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Replacing a spigot (outdoor faucet)

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hypernova:
I think I need to replace one of my outdoor spigots.  It leaks like a mofo through the handle when it's open.

I found some DIY sites, and they all said to take off the handle and nut beneath the handle, and a washer would be found.

There was no washer.  All that is visible is some thick glue or whatever stuff (white with black speckles).  Apparently called EPDM packing.  It's not removable.

So I think I need to replace it.  Trouble is, I don't know what I need to do specifically regarding disconnecting it.

We have PVC pipes, which turns into copper pipes right before the spigot, which makes me wonder which part I need to grasp to unscrew it from the piping.

I've attached a picture.  Do I need to grab onto the nut as pointed to by the black arrow and unscrew it, or do I latch onto the section as marked by the green arrow and unscrew it there, while holding the nut in place?

I'm assuming the second (grab the collar and untwist while keeping the nut unmoved.)

Am I right?

Also, I've measured about 7.75 inches of copper pipe leading up to the nut.  I'm assuming I'll need the 10 inch version of a new spigot (there's 8, 10, and 12 inch versions of spigots available).  Am I correct on that assumption?

Thanks!

eds1275:
If it leaks through the handle when you turn it on, then I would personally buy on identical to what you have, remove the handle and put the new one in. That should do it [unless of course your handle is totally different than the only style I am used to seeing].

If you need or want to replace the entire thing, you will need the following tools: pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, and teflon tape. Put the adjustable wrench on the bolt section where the black arrow is [on the copper], and try unscrewing where the green arrow is with your hands. If it doesn't go, try putting the pipe wrench on the grippy textured part and unscrewing. If it's still too tight, use a blowtorch for a few seconds over the copper joint.

J_K_M_A_N:
If it is a Woodford faucet you can replace all the parts inside without replacing the whole unit. (Maybe for other brands as well but the company I work for reps Woodford.  :)) If you can't find parts, you grab the copper piece with a wrench and unscrew  the rounded part (which should turn the whole faucet I believe). You will have to unmount it from the wall outside before doing this. It looks to me like a male end on that and the copper piece looks to be female. Good luck.

J_K_M_A_N

Kevin Mullins:
A pic of the spigot itself would help.
Some of them will unscrew right off the end of the pipe, leaving all the copper and pvc pipe in place.
Otherwise it will unscrew where the copper fitting meets the PVC fitting. (hold the pvc,turn the copper)

LLUncoolJ:
You may be able to do the rebuild kit if it is less than 10 years old and you can find the local distributor of that brand of valve. Even then, they may have to order it in.

The easier way is to replace it. Most likely you have the 8" version, but if there is a question, pull it out and take it with you when you go to buy a new one. Don't use a torch, you will likely warp, weaken, and/or melt the PVC. Put a wrench on each side of the white teflon tape (looking from the valve, turn counter clockwise)...MAKE SURE YOU TURN THE WATER OFF FIRST. You are lucky it is in an exposed, unfinished area. If you are very lucky, there may be a shutoff valve somewhere in the area. If not, shut it off where it comes into the house or at the meter.

One other thing, look up local plumbing suppliers and go to one of them to get a new one. The ones you will find at Home Depot, Lowes, Sears Hardware, etc are a lower grade than the type plumbers use...usually not full bore either.

One last thing, buy a little roll of teflon tape and wrap it around the male threads before you thread the new spigot on. I know this is elementary, but if it's the first time you've worked with plumbing, worth a reminder.

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