Leaky sillcock

I have a sillcock that recently started leaking. It had started to leak a little during the spring last year (May 07). I took the stem out and replaced the washer on the end. No more leaking. I come home last night to find water leaking out thru the handle, when I removed the hose from the spout, it started to come out thru there. I believe this sillcock is original to the house, which was built in 1963. I do not know the brand or make unfortunately. I would like to replace the whole sillcock but have one big problem, my house is on a slab. All the pipes are in the wall. Can I replace the stem without have to replace the whole thing, or is going thru the wall my only option here. Any help much appreciated!

Reply to
JackV23
Loading thread data ...

You don't mention if your sillcock is an ordinary boiler drain or if it's an anti-freeze type. Either way, it sounds like the packing is leaking. You can try tightening the nut just under the handle, but if that doesn't work, then get some string packing (your hardware store will know what it is) and some faucet grease. Take the stem out again and try to figure out how the packing works. It's probably right inside the nut under the handle. A few strands of string and a little grease might do the job.

Reply to
ironmike

I think it's an ordinary boiler drain, but it's pretty old. If the weather holds up good this weekend then I will try it. It just seems so funny that all of a sudden it started dripping water. I have a feeling that it might have been dripping water into the hose that was attached to it and what ever built up finally froze and forced it back into the stem valve. Thanks for the advise.

ir>> I have a sillcock that recently started leaking. It had started to leak a

Reply to
JackV23

If you actually kept a hose on the sillcock during the winter, you committed a grave sin. Even with an anti-freeze sillcock, an attached hose will cause it to freeze up and possibly rupture. There's a chance more than the packing is wrong with this sillcock. If you have to replace the whole thing, you can try this before cutting a hole in the wall.

If the plumber did his job right, there should be an individual valve to shut off the water to the sillcock. If there is, and if it works, and if you have to replace the sillcock itself, and if you're brave enough, then shut off the water and try to unscrew the sillcock. If it turns out, then take it to the hardware store for an exact replacement. With a little luck, you might be able to catch the thread. Be prepared to cut the wall open (it just may be an ugly fact of life).

Reply to
ironmike

HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.