All of our hose bibs have vacuum breakers attached to them. Sometimes they are referred to as anti-syphon or backflow devices. They are supposed to prevent water in the hose from going back into the water supply line and are required by code.

You might have noticed water leaking around these devices when you first turn them on or off. The leak should stop after a second or two. This is apparently normal.

If the faucet continues to leak when it is left on, you may need to replace the vacuum breaker. They are not easily removed. They top part of this device is semi-permanently attached to the faucet. My plumbing experts believe it is ‘pinned’ on. Another source said it might be fastened with thread lock.

If you can find where it is pinned, you can use a drill to loosen the breaker. If it is glued on with thread lock, you can use a torch to loosen it.

Neither of those sounded like something I wanted to do.

A third option is to separate the breaker. I was able to unscrew the bottom two thirds. I purchased a new breaker at Geo. Morland, separated it, and screwed it onto the faucet.

This was harder than it sounds, but easier than removing the whole thing and cheaper than a plumber.

I made a poor quality video explaining all of this. Vacuum breaker relaced

Send me a message if you have questions.