Outdoor hose/spigot question

[HardcoreClone]

Attached are a couple pics of my exterior hose/spigot. Backstory: Ever since I moved in a couple years ago, when I turn on the hose(actually both exterior hoses), there is a very small leak that has come from the top "cap" of the spigot. Nothing crazy, but noticeable and I wanted to fix it. Last week I twisted it off and found the rubber washer was torn. I also noticed the white plastic piece that was screwed into the cap was slightly broken/mishaped, not sure if that was already there or if I did that when screwing it off.

This is the item I think I currently have: B&K 888-183 Frost Free Anti-Siphon Wall Faucet

I haven't been able to find these exact replacement parts at any hardware stores near me. My question is: Do I need to replace with this exact item, or can anyone recommend a similar piece that I can buy at Home Depot, Ace, Menards, etc? I guess, what is the purpose of this item with the multiple pieces/filter, instead of just using a plain old cap that I can screw on? I'm sure these are dumb questions but I don't know anything about plumbing. Thanks!

 

[WhatMeWorry]

 

[HardcoreClone]

Nice find, that is my exact situation! Why do I need this valve to begin with? A lot of the stores I checked didn't have anything like it, so I'm wondering why it's important?

 

[Cyclonesrule91]

Nice find, that is my exact situation! Why do I need this valve to begin with? A lot of the stores I checked didn't have anything like it, so I'm wondering why it's important?

That valve is there to allow the water to drain from the pipe after you shut the water off so it's empty well into the house so it doesn't freeze when the temps go to below freezing.

 

[HardcoreClone]

That valve is there to allow the water to drain from the pipe after you shut the water off so it's empty well into the house so it doesn't freeze when the temps go to below freezing.

Good to know. I always store my hoses in the garage during the winter, but maybe I don't need to?

So my other spigot on the backside of the house is the exact same, in addition to what I would call a "collar" wrapped around the top cap, with a wire attached to the collar and running into the siding. Is that wire for my water meter? Am I allowed to undo that cap to fix the same leaking problem?

 

[BACyclone]

You can also buy the whole assembly for about $20-25 at Menards. Measure the length of the pipe behind the faucet, and the size of the pipe you have (probably 3/8", 1/2" or 5/8") and you have a new faucet in a few minutes.

 

[BACyclone]

Good to know. I always store my hoses in the garage during the winter, but maybe I don't need to?

So my other spigot on the backside of the house is the exact same, in addition to what I would call a "collar" wrapped around the top cap, with a wire attached to the collar and running into the siding. Is that wire for my water meter? Am I allowed to undo that cap to fix the same leaking problem?

You would still want to unhook any hoses from the spigot for the winter. Having a hose attached to the spigot would likely defeat the anti-siphon and you'd end up with a frozen pipe in your house.

Your "wire" sounds like maybe a ground wire for an electrical panel?

 

[spierceisu]

I have replaced the whole faucet unit before in a house I used to live in. It wasn't too hard but that was because the basement wasn't finished so access to the joint was simple. If the area is covered with drywall, the task is obviously much harder.

 

[HardcoreClone]

Thanks again for the info, I got it fixed. Now looks like my actual hose to spigot connection is leaking, so need to work on that...