Hose bibb leaking - looking to replace it

May 3rd, 2022 4:32 pm

#1

jcremer2007 [OP]: Newbie; Oct 20, 2011; 77 posts; 35 upvotes; Toronto

May 3rd, 2022 4:32 pm

Hose bibb leaking - looking to replace it

The hose bibb from my garage is leaking. It only leaks when water is fully shut off at the hose bibb. Water does not leak if water is shut off from inside.

Are hose bibbs that turn on/off water with a lever better than the ones that turn on/off water with a dial?

Any reason why I shouldn't install one with a lever?

I have no plumbing or soldering experience. Should I hire a plumber to replace the hose bibb for me? Any idea what the cost would be?

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May 3rd, 2022 6:10 pm

#2

Rapsrawk: Jr. Member; Jan 11, 2017; 153 posts; 80 upvotes

May 3rd, 2022 6:10 pm

Just change the washer.

+3

May 3rd, 2022 7:36 pm

#3

Feebz13: Jr. Member; Jan 21, 2007; 107 posts; 9 upvotes

May 3rd, 2022 7:36 pm

Hi there I had this issue two or three years ago. Ended up just replacing the hosebib myself. I didn't end up going with ballnvalve but if I did it again I probably would. I've never soldered before but it was pretty easy. Just be sure there's no water in the pipe (I used bread) and the copper pipe is clean and shiny. I think I'm semi handy and would rate this job a 5/10 on difficulty scale. Hope this helps.

+2

May 4th, 2022 8:38 am

#4

jcremer2007 [OP]: Newbie; Oct 20, 2011; 77 posts; 35 upvotes; Toronto

May 4th, 2022 8:38 am

Feebz13 wrote: ↑ Hi there I had this issue two or three years ago. Ended up just replacing the hosebib myself. I didn't end up going with ballnvalve but if I did it again I probably would. I've never soldered before but it was pretty easy. Just be sure there's no water in the pipe (I used bread) and the copper pipe is clean and shiny. I think I'm semi handy and would rate this job a 5/10 on difficulty scale. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the tip about the no water in pipe.

Do I cut the pipe leading to the existing hose bibb, then attach the new hose bibb by soldering it to the pipe?

I'm looking at getting something like this - https://www.amazon.ca/American-Valve-M7 ... KFAE&psc=1

May 4th, 2022 9:00 am

#5

cheapmeister: Deal Guru; Feb 23, 2008; 12521 posts; 1430 upvotes; Brampton

May 4th, 2022 9:00 am

Use your torch to sweat off the old hose bib. Pull off old bib with pliers. Use another plier to hold pipe while pulling off bib. Put flux on pipe and sweat on new bib. Be careful, it will burn you!

If new bib doesn't fit on pipe, use torch to melt off solder, or remove with sandpaper. Then add flux and solder bib onto pipe.

Lets Go Blue Jays!!!

+1

May 4th, 2022 10:32 am

#6

Blackjack: Deal Addict; May 11, 2004; 1171 posts; 16 upvotes; Toronto

May 4th, 2022 10:32 am

Just attach this valve to your hose bib and problem solved.
I used this valve on my own bib and it works just fine.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/stra ... 3706p.html

+2

May 4th, 2022 11:52 am

#7

NuclearBlast: Deal Addict; Jun 12, 2007; 1150 posts; 339 upvotes; GTA

May 4th, 2022 11:52 am

jcremer2007 wrote: ↑ Thanks for the tip about the no water in pipe.

Do I cut the pipe leading to the existing hose bibb, then attach the new hose bibb by soldering it to the pipe?

I'm looking at getting something like this - https://www.amazon.ca/American-Valve-M7 ... KFAE&psc=1

This valve from Amazon looks like 3/4" on the end that's soldered to your copper pipe. I'm pretty sure your pipe is 1/2" so you would have to either add a reducer or select a different valve that's 1/2".

May 4th, 2022 12:22 pm

#8

ZxExN: Deal Addict; Nov 30, 2005; 1814 posts; 1403 upvotes; Ottawa, ON

May 4th, 2022 12:22 pm

I have a similar problem. My dial hose bib would leak ONLY when I am shutting it off and only for a short while. It does not leak when I'm turning it open. Both of my garden hose bibs do this so I'm thinking it's a design thing vice a defect. Anyone know the reason?

May 4th, 2022 1:05 pm

#9

pootza: Deal Addict; Dec 19, 2009; 4714 posts; 2641 upvotes

May 4th, 2022 1:05 pm

ZxExN wrote: ↑ I have a similar problem. My dial hose bib would leak ONLY when I am shutting it off and only for a short while. It does not leak when I'm turning it open. Both of my garden hose bibs do this so I'm thinking it's a design thing vice a defect. Anyone know the reason?

The o'ring or packing is worn out and needs to be replaced.

May 5th, 2022 7:10 am

#10

CaptSmethwick: Deal Fanatic; Oct 12, 2007; 6980 posts; 4631 upvotes; Ottawa

May 5th, 2022 7:10 am

The last time I lost a bibb due to a leak, I switch from copper to pex. My thinking was that the next time I have to do this, I won't need to solder. I find that free-proof bibbs don't last as long as the old bibbs did (in the days before anti-siphon valves).

May 5th, 2022 7:37 am

#11

arisk: Deal Addict; Nov 12, 2006; 2441 posts; 1525 upvotes; London

May 5th, 2022 7:37 am

Read the very first reply.

All the rest are like replacing the whole car because the tires are worn.

May 5th, 2022 8:09 pm

#12

craftsman: Deal Expert; Jan 27, 2006; 19538 posts; 12603 upvotes; Vancouver, BC

May 5th, 2022 8:09 pm

arisk wrote: ↑ Read the very first reply.

All the rest are like replacing the whole car because the tires are worn.

Nothing wrong with a new car... just a heck of a lot more trouble and expense than needed.