leaking threads on frost-free hose bib
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?
Replies
Have you tried teflon tape on the male threads with paste?
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.
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
thanks, I'll give it a try and keep my fingers crossed.
Does it say "Made in China" anywhere on your faucet?
If so, get another that says "Made in USA" and try again.
Joe H
Made in Mexico is a bad sign too.
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?
Thanks EDJW. The tape and an extra turn tight did the trick.