warranty and ask them.
Mleeja
01-03-2019, 03:57 PM
I’d call Mike Scott Plumbing and let the professionals handle it.
Rapscallion St Croix
01-03-2019, 03:59 PM
I can access the backside of one of mine through a panel in my garage.
retiredguy123
01-03-2019, 04:09 PM
The thing you have circled is a vacuum breaker that is required by the plumbing code. It prevents water from backing up into the house and contaminating the water. It is designed to not be removable. It is held on to the hose bibb with a set screw that cannot be unscrewed. But, you can remove the vacuum breaker by cutting it off with a Dremel cutting tool. If you want to try it, there are Youtube videos that will show you how. Personally, I would not attempt to replace the entire hose bibb, because I doubt that it is just screwed on. It is probably glued on. Better to just pay a plumber to replace it. I also recommend Mike Scott plumbing. Good luck.
EdFNJ
01-03-2019, 04:17 PM
I’d call Mike Scott Plumbing and let the professionals handle it.
Fuggetaboutit! :) I called them for a HWH leak when we first moved in and didn't have the time. Hit me for over $200 for for that for 35 minutes and $5 in parts. I'll let it drip while on if I can't figure it out . In over 44 years in my home up north I never once called a plumber or electrician and that included lots of copper piping and major wiring I installed.
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EdFNJ
01-03-2019, 04:20 PM
The thing you have circled is a vacuum breaker that is required by the plumbing code. It prevents water from backing up into the house and contaminating the water. It is designed to not be removable. It is held on to the hose bibb with a set screw that cannot be unscrewed. But, you can remove the vacuum breaker by cutting it off with a Dremel cutting tool. If you want to try it, there are Youtube videos that will show you how. Personally, I would not attempt to replace the entire hose bibb, because I doubt that it is just screwed on. It is probably glued on. Better to just pay a plumber to replace it. I also recommend Mike Scott plumbing. Good luck.
Thanks. Good info (other than calling the plumber). :)
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EdFNJ
01-03-2019, 04:22 PM
I can access the backside of one of mine through a panel in my garage.
Unfortunately mine isn't. Close but not close enough.
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retiredguy123
01-03-2019, 04:29 PM
Thanks. Good info (other than calling the plumber). :)
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Good luck. I have never done it, but the Youtube videos make it look easy.
PaulDenise
01-03-2019, 04:40 PM
Indeed the thing attached to the spigot is a siphon break. Usually there is a allen screw someplace that holds it in place and resists unscrewing it. I would look all around it for that screw and, if necessary, look at your other one or a neighbor's. They come off. However, to fix the faucet, you do not need to remove this thing. It can only leak if the faucet is leaking.
It appears to be leaking because the faucet is leaking. Turn your water main off first. Then remove the handle, then I would take a wrench and remove the valve stem. It is the nut shaped thing just under the handle. I suspect that your washer is bad and leaking. If it is not the washer, then you might see that the seat of the washer/ valve stem is cracked by looking down into it with a flashlight.
Take the washer and valve stem to Lowes, Home Depot, or similar and get a new washer.
Outside faucets are abused by turning them off with too much torque. This usually causes the washer to wear and cause a leak.
villagetinker
01-03-2019, 04:51 PM
Just a word of caution, if you remove the 'vacuum breaker' and do not replace, you may in violation of the law if and when you decide to sell your house. As noted above, the repair or rebuild of a valve is easily done once the water is shut off. i have done this several time, and have never had to revmove the valve body. Even had to replace the valve seat twice, the valve body remained.
thetruth
01-03-2019, 04:56 PM
[QUOTE=EdFNJ;1612921]I guess it would be different depending on type of home. This is a wood frame built construction 10 yrs old in Amelia.
I'm pretty good at plumbing especially with CPVC pipe and I need to replace the outside hose bib. I removed the 4 screws marked with arrows. I am guessing the bib is connected to a cpvc to threaded adapter but don't want to twist it off and break it inside the wall. The bib seems to be attached (with sealant?) to that white block of whatever behind it. If I turn the bib with my hand the block moves so I am afraid I might break whatever water line is behind it..
Anyone ever take one of these off? Is it threaded to the cpvc? Replacing it is no problem if I can remove it.
You state it is Ten Years old. Our water quality is, well not so great. That brass spigot is probably not top quality. You may well find if you put a wrench on it and put some force on it that you will find it turns to dust.
Obviously, be sure you have a second valve on the inside that shuts just that spigot off. That was code in NY not sure if it is here. If, you need to shut off the entire house and you then get into trouble well been there done that. Not all but some of the people a Home Depo and Lowes truly know what they are doing.
