Leaky Hose Bib

Pipe comes straight out of block wall with a threaded end. Hose bib is screwed onto the end of this pipe. My problem is getting the leaky hose bib off of this threaded pipe. I gave the pipe wrench a heck of a wack with a hammer trying to break the bib loose but its not budging. I don't want to twist or damage the main pipe - what do I do?!

Leftie loosie? or are those things reverse threaded?

If it is conventional threaded ie counterclockwise to loosen...I need to figure out how to help break the bond.

Heat?

WD40?

Any help and/or guidance is greatly appreciated.

OK -

Thanks. I assume, by your response, that it is conventially threadedand that I should be cranking counterclockwise.

I'll give the two wrench method a try in the morning.

Regards,

It just appears to be threaded. The part that goes into the hose bib is not threaded, it's soldered. Call a plumber...

mort

ViseGrips are a fine way to destroy the pipe. Use a proper pipe wrech (aka monkey wrench). They're designed to increase their bite on the material as it's turned. Versus visegrips not only gouging the hell out of the pipe but potentially crushing it out of round the process. It's possible to misuse a monkey wrench but not nearly as bad a visegrips.

This is the correct answer!!!!

I assume you tried WD-40 already. I assume the hose bib is brass and the pipe steel. Brass should come off steel. The person that said to use 2 pipe wrenches is correct or you might end up removing the whole pipe. Heat is a good solution assuming thre is nothing flammable nearby. One other thing. How far does that pipe go into the house? If it's only a few feet, remove the whole pipe and replace it. The cement around the block should loosen up. You can seal it with silicone caulk when you finish.

Mark

Well, yes if it is copper pipe. If it is galvanized no. I suspect galv. as his descripton of giving it a "whack" would have at least twisted copper. Of course if it is a frost-free bib then it will be screwed (or soldered) into a fitting inside somewhere.

Harry K

Looks like galv. to me. Locale is Florida - so I wouldn't think its a 'frost-free'

In case you missed it, the verdict is in and Mort and Casino were right!!!!!!!

Huh?? Unless there is something missing in your reply, and there for sure is in the thread, the last thing heard was that it looks like galv to O'malley. You and Mort said copper. At least that is what is showing on my reader. Clarify??

Harry K

Ahah! Found it over on alt.home.repair in a new thread.

Harry K