Freezeproof faucet repair?

Hey all,

My friend lets me use his shop and store vehicles on his land because he's a nice guy. I, in return, try to take care of stuff around the place when I can (clean gutters, burn off the pasture, look after it while he's traveling, etc).

There's one of those freeze proof or frost proof faucet/spigot/hydrant things that decided not to shut off anymore.

I was having a hard time finding his water meter to turn off the water (he's gone for a few weeks) so I put a gasketed, brass hose cap on it. It stopped the water from pouring out the faucet, but I could still hear water flowing.

So...I'm assuming that it had a leak down at the bottom also...where it lets the water drain back down below the frost line to avoid freeze damage to the stand pipe.

Now...my real question is...does anybody know about these things and how to rebuild them? I'm assuming there are kits or parts available at the hardware store. Anybody know why it's leaking down at the bottom? Maybe a bad adjustment (best case?) ar bad gasket?

I'm a little worried I'm going to have to dig it up to get to the bottom to fix it properly. Or is there something I can do from the surface to fix it?

I just don't have any experience fixing these things. I've used them and know how they work in principle...just never been around one that needed repair.

Thanks!
Clem

I have no experience with them either, but... I think you're going to have to start digging (after you find the water cut off). And if he's not on a well, REAL SOON, as that water bill adds up REAL FAST. Ask me how I know.

Oh...I forgot to mention that I DID find the meter a couple days ago and successfully shut off the water.

Thanks,
Clem

Are you talking about the hose bib type that extend into the house? I've had those corrode to the point where they won't shut off (Think: Carbon on a valve). I've taken them apart and cleaned them, but they go bad again quicker than the first time.

Is the freeze-proof spigot the through-wall type?

I found a few links that might help you out: http://www.rd.com/how-to-stop-a-freezeproof-faucet-from-leaking/article33974.html http://www.woodfordmfg.com/Woodford/HowAFaucet/HowaFaucetWorks.html http://gzunino.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!57EA3FC37E8CD48F!795.entry

Sorry for the confusion folks but no, it's not the "through-the-wall" type. It's the one out in the middle of the yard that comes up as if from the core of the earth.

I don't knowz hotlinking so much sos here's a cold one: (sorry guinea fowl folks...)

If you put a cap on the spout and still hear water running, I'm thinking you are going to need a shovel...

Go to a TSC or similar ag supply store and buy a replacement unit. It's usually cheaper than the rebuild kits, if you can even find a rebuild kit. The whole unit usually costs about $40 or less.

They work by having the valve down at the bottom, called the plunger & valve in your picture. They work by lifting up when you pull the handle, letting water flow up the pipe. When you push the handle down, it pushes the valve down against the base, cutting off the water flow. It also opens up a hole (or many holes) in the pipe above the cut off, letting the water drain out.

If you're feeling really cheap, you can dig it out and examine it and see if you can really get it apart and replace that $1 seal that probably cracked. Of course usually everything is rusted solid as it's cheap galvanized.

Depending on where you live, it can be difficult to get the valve and feeder piping below the frost line. Most people I know who have these valves put an additional shut-off inside the house with a method of draining the leftover water out of the underground pipe.

I'm all but certain that this one is plumbed into (brached off of) the main line into the house. So...we're stuck with what we've got. I guess I'll start digging ;)

I just hope it's not WAY below the frost line or anything. 32" is our code for frost stuff here...

Thanks folks!