[New Englander]

Both my hose bibs have back-flo preventers that spray water all the time the water is on so they need to be replaced. The problem is the set screws are on the bottom making it impossible to drill out the screws. Looking for a way to do this. I have a hack saw but that could make a mess. Any idea's?

[retiredguy123]

There are other threads on this topic. Do a search. One method is to use a Dremel cutting tool to cut off the device, being careful to not damage the hose bibb threads. Another is to use a large wrench to unscrew the device, but, if you do this, be very careful to not cause a leak inside the exterior wall. You can also replace the entire hose bibb.

[New Englander]

I was thinking just replace the hose bib. There are two screws holding it. Do I just remove the screws and with a wrench turn the hose bib counter clockwise?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by New Englander

I was thinking just replace the hose bib. There are two screws holding it. Do I just remove the screws and with a wrench turn the hose bib counter clockwise?

Maybe. Note that the hose bibb is attached to a plastic pipe inside the wall. I'm not sure if the hose bibb was screwed onto a plastic threaded fitting which was glued to the pipe, or connected directly to the pipe with a compression or glued connection. In any event, you need to turn off the water and there is a risk that you will create a leak inside the wall if the hose bibb doesn't come off easily. If the pipe leaks, you will need to cut a hole in the exterior wall to get access to the leak. In the meantime, your house water will be off. I wouldn't attempt it myself.

I think the easier way to go is to buy a Dremel cutting tool and cut off the vacuum breaker (backflow device). Watch a YouTube video before doing it. It looks pretty easy. Good luck.

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Maybe. Note that the hose bibb is attached to a plastic pipe inside the wall. I'm not sure if the hose bibb was screwed onto a plastic threaded fitting which was glued to the pipe, or connected directly to the pipe with a compression or glued connection. In any event, you need to turn off the water and there is a risk that you will create a leak inside the wall if the hose bibb doesn't come off easily. If the pipe leaks, you will need to cut a hole in the exterior wall to get access to the leak. In the meantime, your house water will be off. I wouldn't attempt it myself.

I think the easier way to go is to buy a Dremel cutting tool and cut off the vacuum breaker (backflow device). Watch a YouTube video before doing it. It looks pretty easy. Good luck.

Thanks, I have seen the U-tube videos. One thing I don't want to do is cause a disaster in the wall.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by New Englander

I was thinking just replace the hose bib. There are two screws holding it. Do I just remove the screws and with a wrench turn the hose bib counter clockwise?

There's one set screw which holds it in place. Use a 3/16' drill bit to carefully drill it out, then use a pair of Channel Locks to unscrew it.

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by photo1902

There's one set screw which holds it in place. Use a 3/16' drill bit to carefully drill it out, then use a pair of Channel Locks to unscrew it.

I can't get at the back flo preventer set screw because it is underneath on the bottom.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by New Englander

I can't get at the back flo preventer set screw because it is underneath on the bottom.

Thats a common occurrence. Take some PB Blaster penetrant. Spray the threads (or as close as you can). Let it sit for a few minutes. Using Channel Locks, twist the vacuum-breaker to the point you can access the set screw.

As other posters mentioned, use care while doing this, especially if it's on a vinyl siding house, as the hose bibb isn't always securely mounted to the wall. On most stucco/block homes, holding off the fitting isn't necessary. Once you get to the point you can drill out the screw, you'll be good. The problem with not drilling out the set screw is that it's almost a guarantee you'll screw up the threads on the hose bibb itself

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by photo1902

Thats a common occurrence. Take some PB Blaster penetrant. Spray the threads (or as close as you can). Let it sit for a few minutes. Using Channel Locks, twist the vacuum-breaker to the point you can access the set screw.

As other posters mentioned, use care while doing this, especially if it's on a vinyl siding house, as the hose bibb isn't always securely mounted to the wall. On most stucco/block homes, holding off the fitting isn't necessary. Once you get to the point you can drill out the screw, you'll be good. The problem with not drilling out the set screw is that it's almost a guarantee you'll screw up the threads on the hose bibb itself

I tried that already and afraid if I use more force something in the wall may break

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by New Englander

I tried that already and afraid if I use more force something in the wall may break

I could be wrong, but it seems to me that if you are able to cut off the vacuum breaker with a Dremel tool, the set screw will come off with it. You will be fine as long as you don't damage the threads on the hose bibb.

I don't know why the vacuum breaker leaks with the water turned on, but you could try to add a small metal valve to the end of the hose bibb, and leave the main valve in the full open position. But, if the vacuum breaker continues to leak, that will not work. The vacuum breaker should not leak with the valve open.

[Badger 2006]

Originally Posted by New Englander

Both my hose bibs have back-flo preventers that spray water all the time the water is on so they need to be replaced. The problem is the set screws are on the bottom making it impossible to drill out the screws. Looking for a way to do this. I have a hack saw but that could make a mess. Any idea's?

I had Village Plumber LLC remove the old (leaky) back-flo preventers, as I didn’t want to cause a major repair issue if I tried. He replaced them with new without tightening the set screws. I then removed them and will replace them when and if the house is sold. Also replaced the old dial on/off with a tab twist on the bibs.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by New Englander

I tried that already and afraid if I use more force something in the wall may break

Hold with pair of channel locks/ vise grips while twisting the backflow.

[me4vt]

Nothings impossible! File the head down flat and drill it out or use WD40 and vise grips.

[Windguy]

Don’t y’all know the back flow preventers are on there for a reason?

My understanding is that if you have a hose connected to the faucet when water pressure drops for something like fire trucks trying to put out a fire, the contaminated water inside the hose will be sucked back into the water supply and not only contaminate your water, but that of your neighbors.

If there’s such a thing, I can see replacing a leaky device with one that doesn’t leak, but just removing it sounds like a bad idea.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Windguy

Don’t y’all know the back flow preventers are on there for a reason?

My understanding is that if you have a hose connected to the faucet when water pressure drops for something like fire trucks trying to put out a fire, the contaminated water inside the hose will be sucked back into the water supply and not only contaminate your water, but that of your neighbors.

If there’s such a thing, I can see replacing a leaky device with one that doesn’t leak, but just removing it sounds like a bad idea.

The issue is that after a few years they fail, which results in being sprayed. Hence the reason you have to replace them periodically.