On Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:26:21 -0400, Grandpa wrote:

Joy wrote:
(I'm SO sorry. I'm learning a new browser and I managed to post this as
a reply for someone else instead of a new post.)
Nothing is easy in home repair!!!
We tried to replace the packing washer in our outside hose bib and that
seemed to go OK, but we removed the screw securing the handle and that
screw seemed to plug a hole in the hollow stem which now leaks.
What is the purpose of a hole in the hollow stem and how do you stop
THAT from from leaking?
The guys at Lowes never heard of such a thing.
Here is a picture to help you understand what I have...
http://mysite.verizon.net/bjkass123/bibhole.jpg
Thanks for any ideas of what it's for and how to fix.
Joy

Replace it. That is a boiler drain valve, not a true hosebib.
You can't stop it from leaking, because it looks like its been
modified to use the screw instead of the nut to hold the handle on.
Since it is a boiler valve, you can replace the whole stem and
washer from another 3/4 inch boiler valve. The guys at Lowes ought
to be able to sell you on of those for less than $10.

AAhhh. I tried my best to be clear. I'm afraid you assumed the picture is
of my actual bib... It's not. It's just a picture I found so I could
illustrate.

The bib does not appear to be modified and I doubt it was leaking from
that hole until I removed the screw holding the handle on. Hmmmm. Maybe
some loc-tite or something to seal the threads and block the water?
Anyway, still want to know why the hollow stem and how it should REALLY be
repaired.

Joy