You might also look at a neighbors home and see if it is the same as yours. If, you are not the original owner, it may have been an issue previously and someone glued the spigot on.
As to my suggestion that it may have been an issue previously, That extension threaded on to the valve looks like it is the wrong valve. The handle does not seem to be ten years old and it seems it is too close to the siding to be easy to use.
retiredguy123
01-03-2019, 05:41 PM
Just a word of caution, if you remove the 'vacuum breaker' and do not replace, you may in violation of the law if and when you decide to sell your house. As noted above, the repair or rebuild of a valve is easily done once the water is shut off. i have done this several time, and have never had to revmove the valve body. Even had to replace the valve seat twice, the valve body remained.
If the vacuum breaker is causing the leak, you can cut it off and replace it with another vacuum breaker and still be legal. You can screw a new vacuum breaker on and not use the set screw. The problem with the set screw is that it is designed to be non-removable. So, when you screw it tight and then try to remove it, the top part will break off making it almost impossible to unscrew.
EdFNJ
01-03-2019, 05:51 PM
Just a word of caution, if you remove the 'vacuum breaker' and do not replace, you may in violation of the law if and when you decide to sell your house. As noted above, the repair or rebuild of a valve is easily done once the water is shut off. i have done this several time, and have never had to revmove the valve body. Even had to replace the valve seat twice, the valve body remained.
Law? Maybe a code. In any case It's not the valve. It's probably a cross thread on the vacuum breaker. Tried plumbers tape didn't help. Never had them up north. Don't intend on selling home until we are both pushing up daisies so I will let whoever inherits our home worry about calling the plumber assuming I don't replace it. I’m sure there are other “laws” that have been broken as well. :)
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graciegirl
01-03-2019, 06:31 PM
I’d call Mike Scott Plumbing and let the professionals handle it.
Sometimes Warranty will surprise you and have the original contractor check it out and possibly fix it.
Warranty has always been very nice to me, but I have never called up and raised hell either.
EdFNJ
01-03-2019, 06:47 PM
Good luck. I have never done it, but the Youtube videos make it look easy.
I found a video but the setscrew is probably on the bottom because I can't see it and of course the bibb is behind a couple large shrubs! Maybe I'll just break it off with a 20lb sledgehammer. :D
JUST KIDDING! (on the sledgehammer, a sawzall will probably work :D )
retiredguy123
01-03-2019, 07:26 PM
Again, good luck. You may not need to cut the vacuum breaker where the set screw is located. If you make two cuts through the vacuum breaker, you can probably pry it off. Try not to damage the hose bibb threads.
Mikeod
01-03-2019, 07:40 PM
It’s been a while, but last time I had a leak8ng hose bib, all I had to do was remove the handle and replace the washer at the bottom of the valve. Have they changed?
EdFNJ
01-03-2019, 07:59 PM
It’s been a while, but last time I had a leak8ng hose bib, all I had to do was remove the handle and replace the washer at the bottom of the valve. Have they changed?
As I mentioned in a couple previous posts it is not the washer, the stem or the valve. I am 100% sure of that.
There is probably a bad thread on the vacuum breaker because when the water is turned OFF there is no leak. When the water is turned ON it leaks from the vacuum breaker thread on the hose bibb. Yes, I often leave the water ON because I have a timer that waters an area so when the timer is OFF (and the valve is opened) I get a slow leak from the vacuum breaker thread.
From what I have been reading these "vacuum breakers" have a 5-10 year life expectancy and this is 10yrs old.
tophcfa
01-03-2019, 08:37 PM
Had the same problem when we bought our house. The valve leaked and spewed water all over when being shut off. I just turned off the water, put a pair of channel lock pliers on the faulty fixture, and unscrewed it. Replaced it with a regular hose fixture that does not have that stupid vacuum breaker thing. I put plumbers tape and silicone on the pipe threads when installing the new hose fixture so there would not be any leaks. Never had a problem since. I was told I would have to put on one of those vacuum breaker things if I ever sold the house so it would pass inspection. I will deal with that if the time ever comes? The backwash issue into the water supply is ridiculous. First, the water pressure would have to go to zero, and second, a hose would have to be attached to the fixture where the hose was submerged in contaminated waste, and then back pressure would have to be initiated. That equation is just about impossible, and would never happen at my house since the hose is always either reeled up or totally disconnected. Now when I shut off my hose I no longer get soaked by the vacuum breaker, and no more leaks. All good.
pauld315
01-03-2019, 09:40 PM
Fuggetaboutit! :) I called them for a HWH leak when we first moved in and didn't have the time. Hit me for over $200 for for that for 35 minutes and $5 in parts. I'll let it drip while on if I can't figure it out . In over 44 years in my home up north I never once called a plumber or electrician and that included lots of copper piping and major wiring I installed.
