Exterior faucets are prone to wear and tear due to constant exposure to the elements. If your outdoor faucet is leaking or not functioning properly, it may be time to replace it. Replacing an outside water faucet is a relatively straightforward task that can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a successful replacement.
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials, including a new outside water faucet, adjustable wrench, pliers, hacksaw, Teflon tape, and a screwdriver. Turn off the water supply to the faucet at the shut-off valve, which is typically located inside the basement or crawlspace. Open the faucet to release any residual water pressure.
Next, use the adjustable wrench or pliers to disconnect the water supply line from the old faucet by turning it counterclockwise. Be careful not to overtighten the wrench, as this could damage the pipe. Once the supply line is disconnected, use the hacksaw to cut the pipe about 6 inches from the wall. Clean the cut edge of the pipe and apply Teflon tape to the threads.
Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials
Essential Tools
Before embarking on your outdoor faucet replacement project, ensure you have the requisite tools within arm’s reach. These include:
- Adjustable wrench: A sturdy wrench designed to fit a range of nut sizes.
- Slip-joint pliers: Versatile pliers suitable for gripping and twisting various objects.
- Channel locks: Powerful pliers ideal for gripping and loosening stubborn nuts and bolts.
- Hack or utility knife: For cutting through old sealant and insulation.
- Slotted and Phillips-head screwdrivers: For removing screws holding the faucet handle and other components.
- Putty knife: Useful for scraping away old sealant and cleaning the faucet base.
Essential Materials
In addition to your tools, you’ll need the following materials:
- Replacement faucet: Choose a faucet that is compatible with your existing plumbing.
- Teflon tape: A thread sealant used to prevent leaks.
- Plumber’s putty: A pliable sealant that fills gaps and prevents water seepage.
- Insulation: Prevents the faucet from freezing during cold weather.
- Screws and washers: For securing the faucet handle and other components.
To simplify your shopping, we’ve compiled this handy table summarizing the necessary tools and materials:
| Tools | Materials |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | Replacement faucet |
| Slip-joint pliers | Teflon tape |
| Channel locks | Plumber’s putty |
| Hack or utility knife | Insulation |
| Slotted and Phillips-head screwdrivers | Screws and washers |
| Putty knife |
Turning Off the Water Supply
Before you begin any plumbing work, it’s crucial to turn off the water supply to the outside faucet. This will prevent water from flowing out uncontrolled and potentially damaging your property.
Identifying Your Water Shutoff Valve
For homes with a basement: Locate the main water shutoff valve at the point where the water pipe enters your basement. It is typically a brass or copper valve with a red or black handle.
For homes without a basement: The water shutoff valve may be located in a utility closet, under a sink, or in a crawlspace. Look for a valve that controls the water flow specifically to the outside faucet.
Closing the Valve
Once you have identified the shutoff valve, follow these steps to turn off the water supply:
1. Quarter-turn valves: Turn the handle clockwise by 90 degrees to close the valve.
2. Gate valves: Turn the handle clockwise until the handle is parallel to the pipe. This may require several turns.
| Valve Type | Closing Direction |
|---|---|
| Quarter-turn valve | Clockwise 90 degrees |
| Gate valve | Clockwise until the handle is parallel to the pipe |
3. Open the outside faucet briefly to release any remaining water pressure.
Your water supply is now turned off, and you can proceed with replacing the outside water faucet.
Draining the Water from the Faucet
Before you start working on the faucet, you’ll need to drain the water from the pipes. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet. There should be a shut-off valve located under the sink or behind the faucet. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water.
- Open the faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out. Leave the faucet open until all the water has drained out.
- Disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet. There will be two water supply lines connected to the faucet, one for hot water and one for cold water. Use a wrench to disconnect the lines from the faucet. Be careful not to damage the lines or the faucet.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn off the water supply to the faucet using the shut-off valve under the sink or behind the faucet. |
| 2 | Open the faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out. Leave the faucet open until all the water has drained out. |
| 3 | Disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet using a wrench. Be careful not to damage the lines or the faucet. |
Detaching the Old Faucet
Now that you have gathered the necessary tools and turned off the water supply, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of detaching the old outdoor faucet:
1. Remove the Handle
Locate the handle of the outdoor faucet and unscrew it using a screwdriver or a wrench, depending on the type of handle. Be cautious not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the handle.
2. Disconnect the Supply Line
Using an adjustable wrench, carefully disconnect the supply line from the faucet body. Place a bucket or towel underneath to catch any residual water that may leak out.
