I have a leaky hose bib which is probably 20 years old. There is a packing nut 3/4" just below the handle; and another larger nut 1 1/8" on the body of the assembly. In fact it appears to be a part of the body so I have not tried to loosen it. I loosened the packing nut and unscrewed it completely and slid it up the valve stem. However, even though it wiggles side to side, I cannot pull the valve stem assembly out of the body. It has no vertical movement. Does the larger 1 1/8 nut have to be taken off to get to the seals on the valve stem?

I can't afford a plumber; and I don't know how to solder so I can't just replace the leaky unit.

Please advise.

Regards,

Bob

You can't just pull the stem out but keep trying to twist the knob counterclockwise, it should unscrew.

Put some WD-40 on the threads and turn the big not out counterclockwise and the entire stem and washer assemble will come out. Good luck, Tom