How To Repair Leaking Spigot

A leaky outdoor faucet tin bulldoze up your utility bills in a sneaky style, which is why it'due south critical to catch the leak early and reduce water waste — not to mention money waste matter. Whether you're handy around the house or hoping to become then, learning how to fix a leaky outdoor faucet is a useful skill that volition aid make you a more than self-sufficient homeowner.

This May As well Interest You lot: Prevent Frozen-Pipe Problems past Knowing These Things Downwards Cold

If y'all detect yourself struggling, you can always reach out to a professional but, until so, read on for our helpful guide on how to fix a leaky outdoor faucet.

Identifying the Cause

Before y'all can begin repairing a leaky outdoor faucet, you first need to identify the cause of the problem. An outdoor faucet might leak for any of several reasons. If you notice that your outdoor faucet leaks from the spout when the water is turned off, and so the washer is likely the problem and needs to exist tightened or replaced. If the faucet is leaking from around the handle while it's turned on, then it may be the stalk packing that's leaking.

Outdoor spigot leaks are often due to worn-out washers. Besides wear and tear of the washers and packing around the handle, other causes of outdoor faucet leaks can include damaged, frozen or clogged pipes. Pipes can become chock-full over time due to mineral deposits and other buildup. Frost impairment to a pipe occurs if water in the piping freezes, which causes the metal to expand and contract, and eventually cracks the pipe. That's why it'south essential to turn outside taps off in the fall when you begin winterizing your home.

If the leaking outdoor faucet in question is quite old, it may be more than worthwhile to simply replace it rather than invest time and money in a repair.

Associated Costs of Outdoor Faucet Repair

Fixing a leaky outdoor faucet can toll very little or nothing if you're just tightening or replacing a loose washer. Even so, if you're going to replace the outdoor faucet entirely, the cost of replacing each part tin add together up. Replacing a spigot costs roughly $100, while a new brass hose bib with a shutoff valve tin can cost around $200. On average, the cost of repairing or replacing an outdoor faucet ranges from $50 to $300. A hose bib past itself costs $5 to $ten, so if you can handle information technology yourself, you'll probable save a lot of money.

Outdoor Faucet Repair: Footstep-by-Step

Once you observe your outdoor faucet leaking and take established the source of the trouble, it'southward fourth dimension to get to work on a solution. Earlier you brainstorm, make sure you take the necessary parts on hand, including:

• A replacement spigot (Take a look at the erstwhile spigot to ensure you choose the correct replacement; spigots are either male person or female and vary in size.)
• Spray lubricant
• Thread-sealing tape
• Pipage wrenches
• A sturdy brush to remove corrosion from your pipes

When yous have all the materials ready, y'all can begin the repair or replacement process. Kickoff, attempt tightening the packing nut behind the faucet handle with a wrench with a simple eighth-inch to quarter-inch turn. If that doesn't fix the leak, you may need to supercede the washer. Hither's how:

1. Locate the shutoff valve to cut the h2o supply to the outside tap.

2. Unscrew the packing nut.

3. Pull the valve stem out of the hose bib, property steady with your mitt on the faucet handle.

4. On the valve stem, y'all'll see a spiral property the faucet washer in identify; remove this screw.

5. Swap out the washer with an identical replacement.

6. Replace the valve stalk by pushing it back into the hose bib.

7. Tighten the packing nut on the hose bib until information technology's secure.

8. Turn your h2o supply back on.

9. Cheque for any remaining leaks.

In the best example scenario, fixing a leaky outdoor faucet is a simple procedure that most homeowners tin carry out with minimal effort, especially if the right tools are at the ready. In some cases, you'll need to replace your spigot entirely, specially if it's old and stripped or corroded.

More than Related Articles:

• How to Repair a Leaky Faucet
• Tips for Fixing Leaky Faucets
• Replacing Faucets: What You Should Know
• How to Install a Kitchen Faucet
• 3 Plumbing Do'south and Don'ts

Outdoor Spigot Replacement: Stride-by-Footstep

1. Locate the water shutoff valve and turn information technology clockwise to shut off your h2o supply.

2. Drain the remaining water from the pipe by opening the outdoor spigot.

three. Twist the spigot counterclockwise to remove information technology. Grip the piping and spigot tightly, then pull them autonomously.

4. Utilise your firm-bristled castor to clean the threads.

five. Apply your plumber's tape to seal the threads on the piping.

6. Install the new spigot and use a wrench to secure it in identify.

7. Turn the water back on and check for any remaining leaks.

For leaks that occur due to cracks in the pipe from frost harm, it's advisable to simply contact a professional rather than taking on the task solitary, unless you have a lot of feel dealing with plumbing repairs.

Investing in a plumbing repair plan from HomeServe can save you lot the trouble of petty with a leaking outdoor faucet yourself. Permit the professionals handle the task of outdoor faucet repair so you tin can feel confident that your home is existence properly serviced.

Source: https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/how-to/outdoor-faucet-repair/

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