We added a new addition in 2007. They installed the 2 outside faucets with vacuum breakers or anti-siphon fittings- whatever they're called, and now both leak badly. We can't get the VBs off, and from what I'm reading, the threads may not work for a hose anyway; so we took off the entire hose bib and bought a new one at the hardware store, but it won't scew on to the house fitting because the threads are different. Grrrrr. What can we do? Every time we water plants, the water squirts all over the house and us!

Where are they leaking from? The spout or from the stem? Back to you, Tom

@Speedball1 Can you tell me where you found this image that you posted on this thread?

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/plumbi...se-502904.html

Thanks!

Gee! I don't know. A got to realize I've been building that data base for `14 years on three Q&A sites. Why do you ask? Cheers, Tom

@Speedball1 I wanted to use it in a blog post that I'm writing but I'd like to give credit where credit is due!

Some of the VB's are permanently attached to the faucet itself, some are screwed on with small set screw on its side. Head of that screw is broken off once the VB is screwed all the way in. It is a preventive measure so the VB cannot be removed.

Hose bibs have standardized thread sizes, so have garden hoses. The threaded part that attaches to the house supply pipe should also be either 1/2" Male of Female or 3/4" Male of Female, may it be galvanized, copper, brass of PEX. You may have damaged the thread while removing the old valve. Give it a close inspection.

If damaged, get a steel nipple of the same size and screw it all the way in. It is harder metal than brass and hopefully it will "re-thread" the damaged part of threads. If nipple won't go in than they sell "re threading kit". Basically, it is another nipple with hardened steel that will cut through the damaged threads with ease.

If nothing works, you will have to open the wall and remove the damaged fitting - and install new one.

Hope that helps

Milo