How Do I Repair a Frost Proof Water Faucet/Pump?

Time to replace it my friend. When you do, make sure you put plenty of gravel in the bottom of the hole to allow it to drain, and remember to un-hook the hose lol

-- JustplaneJeff

Is the pipe split or is there a crack in the casting? Here’s a video on how to replace the washer, it will give you an idea of what you are in for. Probably replacement of the entire unit is going to be the best solution.

-- Bondo Gaposis

Several years ago I had to replace the one I had in Tennessee. If I remember correctly they are only about $35 or $40 at the big box stores.

Mine crapped out because who ever installed it didn’t have enough gravel under it to drain properly.

-- Perform A Random Act Of Kindness Today ... Pay It Forward

The hardest part of replacing one is digging the hole. I used sand instead of gravel. I don’t think its a pump, just an outdoor faucet. Main thing is to be careful not to move the pipe too much or it will break the PVC main pipe it is attached to. Be sure to turn off the main coming to the property.

-- earthartandfoods.com

In my experience it is quicker and easier to replace than to repair. Dig it up, unscrew the old one , and screw in the new one. Being careful not to break the main PVC line.

-- " I'll try to be nicer, if you'll try to be smarter" gfadvm

Definite theme to the replies! Replace it! Just what I thought but
WTF do I know about this sort of thing…. I repair wildlife, not
Leaky faucets.
Did u ever see the movie “Mr Blandings Builds His Dreamhouse?
Carey grant buys a house in the country that “needs work” &
Calls in multiple contractors who unanimously say “tear it down”.
Message received…. And yes, it’s not the cost… It’s digging the
Hole. Oh well, like they say, sometimes u eat the bear &
Sometimes the bear eats you! Thanks guys! Knew you would
Weigh in!
GF/shore wildlife rehab

-- Shore Wildlife Rehab

I feel your pain, I have to replace/ repair the one in my barn. I think my connection from well pipe to faucet is what failed might be a stainless screw clamp.

-- Harry, Jackson Mi

yag113, WTF do I know about this sort of thing….
If you don’t know about these things on Wed, Thur and Fridays(WTF), try Mon, Tue, Sat and Sun. Just kidding. Yea, WTF. It sucks when things go wrong.

-- earthartandfoods.com

I read then reread your post. When it started thawing then spraying was the hose still on the faucet? The valve is in the bottom of the system and the pipe should have been empty unless you leave the hose on it and it can’t empty. My question is, was your valve properly adjusted to let it drain back or did it hold water in the pipe all the time? If it held water all the time and was not properly adjusted you need to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Adjust your valve so it can drain. You can adjust these where they don’t drain but they do shut the water off. I have several of these and have used this type faucet for about 35 years. I found that the batter faucets come from the plumbing supply stores. The ones from Tractor supply and Atwood’s were not the same quality.

Good to know! I’m headed for Tractor Supply today for some animal feed… and was going to check out a replacement. But I’ll check my local plumbing store. It’s always something, isn’t it!

To answer grandpa, the hose was still on AND I had left the handle up. It seemed to be a leak in the casting?

Just heard Minnesota has had 50 sub zero nights this year! Glad I’m in Virginia. Stay warm and my advice, make sure you put the handles down on your frost free faucets!

-- Shore Wildlife Rehab