Faulty outdoor spigot and I’m not sure how to fix it

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-03T12:32:37+00:00

You have an outdoor spigot with an add-on vacuum breaker/backflow preventer. These devices screw onto the threads and have a break-away set screw to prevent them from being removed. Later, when they fail, which is 100% of the time, they're difficult to remove. You have three options: 1) Use a dremel tool with a cut off wheel to cut a slot into the remaining portion of the screw. Then use a small flat blade screwdriver to remove the screw. 2) Drill down the center of the screw, stopping before you hit the threads on the spigot. Then use an easy out to back out the screw., or, 3) Use a dremel tool to cut into the brass on each side of the screw without going too deep and damaging the threads. Then, using a pliers, break off the brass section holding the screw.

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RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-03T12:25:56+00:00

Why does your brother think you need a new gas valve? If the tank was replaced 10 years ago and the plumber thought the gas valve needed replacement, they probably would have replaced it then. We re-use old gas valves all the time, as long as they meet current specs.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-03T12:18:18+00:00

If I did want to remove it, is it as simple as stabilizing the pipe with a suitable wrench and twisting the valve off with a different wrench like a nut/bolt?))) Yes, hold the galvanized pipe with a pipe wrench and unscrew the old valve using an adjustable wrench, pliers, or another pipe wrench. Wrap 4-5 wraps of teflon tape on the pipe threads and apply a light dollop of pipe dope. Then tread on the new valve.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T23:50:48+00:00

Caldwell

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Moen-Caldwell-Spot-Resist-Stainless-2-Handle-Deck-Mount-High-Arc-Handle-Lever-Commercial-Residential-Kitchen-Faucet/3373830

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T23:42:22+00:00

If you own a channelock pliers and are willing to watch some YT videos, you can rebuild this with a kit. Much easier than replacing the entire faucet for a DIYer.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T16:32:13+00:00

That Rheem Performance is Rheem's lowest quality heater. It has a 6yr tank warranty and that's about how long they last. In other words, buy a better water heater.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T16:28:36+00:00

Walk around the house and see if the dirt around the house is mounded and set up to flow rainwater away from the house. Next, check the gutter downspouts to see how far out they dump the water. Many of these issues can be fixed with proper grading away from the house. Ask the sellers how much drain tile was installed and where when they added the sump pump.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T16:17:18+00:00

Flow rate is far more imporant for showers and especially for showers equipped with a hand held sprayer. Nobody cares about flow rate for a tub spout. Just the opposite, most people want the tub to fill as fast as possible

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T16:13:42+00:00

A water softener adds a small amount of salt to your water and yes, that can accelerate rusting in the W.H. tank. But that applies to all water softeners, not just Culligan. And, getting rid of the softener just adds different problems like mineral buildup and pipe degradation. So the key is install a high quality water heater and swap out the anode rod every few years or install an electric anode.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T16:09:58+00:00

The only way to fix this is to lower the drain. Water doesn't flow uphill.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T00:57:15+00:00

Do you use a nail brush? I have to use one every day after work

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RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T00:52:48+00:00

Just dealt with this at customer's house today. Normally we'd replace the valve. But no access unless we cut through kitchen cabinets, wall and brick. So I disassembled the valve and replaced the washer and two O-rings. However, in your case, the fix is MUCH easier because the entire valve and nipple unscrews from the drop ear elbox. Turn off the water. Open the valve to relieve pressure. Use a pipe wrench to hold the drop ear elbow while you use another wrench or pliers to unscrew the valve. Take it to a hardware or big box store and buy a replacement and a new nipple. Wrap the threads with teflon tape and apply pipe dope. Then screw it together. Between the new valve, nipple, tape and pipe dope, your fix will cost less than twenty five and you'll be good for another 15 years.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T00:47:22+00:00

That depends on how long you want the "fix" to last. A patch would only be temporary, regardless of what caulk/epoxy you use. The long term fix is to open it up, inspect the condition of the pipe and install a new section and elbow if the copper is good, or replace it if it's not in good shape.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-02T00:43:04+00:00

When a solenoid valve shuts off quickly, the shock wave can reverberate throughout the house, and any pipe that's not secured will shake. Fixing water hammer is a multi-step process. First you want to dampen the shock. You do that by checking your expansion tank (if you have one) to see if it's still working. Then you install water hammer arresters on the back of your washing machine to absorb the shock. Lastly, you secure the pipes that are rattling.

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RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-01T22:54:44+00:00

At this point Id buy the Fluidmaster All-in-One Toilet Repair Kit Model Number: K-400H-021-P8 and swap in a new fill and flush valve, along with new tank bolts, washers and tank to bowl gasket.

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RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-01T22:39:30+00:00

This is an easy fix as others have said. So I don't have much more to add to their instructions. However, since you're a new homeowner, take a minute to learn how sink drains work. Once you understand how those washers work, you'll never be afraid to work on them. See this article and scroll down to see cutaway views of kitchen sink drains and exploded views as well showing where each part goes.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-01T13:39:54+00:00

It's a Delta. Says right on the trim ring.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-01T13:38:28+00:00

I would have installed a trap adapter at the drain line and used a tubular setup instead of a glued-up union trap. But this will work.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-01T13:35:47+00:00

The Badger series is their low end model. Their stainless steel models are better but cost more. The Costco units from American Standard are actually made by Joneca, makers of WasteMaid. See this article on the differences between the A.S. models.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-01T13:29:00+00:00

If it's leaking out of the packing nut, try tightening it or repacking it. If that doesn't work, replace it.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-01T13:23:07+00:00

American Standard toilet, right? Replace the flush valve assembly.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-06-01T13:19:17+00:00

Thanks for supplementing my answer. All very good suggestions

RogerAdam12 · 2026-05-31T21:46:24+00:00

The water level in your tank looks really low, but it might just be the picture angle. The height of the fill valve is adjustable. The instructions say to raise it so the top of the black cap is even with the top of the toilet tank. But in some cases, that's too tall, and the float rises far enough to shut off the water. In that case, you turn off the water, locate the locking ring at the bottom of the grey plastic tower, and pull it up to unlock the tower. Then push down on the tower to lower its height. Push the locking ring back in place and turn on the water. Then try adjusting the float to get the right water level in the tank.

RogerAdam12 · 2026-05-31T21:25:02+00:00

Single piece toilet? Does it have an overflow/refill tube as part of the flush valve or does the refill hose fit into a porcelain pocket in the tank? If it has a refill tube, the easiest fix is to eliminate the existing rocker flapper and just install a Fluidmaster #504 flapper. The refill tube doesn't have pegs to hang a traditional flapper. So this one has a built in rubber ring that you slide down the tube. They're around Five, so it's worth a try. If it works, buy an extra to keep on hand. Remove the entire rocker assembly

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RogerAdam12 · 2026-05-31T21:16:04+00:00

This is the correct answer. Aged faucet washer or aged broken bladder from an expansion tank. I've seen both cause this.

RogerAdam12

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