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leaking threads on frost-free hose bib

johnnyd | Posted in Construction Techniques on May 8, 2003 06:05am

I’m having a **** of a time getting the pipe-to-thread connection on a frost-free hose bib (the kind that extends 12″ into interior and is installed with slope to drain)to stop leaking.  This is new plumbing and original connection was with female thread CPVC fitting, with neoprene washer.  Had a very slight leak so I changed over to a brass CPVC-to-metal fitting, assuming that the neoprene washer in the CPVC wouldn’t seat on the end of the bib threads.  Leaked worse, even after torquing much more than I usually have to for ANY fitting…so I went back to plastic…now same slight leak.  Used teflon paste liberally and torqued tightly.

I’m not new to plumbing…years ago did DWV and copper supply, rough-in to final, including dishwashers and natural gas hookups, on 6 new houses, one with HW baseboards, and had the occasional leak, easily fixed.

What do you think? bad threads on the bib?  hairline crack in the threads?

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  1. EdJW | May 08, 2003 10:10pm | #1

    Have you tried teflon tape on the male threads with paste?

    1. User avater
      johnnyd | May 08, 2003 10:21pm | #2

      I guess that's next, although I've had trouble with the tape ripping off or pushing down into the female fitting and not doing any good..why I use paste.  Guess I'll pull it off for the third time, take a good look and try the tape. 

      1. EdJW | May 08, 2003 11:48pm | #3

        John, make sure that you wrap the tape in a clock wise direction on the male fitting.  Wrapping in a counter clocwise direction with a righthanded thread will cause the tape to wind off.  Make the tape tight with about 4 to 5 wraps.  Apply some pipe dope to the female threads then tighten.  -Ed

        1. User avater
          johnnyd | May 08, 2003 11:56pm | #4

          thanks, I'll give it a try and keep my fingers crossed.

          1. joeh | May 09, 2003 12:04am | #5

            Does it say "Made in China" anywhere on your faucet?

            If so, get another that says "Made in USA" and try again.

            Joe H

          2. MarkH128 | May 09, 2003 12:19am | #6

            Made in Mexico is a bad sign too.

          3. steve | May 09, 2003 02:42am | #7

            on the same idea, how do you approach customers who insist you install $30 faucets from china, taiwan etc

            they are garbage

            i try to be diplomatic, "you just paid a few hundred for a new countertop, or a few thousand for a new kitchen, why put a $30 faucet or a $100 sink made in taiwan in it?

            sometimes i can convince them to go buy a moen, or delta whatever

            but i dont want to see my work ruined by cheap plumbing fittings next year

            how do you guys approach this problem?

        2. User avater
          johnnyd | May 13, 2003 10:24pm | #8

          Thanks EDJW. The tape and an extra turn tight did the trick.

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