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You obviously didn't live in the city I grew up in in upstate NY. You had to hire a union plumber or union electrician to do any work like that in your house and permits had to be pulled. There was ways around it as long as you didn't get caught.
EdFNJ
01-03-2019, 10:00 PM
/// :)
stan the man
01-03-2019, 11:20 PM
Is the outside faucet potable water?
EdFNJ
01-03-2019, 11:22 PM
Is the outside faucet potable water? Yes. Same water as in the house.
stan the man
01-04-2019, 07:14 AM
Yes. Same water as in the house.
Thanks......
photo1902
01-04-2019, 08:37 AM
Fuggetaboutit! :) I called them for a HWH leak when we first moved in and didn't have the time. Hit me for over $200 for for that for 35 minutes and $5 in parts. I'll let it drip while on if I can't figure it out . In over 44 years in my home up north I never once called a plumber or electrician and that included lots of copper piping and major wiring I installed.
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WHAT? You mean a professional, licensed and insured plumbing company didn't come out and fix it for free?
EdFNJ
01-04-2019, 10:38 AM
WHAT? You mean a professional, licensed and insured plumbing company didn't come out and fix it for free?
Huh? No idea what your point is or was. You are obviously missing mine.
New Englander
01-04-2019, 11:02 AM
Yes. Same water as in the house.
I thought the outside water was recycled water.
photo1902
01-04-2019, 11:19 AM
I thought the outside water was recycled water.
No. It's not.
New Englander
01-04-2019, 11:29 AM
No. It's not.
So my sprinkler system uses recycled water but the outside spigot is potable water?
photo1902
01-04-2019, 11:34 AM
So my sprinkler system uses recycled water but the outside spigot is potable water?
Depends on where in The Villages you live:
"North of CR 466, homes are irrigated with potable water. South of CR 466, homes are irrigated with non-potable water which is comprised of storm water runoff that is collected in water retention areas and groundwater from the lower Floridan aquifer when storm water supplies are not available."
Regardless of where you live in TV, the outside spigot water is potable.
New Englander
01-04-2019, 01:27 PM
Depends on where in The Villages you live:
"North of CR 466, homes are irrigated with potable water. South of CR 466, homes are irrigated with non-potable water which is comprised of storm water runoff that is collected in water retention areas and groundwater from the lower Floridan aquifer when storm water supplies are not available."
Regardless of where you live in TV, the outside spigot water is potable.
Okay thanks. I live in Pinellas. So I know that my sprinklers are using recycled water. I just assumed my outside spigot was the same. Now I know I was wrong.
photo1902
01-04-2019, 01:29 PM
Okay thanks. I live in Pinellas. So I know that my sprinklers are using recycled water. I just assumed my outside spigot was the same. Now I know I was wrong.
No worries. Your question is a common one here, so now you know :)
villagetinker
01-04-2019, 01:58 PM
EdFNJ,
Did you get your answer, and were yo able to fix your faucet without removing it?
EdFNJ
01-04-2019, 02:10 PM
Well, to get this back ON TOPIC the issue was resolved. After removing the one screw on each side side of the bibb and breaking the putty seal with a screwdriver I took my right hand (I'm lefty but had to reach behind the shrubs) and twisted counterclockwise 3 turns and removed (and replaced) the hose bibb thereby saving a fully licensed, fully insured and highly trained(?) 30yr old kid to charge me probably $200 to do the same. That savings covered one of our tickets to see Hamilton in Orlando next month. :) PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT DO THIS YOURSELF UNLESS YOU HAVE COMPLETE CONFIDENCE in your plumbing abilities. I am now awaiting an appearance from the water police for not yet installing the vacuum breaker which I did purchase for $9 (does INTENT count?). Still deciding whether to do that or to let our kids be forced to do it when wife and I move on to the netherworld and they get the house. :)
EdFNJ
01-04-2019, 02:12 PM
EdFNJ,
Did you get your answer, and were yo able to fix your faucet without removing it? Thank you, yes but it was much easier to remove and replace the bibb then to have to start cutting off the VB. See message right before this.