3. Remove the Mounting Nuts
Behind the faucet, there will be one or two mounting nuts that secure it to the exterior wall. Use the wrench to loosen and unscrew these nuts, allowing you to pull the faucet away from the wall.
4. Remove the Stem/Valve Assembly
This step will vary depending on the specific type of faucet you have, but the general process involves the following:
- Using a screwdriver, unscrew the packing nut located at the base of the faucet body.
- Remove the packing washer or packing rope that may be present.
- Locate the stem or valve assembly and unscrew it counterclockwise using a wrench.
- Inspect the stem/valve assembly for any worn-out parts that may need replacement.
Once you have successfully detached the old faucet, proceed to the next steps, which involve preparing and installing the new faucet.
Installing the New Faucet’s Washers
Installing the new faucet’s washers is relatively simple. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the job is done properly.
Materials You’ll Need:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | For tightening or loosening the old faucet |
| Flathead screwdriver | For opening the faucet handle and removing the old washer |
| New faucet washers | Made of rubber or neoprene, they come in different sizes |
Steps:
1. Turn off the water supply. This is typically done by locating the main water shut-off valve in the house and turning it clockwise.
2. Open the faucet to release remaining water. This will help relieve pressure in the line and make it easier to open the faucet handle.
3. Remove the old washer. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry off the old washer from the seat inside the faucet handle.
4. Clean the washer seat. Use a cloth to remove any debris or old washer pieces stuck on the seat.
5. Lubricate the new washer. Apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease or petroleum jelly to the rim of the new washer. This will help it form a better seal and extend its lifespan.
6. Install the new washer. Carefully place the new washer over the washer seat and press it into place. Use your thumbs to press down evenly around the circumference.
7. Reinstall the faucet handle. Align the handle with the stem of the faucet and screw it back on.
8. Turn on the water supply. Check for any leaks around the faucet handle or the base of the faucet.
9. Tighten the faucet. Use the adjustable wrench to slightly tighten the nut that secures the faucet to the pipe.
Tightening the New Faucet
With the faucet body firmly in place, it’s time to secure the handle. Most outdoor faucets use a threaded nut to attach the handle to the stem. Tighten this nut with a wrench, but be careful not to overtighten as you can damage the handle or the stem.
Once the handle is secure, attach the handle to the stem. This is usually done with a screw or bolt. Tighten the screw or bolt securely but again do not overtighten.
The final step in tightening the new faucet is to check for leaks. Turn on the water supply and check for any water leaking around the base of the handle or the body of the faucet. If you find any leaks, tighten the appropriate nuts or screws until the leaks stop.
Using a Table for Added Detail
To make the instructions even more detailed, you can use a table to outline the steps for tightening the new faucet:
| Step | Action | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tighten the faucet body to the wall | Wrench |
| 2 | Attach the handle to the stem | Wrench |
| 3 | Tighten the screw or bolt on the handle | Screwdriver or wrench |
| 4 | Check for leaks | Water supply |
Reattaching the Water Handle
7. Reattach the water handle:
The water handle is the final piece that needs to be attached. First, align the handle with the stem and insert it. Once the handle is in place, tighten the set screw using a screwdriver. The set screw is usually located on the bottom of the handle, or on the side if you have a lever-type handle. Tighten the set screw until the handle is secure, but be careful not to overtighten it.
Next, replace the handle cover or cap. This piece simply snaps into place over the handle to conceal the set screw. If you have a lever-type handle, there may not be a separate handle cover.
Finally, turn on the water supply to check for leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the set screw a bit more. You may also need to adjust the packing nut, which is located just below the handle. To adjust the packing nut, simply tighten it using a wrench.
| Step | Description |
|—|—|
| 1 | Align the handle with the stem. |
| 2 | Insert the handle. |
| 3 | Tighten the set screw. |
| 4 | Replace the handle cover or cap. |
| 5 | Turn on the water supply to check for leaks. |
| 6 | If you see any leaks, tighten the set screw a bit more. |
| 7 | You may also need to adjust the packing nut. |
Turning on the Water Supply
Before beginning any work on the outside faucet, it’s crucial to ensure that the water supply is turned off. Follow these steps to turn on the water supply:
- Locate the main water shut-off valve: This is typically located either in the basement or crawlspace, near where the water supply line enters the house.
- Turn the valve clockwise: Rotate the valve clockwise until it stops. This will shut off the water supply to the entire house.
- Double-check the faucets: Open a faucet inside the house to make sure that the water is no longer flowing.
