Hose bibb leaks

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jaekim

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I noticed earlier that a hose bibb leaks at my mother's house. I was planning to replace the bibb.

Then I thought maybe I can replace a washer or something by removing the knob to fix the leak. Is that possible or do I need to replace the bibb?
 
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Sorry for the waste of bandwidth. I did an on-line search (which I should have done first) and found that I should be able to replace the washer.
 
Depends on what type you have. Many have a washer that can be replaced. Just shut the water off from inside the basement or house. Most hose bibs have a shut off valve just inside. Here's a couple of videos showing how it's typically done.



Typically hose bib lines are shut off and the hose bib left open to prevent freezing, in the winter. Sounds like the one you're dealing with may not have been shut off if it's leaking. Unless of course you noticed it before it was shut off.

Many of the newer installations, in cold climates, use Frost Proof hose bibs(and should be equipped with an anti siphon valve). These are designed to prevent freezing by locating the washer and seat within the house. And thereby can be left on all winter, but requires that you remove the hose or anything that would prevent the water from self draining out.
The washer is typically at the end of the long stem and can be replaced by pulling out the stem assembly.
frost proof hose bib.jpg
 
Thanks for the very informative answer, Diehard!

I didn't see a shutoff valve for the bib near the area where the pipe went outside, but then I didn't make a thorough search either since there is a false ceiling with various items on the basement floor getting in the way.

And this bib isn't the Frost Proof.
 
Thanks for the very informative answer, Diehard!

I didn't see a shutoff valve for the bib near the area where the pipe went outside, but then I didn't make a thorough search either since there is a false ceiling with various items on the basement floor getting in the way.

And this bib isn't the Frost Proof.
I'll bet the shutoff for that hose bib is within the dropped ceiling.
Generally there is what's called a stop and waste valve nearby, which allows one to shut the water and open a little cap screw to drain the line going out. Although many don't, and never have it freeze up.
You may want to consider one of those frost proof hose bibs for a future project.:D
 
I did look within the dropped ceiling by where the pipe goes out to the bib, but didn't see a stop valve. It may be a little further away, so I'll trace the pipe back a bit toward the main shutoff.

I'll just use some insulation on the bib. Apparently it hasn't frozen in a couple of decades, so I'll keep my fingers crossed :)
 

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