If you have a talent for gardening, you would enjoy caring for your garden and occasionally tending to plants, shrubs, and trees. If you are discussing water usage, the garden spigot may start leaking, leaving you no option other than to do some fixing. If you possess the proper equipment, then this repair is a piece of cake!

This is applicable only if the faucet is not badly deteriorated to take apart. These faucets feature a compression valve which is tightened up against the valve seat when you twist the handle. Typically, when a washer or the sealant surrounding the handle is damaged, a leak ensues. These worn out components can be removed by taking off the packing nut.

Make sure that you seal this hole before colder weather arrives. This could be a huge problem for you and your household, as pipes may become frozen and possibly crack, resulting in plumbing issues. You should try to fix the issue before winter comes. Also, you need to weatherize your outdoor faucets.

Why Do Pipes Break When They Freeze?

Ice blocking in water pipes is usually the cause of pipes breaking. When water freezes, it expands in size, yet the ice does not cause any strain on your plumbing. This can cause damage. However, the most serious harm is due to frozen clogging that builds up the water force further along.

This is typically the region between the frozen surface and the shuttered tap. Typically, water pressure build-up is the factor that causes pipework to malfunction, leading to breaking and bursting of the pipe at the point of freezing.

To be aware of this, you need to recognize that if there is a faucet outside your home which is leaking, the resulting ice can lead to a pipe breaking in the walls of your house. This situation could be disastrous for households, as they would be without water for several days until the repair is finished, and could incur thousands of dollars worth of harm from water.

Weatherize Outdoor Faucets

It is wise to take precautionary measures to guard outdoor faucets from potential cracks in your water pipes by weatherizing them. Follow these measures to ensure that your pipes are weatherproof:

  • Inspect and check all outdoor faucets for leaks or drips. These need to be repaired before the cold weather arrives. All check the exterior walls and the foundation for cracks or holes near the hose bibs. Seal them to prevent cold air from reaching your pipes.
  • Disconnect and drain all hoses that fixed to your water faucets. If you do not remove hoses and other connections from the hose bib, it can trap water and cause the fixture to freeze.
  • Drain the tap and close the outdoor supply valve and drain the pipe leading to the tap. By draining all the water from the taps, you will prevent ice from forming inside. This should be done before freezing sets in, locate and close the valve supplying water to the outside faucet and then open the faucet outside and drain the pipe completely. In case these outside taps do not have a dedicated supply then you will have to turn off the main water supply to drain them out.
  • Insulate taps and this will ensure that you protect all outdoor taps from extreme temperatures. This is available at all hardware and home improvement stores. You should know that they are inexpensive, easy to install and have a lifespan of several years. In case you live in an area where the climate turns frigid in winter, you should add insulation on the inside of the tap to add extra warmth.

Frost-Proof Outdoor Faucets

Some homeowners put in freeze-proof exterior taps, which is vital during autumn and winter. These frost-proof faucets are essential and successful, however they must be fixed up and maintained after some time of being employed. Keep an eye out for any leaking even if the valve is closed. Over time, the components of a standard or frost-proof faucet will break down and the seals and washers inside will begin to wear out. It’s pretty straightforward to switch out the washer, however you should put the faucet back together in the correct order. These are small tasks that folks generally disregard and postpone to a later time. You need to take action immediately and fix the leaking outside faucet, or else you will be dealing with some major destruction to the base of your residence.

Leaking RV Faucets

Don’t you love your RV? This is the ideal ride for visiting spots and having a sense of being at home even when you’re away. The condition of your recreational vehicle might go downhill over time and that includes both interior and exterior taps. Outdoor taps may become blocked with debris or have a build-up of mineral residues, causing them to not work correctly. Eventually, there could be a problem with the flow of water and the faucet might need to be changed completely. Your RV faucet that is exposed to the weather outside accumulates more wear and tear. The quality of water needs to be protected due to the fact it flows from reservoirs into the faucet. RVs which have faucets that are leaking, both indoors and on the outside, should be fixed by a professional plumber. Find out if you need to make it weatherproof and get driving again.

How To Detect A Water Leak

Find a dripping water tap before it produces considerable harm to your house. Here are some steps to help you detect a leak:

  • Take a look at your system and observe if the outdoor faucet leaks when it is turned off. Then turn the faucet on and place your hands over the opening. If the water flow slows when covered, then you are certain that you have a leak within the system that must be found and resolved.
  • Walk around your property and look for areas that seem to have sunken or wet. This could mean that there is an underground leak in your system.
  • Turn off the water flow in your system. This includes both indoors and out. Now locate your water meter to visually check and see if the indicator is moving. If it continues to move, then there is a leak somewhere in the system. You can find your water meter at the boundary of the property.

How to Replace a Leaky Outdoor Faucet or Water Spigot

Before You Start, See if You Can Fix the Spigot

Have you observed that your faucet is trickling? Is it just a slight repair that is needed, such as replacing a gasket, or do you need an entirely new one?

Look at it carefully to see if there is any damage to the handle, stem, or tube that provides water. Where is the leak coming from – the handle, spout, or where the pipe connects to the principal water line?