- Turn on the outside faucet: Open the outside faucet slightly to release any remaining water pressure in the line.
- Turn off the outside faucet: Close the outside faucet completely.
- Turn on the main water shut-off valve counterclockwise: Slowly rotate the main water shut-off valve counterclockwise to turn the water supply back on.
- Check the outside faucet: Turn on the outside faucet again to ensure that the water is flowing correctly.
- Tighten the handle: If the handle is loose, use a wrench to tighten it until it is snug.
Remember to turn on the inside faucets first to get rid of any accumulated air from the lines. Once the water is flowing smoothly, you can begin working on replacing the outside faucet.
| Tips | Cautions |
|---|---|
| If you can’t locate the main water shut-off valve, consider consulting a licensed plumber. | Never attempt to replace an outside faucet while the water supply is still on. |
| Before turning the water supply back on, make sure all the connections are tight. | Avoid overtightening the handle, as it can damage the faucet. |
Checking for Leaks
Step 9: Detecting Hidden Leaks
Once the water is turned off, inspect the faucet’s base and surrounding area for any signs of water seepage or stains. This step helps detect any hidden leaks that may not be immediately apparent.
Another way to check for leaks is to wrap a piece of tissue paper around the base of the faucet. Leave it for about 15 minutes and then check if the tissue has absorbed any moisture. If the tissue remains dry, it indicates no leaks. However, if the tissue shows dampness or discoloration, it suggests a leak that requires attention.
To further confirm the presence of a leak, connect a hose to the faucet and turn on the water pressure. Inspect the connections, the hose, and the faucet body itself for any drips or sprays. If water leaks from any of these points, it indicates a repair or replacement is necessary.
| Leak Location | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
| Faucet Base | Cracked or damaged O-ring, loose washer, broken pipe |
| Hose Connection | Loose fittings, worn or damaged hose, cracked connector |
| Faucet Body | Faulty valve, damaged seals, corrosion |
Winterizing the New Faucet
In areas with freezing temperatures, winterizing your outside faucet is essential to prevent freezing and damage. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your new faucet is protected during the cold weather:
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
Locate the water supply valve that controls the flow of water to the faucet. It is typically located inside the basement or crawlspace. Shut off the valve to prevent water from flowing into the faucet.
2. Disconnect the Hose
Remove any hoses connected to the faucet. If the hose is frozen, do not force it. Instead, thaw it with warm water before removing it.
3. Open the Faucet
Open the outside faucet fully to allow any remaining water to drain from the pipe.
4. Dry the Faucet
Use a clean cloth or sponge to dry the faucet thoroughly. This will remove any moisture that could freeze and cause damage.
5. Apply Lubricant
Apply a non-freezing lubricant to the handle mechanism and any moving parts of the faucet. This will prevent the faucet from freezing.
6. Cover the Faucet
Wrap the faucet with an insulated cover or cloth to provide additional protection from the cold.
7. Remove the Aerator
If possible, remove the aerator from the faucet. This will allow any remaining water to drain and prevent freezing.
8. Wrap the Pipes
If the pipes leading to the faucet are exposed, wrap them with insulation to prevent freezing.
9. Consider a Freeze-Proof Faucet
For areas with extreme cold, consider installing a freeze-proof faucet. These faucets are designed to automatically drain when the water is turned off.
How to Replace an Outside Water Faucet
Replacing an outside water faucet is a relatively simple plumbing project that can be completed in a few hours. By following these steps, you can save yourself the cost of hiring a plumber.
Step 1: Turn off the water supply. Locate the water shutoff valve for the outside faucet and turn it off. This valve is usually located in the basement or crawlspace.
Step 2: Disconnect the old faucet. Use a wrench to disconnect the water supply line from the old faucet. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the faucet in place.
Step 3: Install the new faucet. Place the new faucet in the hole and secure it with the screws. Then, connect the water supply line to the new faucet.
Step 4: Turn on the water supply. Slowly turn on the water shutoff valve and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, your new outside faucet is now installed.
People Also Ask About How to Replace Outside Water Faucet
Can I replace an outside water faucet myself?
Yes, you can replace an outside water faucet yourself with a little bit of plumbing experience. By following the steps in this guide, you can save yourself the cost of hiring a plumber.
What tools do I need to replace an outside water faucet?
You will need the following tools to replace an outside water faucet:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- New outside water faucet
How long will it take to replace an outside water faucet?
Replacing an outside water faucet typically takes about 1-2 hours.