photo1902
01-04-2019, 02:23 PM
Well, to get this back ON TOPIC the issue was resolved. After removing the one screw on each side side of the bibb and breaking the putty seal with a screwdriver I took my right hand (I'm lefty but had to reach behind the shrubs) and twisted counterclockwise 3 turns and removed (and replaced) the hose bibb thereby saving a fully licensed, fully insured and highly trained(?) 30yr old kid to charge me probably $200 to do the same. That savings covered one of our tickets to see Hamilton in Orlando next month. :) PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT DO THIS YOURSELF UNLESS YOU HAVE COMPLETE CONFIDENCE in your plumbing abilities. I am now awaiting an appearance from the water police for not yet installing the vacuum breaker which I did purchase for $9 (does INTENT count?). Still deciding whether to do that or to let our kids be forced to do it when wife and I move on to the netherworld and they get the house. :)
Vacuum Breakers are required by code, and help protect the integrity of the water supply. Not just for you, but for your neighbors. So while you revel in your repair, keep in mind there are requirements and safeguards put in place. This is why people who aren't familiar with plumbing requirements should leave those jobs to professionals, and or at least research a repair project. And my earlier comment about hiring a professional was not just for you, but for everyone who balks at paying for a professional to do the job. I recall a post not that long ago about a resident here who had a neighbor replace a breaker in his main panel because he didn't want to pay an electrician.
EdFNJ
01-04-2019, 02:25 PM
Vacuum Breakers are required by code, and help protect the integrity of the water supply. Not just for you, but for your neighbors. So while you revel in your repair, keep in mind there are requirements and safeguards put in place. This is why people who aren't familiar with plumbing requirements should leave those jobs to professionals, and or at least research a repair project. And my earlier comment about hiring a professional was not just for you, but for everyone who balks at paying for a professional to do the job. I recall a post not that long ago about a resident here who had a neighbor replace a breaker in his main panel because he didn't want to pay an electrician.
That's blasphemous! Ok, did the homeowners home burn down? I've installed an entire new electrical panel . I've also done gas plumbing, water plumbing and a lot of electrical work in my home up north and IF YOU KNOW HOW TO DO IT (breaker) PROPERLY do you think you should pay an electrician to do it?
I would never do anything like that for a neighbor for many reasons but for myself? Of course IF I am knowledgeable.
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retiredguy123
01-04-2019, 02:38 PM
If you install a vacuum breaker, I think it will work fine by either removing or not tightening the set screw. You can always install it later. But, once you tighten the set screw, you will not be able to remove it because it is designed as a tamperproof device. You may also be able to find a non-tamperproof set screw that could be removed to replace the vacuum breaker.
photo1902
01-04-2019, 02:47 PM
If you install a vacuum breaker, I think it will work fine by either removing or not tightening the set screw. You can always install it later. But, once you tighten the set screw, you will not be able to remove it because it is designed as a tamperproof device. You may also be able to find a non-tamperproof set screw that could be removed to replace the vacuum breaker.
Easiest way to remove a defective one (before replacing with a new one) is to use a small rotary tool such as a Dremel tool. Cut above and below the set screw, pry off the middle, and unscrew.
tophcfa
01-05-2019, 09:31 AM
Well, to get this back ON TOPIC the issue was resolved. After removing the one screw on each side side of the bibb and breaking the putty seal with a screwdriver I took my right hand (I'm lefty but had to reach behind the shrubs) and twisted counterclockwise 3 turns and removed (and replaced) the hose bibb thereby saving a fully licensed, fully insured and highly trained(?) 30yr old kid to charge me probably $200 to do the same. That savings covered one of our tickets to see Hamilton in Orlando next month. :) PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT DO THIS YOURSELF UNLESS YOU HAVE COMPLETE CONFIDENCE in your plumbing abilities. I am now awaiting an appearance from the water police for not yet installing the vacuum breaker which I did purchase for $9 (does INTENT count?). Still deciding whether to do that or to let our kids be forced to do it when wife and I move on to the netherworld and they get the house. :)
Glad you were able to fix the leak yourself. Good job : )
Brawnwy123
01-05-2019, 10:18 AM
[QUOTE=EdFNJ;1612921]I guess it would be different depending on type of home. This is a wood frame built construction 10 yrs old in Amelia.
I'm pretty good at plumbing especially with CPVC pipe and I need to replace the outside hose bib. I removed the 4 screws marked with arrows. I am guessing the bib is connected to a cpvc to
RESPONSE Hope it helps. The Hose bib may be on the house water line, and it may be on the irrigation line. You can tell by turning off the house water, in the wall, in the garage. OK, the back flow preventer, on the hose bib, brass POS is a real nuisance, I have always removed them, but save it because sale may require that to code? Years ago, someone with an IQ of 70 decided that all homes needed a BACKflow prevent er, because, it COULD BE? The hose with an insecticide sprayer may back flow stuff into the house water??? Think on that folks.
