Outdoor faucets are handy for allowing you to bring your water to wherever it is needed outside. By using a garden hose extension, you could employ your outdoor faucet (also called a hose bib) for spraying, washing and sprinkling your lawn.
Unfortunately, because these faucets spend their lives outside, they are exposed to the temperature extremes that can cause plumbing damage. The best way to repair a leaky outdoor faucet is to dismantle the faucet itself and have a look inside. The majority of outdoor faucet leaks are caused by a faulty faucet washer, which is easy enough to fix.
Tools Required
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Steel wool
- Rubber washer
- Silicone grease
- Pipe thread compound
Shut Off The Water
Shut off the water supply for the outdoor faucet that you will be repairing. How this is done depends on your plumbing setup. In some locations, particularly those in the Northern United States, you may be able to find a separate water shut off valve for the outside faucet in a basement or crawlspace. In other locations, the shut off valve could be in an outdoor building or shed.
If you can't locate the shut off valve in any of those places, you will have to turn off the water supply for your entire house (Be sure to remind everyone that they're not going to have any water before you do this!). Look for the water meter utility box, which is usually a plastic or concrete box in your front or side yard. The water supply main valve should be located next to the meter. Turn the valve with a pair of pliers to turn off the water.
Removing the Valve Stem
Locate the packing nut which is directly underneath the handle. It is hexagonal in shape. Turn this nut counterclockwise with a pair of pliers or wrench to remove the outdoor faucet valve stem. If the nut is stubborn, try spraying with some penetrating lubricant and allow it to soak in. Don't worry if some water leaks out after you remove the stem. This is normal.
Check the stem for signs of damage or wear. Use a soft bristled brush (an old toothbrush is good for this) to clean off any calcium or silt buildup. These deposits can keep the stem from closing tightly, causing the faucet to leak.
Turn the stem over and examine the rubber washer at the bottom. This, also, should be changed if it shows any tears or cracks. To replace, unscrew the retaining screw at the bottom of the stem with a flat bladed screwdriver. Pull the screwdriver and washer off the bottom of the stem. Insert a new washer into the socket on the bottom of the stem and secure with the screw. Apply a few drops of silicone grease on the outside surface of the washer.
Reinstalling the Stem and Finishing
Use the steel wool to clean the threads on the stem. Remove any old caulk or putty that might be present. Apply a new coat of pipe thread compound to the threads. Insert the stem into the hose socket and thread hand tight. Use the wrench to securely tighten in the pipe. Make sure to align the faucet so that the outlet is pointing straight down.
Restore the water supply.
Conclusion
Repairing a leaky outdoor faucet isn't a difficult task and, once finished, you'll gain confidence in your plumbing abilities and ready to tackle any other kind of leaks.
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Scott Calonico - Scott Calonico holds a BS in Communications from the University of Texas at Austin and an MA in International Journalism from City ...
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