Spigot Spraying Water Behind Handle

12 months ago

Problem: When I turn the handle on, water starts shooting out from behind the handle
Tried: Turned water off. Disconnected handle, metal washer, screw. Directions said to use two wrenches to undo next piece, which was a flat piece of metal to the body. That didn't work. Neither piece would move. Also, the spindle in the middle will not move at all.
Configuration: I was wondering whether the whole thing was just one piece, or if it was many small pieces, so I went to my basement and found where the piece came out on the other side of the wall. I found there was a silver metal bar that is closest to the wall, shortly after, there is a copper pipe that connects to the silver pipe. It's back behind some heavy spider webs and was a little hard to see, but, it looked like there was a hex shape on the end of the copper pipe, and possible threads on silver part. It also looked like there was a bit of some kind of sealant/cement around the connection.
Question: Am I on the right track so far? Next, my water is still shut off, and there is a slow drip from the sillcock. The sillcock is NOT shutoff (I can't move it without bending it it -- it's crimped, but meant to be that way.)
Is this a job that uses the many replacement parts I just bought, or is this a job where the one-piece kit that slides in is used? I really want to get this job done like yesterday, so I can have my water back on tonight.
Can someone guide me through the rest of this job? I would call for a plumber, except that I have no money at all. (Old lady on SS, please don't give me a hard time about not hiring someone.)

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Comments (5)

A Mat
12 months ago
last modified: 12 months ago
Are you able to post photos, and do you have a local plumbing supply house? Brand of faucet?

Maybe a home improvement store will have the tools and replacement parts.
Stacie Carlson
Original Author
12 months ago
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Seabornman
12 months ago
That faucet looks like it has a "Standard" emblem on the side. There are flats on the stem retainer (or whatever it's called), so it's meant to be removed and probably has a thin gasket separating it from the body. It may be difficult to remove.
klem1
12 months ago
I'm not sure I want to know how this started but judging by pictures it looks like it went from bad to worse.

Threads on body have been destroyed by wrench or pliers so this faucet can't be fixed. The solution is replacement. Store needs to know two things in order to sell you a replacement. Distance between flange with screws and where silver meets copper in basement AND whether copper pipe is 3/4" or 1/2". It appears that copper pipe is increased from 1/2 to 3/4 so I'd say faucet size is 3/4. You MUST hold hex on copper with a wrench to prevent twisting while unscrewing faucet. If silver doesn't have wrench flats you will need a pipe wrench to unscrew it. It will likely require more arm strength than the average "old lady on ss" has. The only tips I can offer is I prefer pipe dope over Teflon tape on threads when installing new faucet and it helps to mark faucet near threads with Sharpie or tape before starting so you can tell when hose bib points down outside.

Best of luck with it.
Stacie Carlson thanked klem1
cat_ky
12 months ago
Stacie, its likely a job that requires more knowledge than you have and a lot more strength and know how. Do you have a family member, or even a neighbor, that knows a bit about plumbing, and could help you out.