Ok, so a regular client called with a leaky outside hose bib, i.e., the faucet that you hook up a hose to for watering shrubs and such. As I so often do, I said, great, I will come right over. Quick and easy service call.
Well . . . . not so fast.
So the process is pretty straight ahead. First you try tightening the packing nut. If that doesn’t work, you unscrew it and replace the rubber washer.
Again . . not so fast.
Predecessors had dealt with this thing which was probably 50+ years old before, and that packing nut . . was ON THERE. Like Godzilla had tightened it. So, I applied penetrating oil several times over 2 days, and FINALLY I was able to loosen the packing nut. I can’t tell you how satisfying it was to finally make it move.
So . . . Done? Pull out the handle and stem? NOT SO FAST. At the top of the threads there is a metal washer, and this thing was rust-welded on there, So I had to pry it off. and FINALLY . . . OUT.
So, off to Ace Schwarz Hardware, where Brendan was magical in helping me get the old rusted washer screw out, finding the right new washer, and providing new packing material for the blown metal ring. And, VIOLA:
It WAS leaking, but NOW IT AIN’T.
Normally I shy away from plumbing stuff, as pressurized water is just too dangerous, but I will do work on outside fixtures, as worst case we soak the lawn.