  • If it’s leaking from the handle, try tightening the packing nut or replacing the washer(s) first.
  • If it’s leaking from the joint to the supply pipe , remove the spigot, inspect the threads for damage, clean the threads, and wrap them with Teflon tape.
  • If it’s leaking from the spout, the inner mechanism may be damaged, and it’s probably easier and cheaper to just replace the entire thing.

Hose bibbs typically range in price from $5 to $10, yet a plumber may demand as much as $150 for replacing it. Save some money and do it yourself. As you’ll see, they’re really quite simple to replace. In order to make the task simpler and reduce stress, get all your materials and tools ready before starting.

  • Replacement spigot.
  • Two pipe wrenches.
  • Spray lubricant (penetrating oil)—to help loosen the threads.
  • Stiff-bristled brush—to remove corrosion and other debris.
  • Old rags—to wipe your hands and the pipe after scrubbing.
  • Teflon tape (plumber’s tape)—to seal the threads and prevent future leaks.

What Type of Spigot Should I Get?

I suggest that you should take out the old faucet and take it to the home improvement store so you can find an exact substitute. There are two things you or the store clerk should be looking for:

  • Thread size: They usually come in 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch. Make sure you get a replacement that’s the same size.
  • Male or female: Is your spigot male (the threads are on the outside) or female (the threads are on the inside)?

How to Replace an Outdoor Water Spigot

  • Locate the water shut-off valve.
  • Shut off the water supply by turning the water shut-off valve clockwise.
  • Open the spigot to drain the remaining water.
  • Remove the spigot by firmly grasping both the spigot and the supplying pipe and twisting the spigot counterclockwise.
  • Brush the threads to clean the corrosion.
  • Seal the threads with Teflon tape.
  • Install the new spigot by hand before tightening it with a wrench.
  • Check for leaks.

A thorough description of each step is provided in the upcoming sections, along with pictures to guide you through the process.

1. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve

The main water shutoff valve can be found in the vicinity of the water meter in the majority of homes. If you are from an area with a cold climate, the meter is probably located inside your home or in the garage. In regions that are usually hot, the device for measuring is most likely located on the exterior of the home, either on the front or side of your dwelling.

You may have one or two valves. The valves can be manipulated with either a lever or a wheel handle. Levers are employed by ball valves, while wheel handles are used by gate (or globe) valves.

2. Shut Off the Water Supply

If you’re having difficulty finding out which cutoff valve controls the tap you’re attempting to replace, just turn it on slightly and identify the valve that halts the flow of water then shut it off. It should take approximately a minute or two for the water to cease flowing. If the shut off valve doesn’t work, return to the meter and find an alternate valve.

A house that is situated on a big piece of land can have up to three main cutoff valves––one from a public source that can turn off water for the entire property, one specifically for the irrigation system, and another to regulate the water supply of the household.

Shutoff valves with levers usually turn only 90 degrees. The wheel handles must be rotated until they are in the proper position, which typically takes one or two complete circles.

3. Drain the Excess Water

Unscrew the tap to let any leftover water flow out. Despite having turned off the water, it is probable that water still remains in the pipe portion from the cutoff valve up to the faucet. Remember to close it again when you’re done.

4. Remove the Old Spigot

Hold onto the supply pipe at the six-sided nut with a pipe wrench. To prevent any disruption to the system, rotate the valve handle anti-clockwise while using the second pipe wrench.

Tip: If it doesn’t turn, stop. Don’t force anything, as this can cause additional damage. Apply some lubricant to and around the joint and let it sit for several minutes so the threading will come undone.

A few swift hits can help to break up the oxidation. Recall to ensure the supply pipe is secure before proceeding.

5. Brush the Threads to Clean the Corrosion

Utilize a brush with firm bristles to get rid of any corrosion, extra putty from plumbing, as well as other residue. This avoids harm when attaching the new faucet and makes sure a water-tight join.

6. Seal the Threads With Teflon Tape

Cover the loose strings with Teflon tape, starting from the bottom and layering the tape so that only half of its size is visible at a time, until you reach the end. Teflon tape is used to seal the narrow spaces between the threads in order to prevent any water from escaping.

7. Install the New Spigot

Securely attach the new faucet by hand until it is in its proper place. Fasten it securely with a pipe wrench. Place a towel around the spigot prior to using a wrench to grip it, in order to avoid causing harm to the coating.

8. Check for Leaks

Once setup is completed, see if there are any drips or drops coming out of the union, faucet stem, and spray head. Ensure that the faucet is shut off before restoring the water supply. Next, turn on the tap and check that water is flowing solely out of the nozzle.

How Can I Prevent an Outdoor Faucet From Freezing?

In areas that experience frost, breaks in pipes and/or faucets can be caused by the growth of water when it turns to ice. To prevent frost damage, follow these steps:

  1. Close the main water shutoff valve and drain the water from the spigot(s).
  2. Wrap the spigot and any exposed pipes with pipe insulation (usually cylindrical foam pieces). Duct tape them for a tight and secure seal.
  3. Install a frost-proof faucet.

Note that wrapping with insulation only slows heat loss. It doesn’t stop it, and it doesn’t create warmth. If continually exposed to very cold temperatures, the insulation will no longer work properly. The best way to avoid frost injury is to either drain the water out or have a frost-proof faucet installed.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan