How to Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet

Outdoor water faucets may simply wear down over time. Fortunately, replacing an outdoor water faucet is an easy task.

Steps

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    Turn off your home's main water supply valve.[1]
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    Spray lubricant onto the faucet where it connects to the pipe. Lubricant will help to loosen any rust that may have formed on the threads.[2]
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    Open the faucet completely to drain out all of the water.
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    Place one pipe wrench onto the water pipe and one onto the faucet.
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    With your non-dominant hand, hold the pipe wrench on the water pipe to keep it still. At the same time, slowly turn the pipe wrench that is connected to the faucet counterclockwise until the faucet is loosened.
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    Once it's loosened, unscrew the faucet by hand in a counterclockwise motion.
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    Brush the threads on the pipe with a stiff bristled brush to clean off any rust or debris.
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    Go to the home improvement store and take the old faucet with you. Purchase a new faucet that meets the same specifications as the old one.
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    Wrap two to three layers of Teflon tape around the threads in a clockwise direction. Teflon tape seals the connection to ensure that no water leaks out.
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    Screw the new faucet onto the pipe in a clockwise direction by hand until the faucet is tightened.
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    Place one pipe wrench on the pipe and another on the faucet as before.
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    Turn the faucet wrench clockwise until the faucet connection is tight and the faucet is turned in the appropriate direction.
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    Turn on the main water supply valve.
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    Open the new faucet to check for leaks.[3]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What if I cannot turn off the main water line?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Then you have to turn the water off at the main valve or at the water meter. Take a cell phone picture of the valve to the store with you and ask for a "curb key" (should be less than $10), if there isn't a regular valve handle on the meter. You can have the utility company do it, but that's expensive and inconvenient -- you'll have to wait for both 'on' and 'off', without any water.
  • Question
    When I take the stem off the outside faucet, it still leaks! What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Start over. Use plumber's tape if it's leaking where it's connected. If it's leaking from the spigot, replace the new faucet.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray lubricant
  • Two pipe wrenches
  • Stiff bristled brush
  • Teflon tape
  • New faucet


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References

  1. ↑ https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/plumbing/pipes/finding-the-main-water-shutoff-valve/
  2. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/more/loosening-stuck-nut
  3. ↑ https://www.home-water-works.org/indoor-use/leaks
  4. ↑ https://www.wsscwater.com/customer-service/residential-tips/locating-and-operating-your-main.html
  5. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/faucet-repair/how-to-install-a-frost-proof-outdoor-faucet/
  6. https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/stop-an-outdoor-faucet-from-dripping/
  7. https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-repair-a-leaking-outdoor-faucet-hose-bib/
  8. http://www.gardenguides.com/117527-replace-garden-hose-spigot.html

About This Article

Hunter Rising
Co-authored by:
Hunter Rising
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. This article has been viewed 266,538 times.
22 votes - 73%
Co-authors: 19
Updated: April 28, 2021
Views: 266,538
Categories: Faucets and Taps
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