Quck answer
Replacing an outdoor faucet is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. First, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Next, remove the old faucet by disconnecting it from the water pipe. Clean the pipe threads and apply Teflon tape to ensure a tight seal. Install the new faucet by connecting it to the water pipe and tightening it securely. Finally, turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. Replacing an outdoor faucet is an easy DIY project that can improve the functionality and appearance of your outdoor space.
Outdoor faucets may seem inconsequential, but they play a crucial role in many homes. People use them for a variety of tasks, from filling swimming pools to watering vegetable gardens or lawns. However, with constant use and exposure to the elements, these spigots eventually wear out and need replacing. Leaks are the most common problem, and sometimes, replacing the entire faucet is easier than replacing the rubber washer. Fortunately, replacing an outdoor faucet is a relatively simple DIY project.
Types of Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets go by many names, including hose bib and sillcock. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, a hose bib has its valve outside the house, meaning that water left in the faucet could freeze during cold weather and cause pipes to burst. On the other hand, a sillcock has a longer shaft, with the valve and washer located inside the building to prevent freezing. They come in various lengths and may also contain anti-siphon valves to prevent backflow. Faucets with threaded connections are common, but some require soldered connections, compression fittings, push-fit connection fittings, or PEX plumbing.
Tip
If making a soldered connection, remove the washer from the faucet to avoid heat damage. Remove the screw holding the handle in place, loosen the bonnet nut with a wrench, and pull out the stem and washer. After soldering, reassemble the faucet when the fitting is cool. Some faucets have a flange to hide the connection between the hose bib and supply line, which is usually screwed to the house’s side. All freezeproof faucets have a mounting flange.
Things You’ll Need
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Lubricant (if needed)
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Replacement faucet, either a hose bib or frostfree faucet
Thread seal tape for plumbers
Exterior silicone caulk
Patching cement (if necessary)
Screwdriver
Two adjustable wrenches or wide-jaw pliers
Hacksaw (if needed)
How to Replace an Outdoor Faucet with Threads
Step 1: Turn Off the Water
To prevent freezing, many outdoor faucets have a shutoff valve inside the house. The valve can be closed by either turning a knob or using a lever. Ball valves have levers, allowing you to see whether they are open or closed. The lever will be parallel to the supply line when the water is flowing through the pipe. Closed ball valves will be at a 90-degree angle to the supply line. If there is no dedicated shutoff valve, turn off the main valve where the water line enters your home.
Step 2: Drain the Faucet
Go outside and open the faucet. Some water will spill out. This also ensures that the water is off completely before you start working on the faucet.
Step 3: Remove the Old Faucet
Removing a hose bib can be done outside the house, but most of the work done on a freezeproof faucet is done inside the house.
For hose bibs:
- Remove the screws that hold the mounting flange to the wall using a screwdriver.
- Hold the supply line with pliers and place another pair of pliers on the faucet. As you turn the faucet counterclockwise to unscrew it, apply slight pressure to the supply line in the clockwise direction. Apply a lubricant to the threads if the faucet won’t budge. If there isn’t enough supply line showing to let you get a good grip on it, have a helper hold it from inside the house.
For freezeproof faucets:
- Remove the screws that hold the mounting flange to the wall.
- Go inside to disconnect the existing faucet. Place one wrench on the shaft of the faucet and the other on the supply line. Unscrew the faucet from the supply line by turning it counterclockwise while applying slight pressure on the supply line in the clockwise direction. When disconnected, go outside and pull the faucet through the hole in the wall.
Tip
If you can’t disconnect the old faucet for whatever reason, you will have to cut the supply line so that you can pull the faucet out through the wall. Use a tubing cutter for a clean, flush cut. You will then need to add a new section of pipe to the supply line and connect it to the faucet. One option is to solder the new pipe to the supply line using a coupling fitting and then solder a threaded fitting to the pipe to receive the new faucet.
Step 4: Install the New Faucet
To install faucets with threaded connections, reverse the procedure used to disconnect the old faucet.
- Take the plumbers’ tape and wrap it around the male threads in a clockwise direction. Wrap it for about three or four complete turns. Remember to always wrap the tape in the direction you will be turning the fitting to avoid it from bunching up as you turn the fitting.
- Put the faucet in place and tighten it by hand.
- Complete the installation by using wrenches. Tighten with one wrench while holding the supply line with another. This time, you will need to turn the faucet or the shaft of the freezeproof faucet in a clockwise direction while applying pressure to the supply line in a counterclockwise direction.
- Attach the mounting flange to the wall with the appropriate screws.
Step 5: Protect the Installation from Weather
Apply caulk around the edges of the flange to create a seal. If there is no mounting flange, apply caulk around the pipe where it exits the building. If the supply lines come through masonry walls, patching cement can be used to seal the crumbly concrete around the opening.
Step 6: Turn On the Water
Go inside and turn on the water to the outdoor faucet. Open the faucet and check for any leaks. If there are any leaks where the faucet is connected to the supply line, turn off the water inside the house and try tightening the faucet a little more to stop the leaks.
FAQ
1. What is an outdoor faucet?
An outdoor faucet, also known as a hose bib or spigot, is a valve that allows water to flow from a water supply pipe to an outdoor area. It is commonly used for connecting hoses, filling buckets, or watering plants.
2. Why would I need to replace an outdoor faucet?
There are several reasons why you might need to replace an outdoor faucet. It could be leaking, damaged, or outdated. Replacing it can ensure proper functionality, prevent water wastage, and improve the appearance of your outdoor area.
3. How do I know if my outdoor faucet needs to be replaced?
Signs that your outdoor faucet needs to be replaced include leaks, low water pressure, rust or corrosion, difficulty in turning the handle, or if it is an older model that doesn’t meet current plumbing standards.
4. What tools do I need to replace an outdoor faucet?
To replace an outdoor faucet, you will typically need a pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, plumber’s tape, and a new outdoor faucet that matches the existing plumbing connections.
5. Can I replace an outdoor faucet myself?
Yes, with basic plumbing knowledge and the right tools, you can replace an outdoor faucet yourself. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it is recommended to hire a professional plumber to ensure the job is done correctly.
6. What is the procedure for replacing an outdoor faucet?
The general procedure for replacing an outdoor faucet involves turning off the water supply, removing the old faucet, cleaning the pipe threads, applying plumber’s tape, and installing the new faucet. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided with the new faucet and to ensure a watertight connection.
7. Are there any maintenance tips to prolong the lifespan of an outdoor faucet?
To prolong the lifespan of an outdoor faucet, it is recommended to disconnect and drain hoses during winter to prevent freezing, avoid excessive force when turning the handle, regularly check for leaks or damage, and replace any worn-out parts promptly.