Is it possible to repair a frostless hose bib? After a cold cold winter, I went to use the faucet. It worked a few times but now the handle just spins, the water no longer flows. Is this something I can repair or does it need to be replaced?

Thanks

Does the stem turn when you turn the handle?

If not, remove the handle and look to see if it is the handle or the stem that is damaged. If it is the handle (most likely) replace the handle. If the stem is damaged it would be best to just replace hose bib
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If stem turns when handle is turned, stem is probably broken, replace hose bib.

When you say "stem" do you mean the brass piping that is coming out of the wall that I attached the hose to? This is not the case. The handle spins (with little resistance)

Stem is the little rod that the handle is attached to. Remove the screw in the center of the handle, pull handle off. Try turning the stem (the part the handle was on) with a pair of pliers.

Thanks Harold, as soon as the downpour stops I'll get out there and see. This has been very helpful.

I will add the attach image as Harold is suggesting, good luck.

John

I pulled the stem assembly from the unit. The little cotterpin-like wings on the shaft appear to be broken. My next step is to open the inside wall behind the valve and see what I can find. Hopefully, the valve body can be removed without a torch.

Before you open the wall try to replace the pin if you can, good luck.

John

Purchase new hose bib before starting repairs. Get same brand and length. Remove stem from new one and compare to old. You may be able just use new stem in old body. You may even be able to purchase new stem alone but I doubt it, new hose bibs are just not that expensive.

I looked at the inside wall and it is still in a "patch up" state from when we replaced the unit the first time (about 10 years ago). FYI its behind a bookcase so it was not on my priority list.

I went to Home Depot to look at the units, I looked at a stem from one there and it did not look the same. The bib did not look the same either, so I don't think a straight stem replacement is possible.

I'll open the wall tomorrow and see if the bib can be replaced easily with a new one - the new ones appear to be threaded. I hope the old one was also.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

Purchase new hose bib before starting repairs. Get same brand and length. Remove stem from new one and compare to old. You may be able just use new stem in old body. You may even be able to purchase new stem alone but I doubt it, new hose bibs are just not that expensive.

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Where can you buy these parts? Are these available at Home Depot or speciality supply store? In my case the stem is cracked and it looks like it is very easy to replace. Replacing the entire hose bib looks more difficult since it connects to the plumbing about 16" into the wall. Why do you recommend replacing the entire hose bib?