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Author:
kangle (OR)
Hello,
I'm struggling to fix what I'm convinced is a simple problem. I have a sprinkler timing device attached to my outdoor faucet so I have my faucet in the open position 24/7. While in this open position, there is a steady drip coming from the handle. It isn't the hose connection, it's coming from the handle.
I've replaced the packing inside the packing nut, but that didn't change anything. The other O-ring at the bottom and the tapered rubber seal seem fine, but I haven't replace them yet. I cleaned out the vacuum breaker on top. I should mention that it is a frost-free faucet. Also, when the I turn the faucet off, the leak stops. It only leaks when the valve is open.
I really appreciate any help. Thanks!
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
It is still probably leaking through the packing, but I have seen leaks develop in the shaft of the stem and leak water out of the handle a couple of times. If it isn't the packing, then I would get an identical frost free hose bibb, and swap the guts out on it.
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Author:
NPMSTRT (MO)
Your valve likely has a backflow preventor that utilizes a spring to equalize pressure. When you put the irrigation timer on the valve and keep the valve open, pressure is equalized from inside the home, through the valve to the timer.
When the pressure in the home drops (by opening a faucet, flushing a toilet, etc), the pressure in the house is less than the pressure in the valve and the valve "sees" a backflow condition, and the valve drains (through the stem, because of the spring) to equalize the pressure and overcome the backflow condition.
You can either live with it, or replace the valve that has a different kind to backflow preventor that doesn't incorporate a spring.
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