So, I am not advising you to leave it off, but it is there to prevent, so, how to get back flow? Well there would have to be no house water pressure and there would have to be an elevation change or a pump to get the contaminated water back into the house ?????????? On two houses, I have removed and saved them, then able to install at the hose sale, if code wants it. Good luck.
:bigbow:
Brawnwy123
01-05-2019, 10:24 AM
[QUOTE=EdFNJ;1612921]I guess it would be different depending on type of home. This is a wood frame built construction 10 yrs old in Amelia.
I'm pretty good at plumbing especially with CPVC pipe and I need to replace the outside hose bib. I removed the 4 screws marked with arrows. I am guessing the bib is connected to a cpvc to threaded adapter but don't want to twist it off and break it inside the wall. The bib seems to be attached (with sealant?) to that white block of whatever behind it. If I turn the bib with my hand the block moves so I am afraid I might break whatever water line is behind it..
Anyone ever take one of these off? Is it threaded to the cpvc? Replacing it is no problem if I can remove it.
Response
:bigbow:
And,,,,,,,, I forgot, the POS brass prev enter can have a set screw in it to prevent removal,,,,,,,,,, need a small Allen wrench for the set screw removal. Village maintenance may know of the PVC or other threaded connection, Be careful, it is in the wall and so,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,do not break it.
Topspinmo
01-05-2019, 10:31 AM
IMO I would try to get repair kit and reseal it. The VB screw that's been broken off can be drilled out. Mine was also on the bottom I just used two pair pliers and turned till I could drill it out and un screw it using lots of Penetrating oil. just make sure you hold the valve good before trying to twist anything off.
DIY Repair your Leaky Sillcock (Outside Water Faucet) for under 7.50 and in 15 Minutes - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7geR-Ani6Rc)
Ok, after I researched the type you had and finished my post you all ready fixed it. Good Job another thing IF you replaced the VB just don't break the screw head off, that way you can remove it easily if ever has to be replaced again.
graciegirl
01-05-2019, 10:41 AM
Good job.
PaulDenise
01-05-2019, 07:44 PM
Now that it is off, take the valve stem out and take a look at the washer. That was the part that was leaking.
EdFNJ
01-05-2019, 09:56 PM
Now that it is off, take the valve stem out and take a look at the washer. That was the part that was leaking. As I mentioned a couple times before when everyone kept telling me it was the valve stem or washer: NO it was not. The bibb did NOT leak when turned off. It was leaking where the vacuum breaker was threaded to the nozzle only when the faucet was on which is all the time. I leave the faucet turned on all the time because there is a watering timer attached to it. Besides it was easier and cleaner to just unscrew the entire thing and replace it rather than dealing with valve stem and washer or cutting off the leaky vacuum breaker in a 10 year old part. Took all of $9 and 5 minutes and now I have a nice shiny new faucet to make all my neighbors jealous. ;)
PaulDenise
01-06-2019, 11:27 AM
Sorry, my mistake. But to be fair, it was not until your seventh post that you said it was leaking only when turned on. Indeed, I did miss that one.
EdFNJ
01-06-2019, 12:21 PM
Sorry, my mistake. But to be fair, it was not until your seventh post that you said it was leaking only when turned on. Indeed, I did miss that one.
You are correct, I was not fully specific in my OP although it does say it's leaking from the threads of (what I later discovered was) the vacuum breaker. I guess they weren't required in NJ but I'm told that not having one here is either a felony, a crime against humanity or going to poison the entire 125000+ residents of TV if it isn't used so I decided to install the one I got. At least it will save my heirs $8.99 and I'll sleep better at night. :D
Ladygolfer93
04-14-2019, 11:22 PM
Right on, let the kids worry about it, I agree. I don't have the skills to do this, but I have never lived anywhere in any state with such poor outside faucets on my house (as a matter of fact, MUCH smaller and ''cheap" looking compared to other homes we've bought and those we had built) and am surprised since supposedly we paid more because the designer homes had better quality (??) fittings and such, and then we upgraded further on top of that ! Went most of my life without EVER having a simple light switch "go bad", "squeal" but not smoke or burn, and just outright quit working. I think more than 70% in this house have been replaced and STILL not a year goes by without having to call an "electrician" to replace at least two switches !!
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