How to Replace a Hose Bib

Well, don’t just stare at it. REPLACE IT!

Don’t tell me you have to hire someone else to do this simple task.

No, seriously, you can replace your hose bib all by yourself.

As you take a look at the connection, you might think it’s a tough job. But trust me, replacing a hose bib is nothing but a piece of cake.

You’re not buying my words, are you? Well, give this guide a quick read.

How to Replace a Hose Bib with 6 Simple Steps

A hose bib is attached with the outdoor water pipe using thread or soldering. The attachment is made with the galvanized iron or copper pipe. When you change the hose bib, make sure you hold the tube securely without damaging the mortar or brickwork around the pipe neck.

You can change the hose bib using both modern tools or manual hand tools too.

Make Sure You Know Where’s the Connection Point

You don’t need to use a telescope to find the connection point between the water supply and the sillcock.

It should be where the bib is on outside of your house. Then you need to go to your basement and see where it ties.

Make sure you get enough room so that you can shorten the hose bib. Also, don’t forget to include a shut off valve.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. To make your work easier, you can hit it on the nose by using a tape measure.

You might have to break some ceiling tiles while finding the connection. Usually, you have to go through this issue if you’re dealing with a finished basement.

For the drywall ceiling, you have to use a tape measure as minimizing the ceiling opening is really important.

Know What Kind of Connection You’re Having

Hose bibs have different types. Different hose bibs connect to the water in different ways.

You’ll find the MIP (Male Iron Pipe) connection where you’ll see the threads that are located on the end of the sillcock are exposed.

There’s the FIP connection (Female Iron Pipe Connection).  You’ll find the threads inside, and the MIP adapter solders the connection point.

Finally, there’s the Sweat Solder Connection, which is, of course, the hardest one. You’ll find a solder fitting at the connection point at the end of the sillcock.

This solder fitting cup would slide over the water piping. All you need to do now is to make a solder connection.

Find the Length of the Hose Bib

Finding the length of the hose bib is important. You’ll find the hose bibs in different lengths, and this may make a few changes in the connection as well.

Most hose bibs come in 4 inches to 12 inches in size. But it’s only the even numbers like 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches and so on.

You may want to measure the thickness of your wall as well and make sure the hose bib fits it perfectly.

If you want, you can lengthen or shorten the hose bib. But if you don’t think it’s necessary, it’s better to leave it alone.

Use a measuring tape from the back of the wall plate and measure the unit’s length as you get to the end of the sillcock.

Choose the New Frost-Proof Faucet Connection Type

You have to decide all by yourself which connection type you’re going to go for. See the connection types I talked about in point 2? Go and read it again if it needs and decide.

I’ll recommend the MIP and FIP type if you are dealing with a threaded connection.

Shut Water off before Making Repair

Make sure the water is shut off. You’ll also need to drain the remaining water that comes from the waterline. For MIP and FIP connection, all you need to do is unthread the existing hose bib.

A pipe wrench will come pretty handy in this case. You may also use channel locks or can go for two pipe wrenches as well.

Once you’ve removed the old faucet, it’s time for you to place the new one. And for that, you have to use the existing opening.

Once you’ve made it inside, preparing the male the threads is the next step you need to go for. To make sure you’ve sealed it perfectly, you can use Teflon tape or pipe dope.

Until the threads are engaged to the full, screwing in the new hose bib into its place is important.

Turn the Water Back on

Done with the previous steps? Cool, now you need to turn the faucets inside the house, this also includes the new hose bib. Now, this needs to be done in case you’ve turned off the main water supply.

After you’ve turned on the faucets, you have to turn on the main water supply.

Make sure the water from all the faucets run freely. Also, you need to ensure the air is not getting away from the faucet. If the water is back on and running perfectly, you’re done.

What’s Now?

See? You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to replace a hose bib. As now you know how to replace a hose bib, all you need to do is get to work.

I seriously don’t think you need to waste your money by hiring a plumber. Man up and do your job all by yourself.