How do I remove cement/mortar from faucet threads?

Question

A worker smeared mortar/cement on my outdoor faucet and now I can not s***w a hose onto it. Any suggestions on how to get this stuff out of the fine threads without damaging the faucet threads. I was thinking of using muriatic acid.

Answer 1

I don't like the acid treatment, because acid discolors the brass you are trying to clean off. It has a tendency to turn it pink. Propbably the best method would be to chase the threads with a pipe die. Try finding one for a hose fitting though. Next best may be a 3/4 pipe coupling. The newer couplings don't have much of a taper to them, and should thread onto the hose fitting. By tightening and tapping with a hammer(lightly) unscrewing and tightening again, I think you can clean it off in good shape. Good luck.

Answer 2

thats a good choice also try to sand it out

Answer 3

use a steel brush if you dont have 1 use your bbq brush  or use a knife and cut along the threads  

Answer 4

Hi savy,

You can use a piece of metal the width of the thread (like a trowel, old knife blade, or paint scraper) and saw back and forth all the way around all the threads (in the valleys, not the peaks).  Wetting it down will help, wipe clean with old rag and firm grip.  Acid might rust it if used too strong.

Answer 5

A wire brush would probably do it.

Bert

Answer 6

From my stranger than fiction files.

Dab some white vinegar on the mortar,this is like a ultra mild acid to it.Then use one of those wire brushes (size of a toothbrush) and remove.

It's not a big deal,just some elbow grease.

It's so funny that after 25 years working with concrete some just can't "get it".Vinager is a weak acid,envirmentally friendly.An interesting story about vinager and concrete in link.

My Best