|
| What's the better solution from the handyman point of view for dealing with a leaky Quarter Master frost-free sillcock...the one with the plastic handle. It's leaking out of the top cap. Ceiling inside is finished (no access....as of yet), pex supplies everywhere so I shut off the local supply at the manifold.
Would you replace the entire sillock (cutting the ceiling inside to hold it), or pull out the cartridge and try to match it? Length of the sillcock is not yet determined. Thanks much. |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| I ordered a new cartridge kit from the mfr. Should take 5-7 days to arrive. |
|
| Most f the 'frost free' faucets do not have anything approaching a cartridge. They are just a conventional valve with a long stem so the valve seat is back in heated space. They are normally painfully easy to fix by replacing the faucet washer. I still see plenty of frozen ones though. If you leave a hose hooked up to the faucet water can be trapped after the valve seat in the body of the valve and split them when it freezes. Sometimes they are installed incorrectly also. I always install them by screwing them into a 90 degree fitting in the wall. That way the entire unit can be removed from outside (and a new one screwed back in) for replacement. |
|
| This particular one (Quarter Master, quarter turn frost-free, 14" or so) has a cartridge on the deep end of the stem, so presumably there are plenty more around. It's made by Mueller (like most of the others). When you remove the stem, there's a conical washer and spring, followed by the cartridge which holds onto the stem with a side set screw. This cartridge appears to have a ceramic part within, though others apparently do not. Mueller is sending out a replacement cartridge kit, free of charge, since they have a lifetime replacement warrantee. You're right about neglecting to disconnect the hose in the winter. That was the likely cause. |
|
| "You're right about neglecting to disconnect the hose in the winter. That was the likely cause." The outer casing of the valve may very well be damaged and a while new valve will be needed. A quarter turn hose bib is not a very useful thing. |
|
| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HwiaP2VO5M Video on how to replace the Stem |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Plumbing Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.