freeze-proof faucet pipe burst

I have a rental house that has what I believe is a freeze-proof faucet. The renters left a hose connected and the pipe froze and burst. Now it leaks in the basement when the faucet is used.

It seems the valve for the faucet is closer to the side of the house than the leak because it only leaks when used. My question: how do I fix this? Do I buy a new faucet assembly and screw it in place? It looks like a threaded coupler connects the assembly to the water pipe. Or can I just replace the pipe?

Thanks, Sandy

It sounds like hose bib is shot, and when it is used water travels down the outside of the pipe into the basement, which is odd, because the pipe should be pitched away from the house to aid in proper drainage when not in use, or is shut down for the season. You should be able to get away with just replacing the hose bib.

I know this is too late for your problem since you have no doubt repaired the faucet by now; however, this is for future reference and for others who may have this problem. Usually the part of the freeze proof outside the valve is made of copper pipe which splits when the water inside freezes. It is often possible to repair the freeze proof by pressing the pipe back together with pliers or clamps and soldering the crack closed. I have repaired freeze proofs this way successfully. It requires a little soldering skill, but most reasonable handy men or women can do it.

If this is a typical ,so called, freeze proof faucet, it will be 10"-12" long and the shut off washer will be at the end that is closest to the inside of the house. If this 'burst' somewhere in this 12", when the faucet is opened, the water will come out this burst as well as the hose bib.

If it just screws into the water pipe, and is accessible, best to replace it and not try to repair.