Replacing a Failed Vacuum Breaker Hose Bib
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- One of our ten-plus-year old outdoor vacuum breaker hose bibs failed. Unfortunately, it was installed permanently with a break-off ("blind") set screw. I used jig saw to cut a slot in the blind set screw, which was then removed using a small screw driver. Instead of using the break-off set screw that comes with the new hose bib, I purchased a #10-32 socket set screw to secure the hose bib for easy removal in the future.
I’ve been watching different videos on this for 30 minutes and your explanation was the best. I love your thinking out of the box to put a groove in the original set screw. Brilliant thanks.
Basic idea good. No way I was using that type of saw. Started with a hack saw. Tight work space, lots of work but did a slot. Could not turn the screw though. These have been on for 24 years. Next got my Dremel using a thin, round abrasive wheel. Cut through the brass like a hot knife in butter but way easier to worrk in limited space. Cut deeper slot to no avail. So cut a triangle around the screw and broke it off exposing the screw. Screw broke when in turned it this time and backflow came right off. Dremel is the way to go but be careful not to cut too deep into the threads. Replacing the set screw is an excellent idea.
I'm in this situation right now, trying to remove a fouled vacuum breaker. The house is 4 years old and the hose bib sits slightly inside the vinyl siding housing. Stupid of the builder to do this. The other problem I have is that the set screw is underneath the hose bib and it's hard as heck to see what I'm doing. I'm trying hard to avoid calling the plumber as it will be a $300 job. Going to the store to get a dremel to try to cut down to the threads. I'm also ordering a 5mm set screw slotted for an allen key next time around. I understand the needed function, but contractors make them hard to get off!!!
Thank you for making this video, and also showing an alternate solution. It was great that you actually showed what size and type of set screw you use as an alternative. It made it easy for me to find these set screws at Lowe’s.
Been there, done that, except with a grinder
Genius idea for the set screw swap . It’s an alen wrench set screw like on a tub spout or a shower handle . Epic 💪💪 idea
Good idea. I used a hacksaw to create a slot and it worked great. Removed with a small screwdriver.
Thank you sir! You saved me the cost of a dremel!
Just don’t use the set screw, totally unnecessary. Or leave it, and stop tightening before it breaks.
These things are total crap. Break them off. Saw them off. Whatever it takes. Junk.
Replace them with a double check vacuum breaker instead, way less splashback, and when you put in a proper setscrew just dab some red loctite on its threads.