Repairing Guides

how to repair a frost proof faucet

by Celine Price Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Fix a Leaking Frost-Proof Faucet

  1. Checking the Retaining nut If the faucet is leaking around the stem of the handle you might get away with just tightening the nut under the handle. ...
  2. Remove the Stem Assembly To remove the stem assembly, remove the packing or retaining nut and reinstall the handle. ...
  3. Replace the Washer and O-ring Depending on the type of faucet, you may only need a new washer, but some will also require a new o-ring and metal washer. ...
  4. Check the Vacuum Breaker Assembly

Full Answer

Do it yourself faucet repair?

  • First turn off the water to the faucet. ...
  • Open taps and let any water in the pipe drain out.
  • Put the drain stopper or a towel in the sink (in case you drop anything you don't want it going down the drain).
  • To make sure you get the right replacement parts, take any parts you remove from the faucet with you to the plumbing supply store. ...

How to fix a leaking frost-proof faucet?

How to Fix a Leaking Frost-Proof Faucet

  1. Checking the Retaining nut If the faucet is leaking around the stem of the handle you might get away with just tightening the nut under the handle. ...
  2. Remove the Stem Assembly To remove the stem assembly, remove the packing or retaining nut and reinstall the handle. ...
  3. Replace the Washer and O-ring Depending on the type of faucet, you may only need a new washer, but some will also require a new o-ring and metal washer. ...
  4. Check the Vacuum Breaker Assembly

How do you repair a freeze proof faucet?

Worn-out Stem Washer or Cartridge

  • Shut off the water to the faucet, either at an indoor shutoff valve or by turning off water to the entire house.
  • Remove the handle from the spigot by removing the handle screw.
  • Unscrew the faucet mounting nut, and extract the entire stem from the faucet body.
  • Examing the washer and/or O-rings at the end of the faucet stem and replace them. ...

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How to install a frost proof outdoor faucet (DIY)?

  • Three-quarter inch (minimum) inside diameter supply pipes to each sill cock. ...
  • Either an approved vacuum breaker that permanently attaches to standard sill cocks (step 11) or a sill cock with the feature built in (step 7) to prevent siphoning.
  • A shutoff valve, also called a “stop” valve, to serve each sill cock. ...

More items...

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How do you fix a freeze proof outdoor faucet?

2:5616:09How To Fix a Leaking Frost Proof Faucet | DIY Plumbing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAfter you change it out put the cap. Back on. And if the leak was up here you've got it fixed. IfMoreAfter you change it out put the cap. Back on. And if the leak was up here you've got it fixed. If you put a vacuum breaker repair kit on it that was designed for yours.

How do you disassemble a frost free faucet?

0:052:55Frost Free Faucet Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext remove the handle by using a flathead screwdriver. Then remove the packing nut by using anMoreNext remove the handle by using a flathead screwdriver. Then remove the packing nut by using an adjustable wrench turn counterclockwise until the threads are completely out of the tube.

How do you repair a frost free Sillcock outdoor faucet?

0:213:15How to Fix a Leaky Frost Free Sillcock / Outdoor Faucet video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff I'm going to take off the center screw. Then remove the handle. And then underneath this nut isMoreOff I'm going to take off the center screw. Then remove the handle. And then underneath this nut is a washer and a lot of times the problems in this washer.

How do you fix an outside faucet that won't turn on?

1:108:29WATER WON'T COME OUT!...EASY Fix for a Outdoor Water Faucet!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn. Here turn clockwise until it shuts. And good to rock and roll. So the next thing we'll do is we'MoreOn. Here turn clockwise until it shuts. And good to rock and roll. So the next thing we'll do is we'll come over here and we'll just open this to drain this out get that water flowing.

Why does my frost free faucet leak?

A leaking frost-proof faucet can waste a lot of water, but fixes are simple, whether the problem is the faucet stem washer assembly, the vacuum breaker, or just a loose retaining nut.

How do you repack an outdoor faucet?

1:375:13How to Fix a Leaky Hose Spigot | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the handle. Off take the bonnet packing bonnet nut off remove the bonnet packing if it's worn.MoreTake the handle. Off take the bonnet packing bonnet nut off remove the bonnet packing if it's worn. And then a new one goes on top of it now that's the simple way.

How do you fix a silcock?

1:032:20Repair Frostproof Sillcock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you've confirmed your water supply is off remove the stem from your frost proof silcock. InMoreOnce you've confirmed your water supply is off remove the stem from your frost proof silcock. In order to do this you'll need a wrench to loosen the packing nut behind the handle.

How do you replace a valve stem on an outside faucet?

0:172:54How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet that has a Frost-Free Valve StemYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow remove the handle by unscrewing the screw that holds it in place behind the handle you'll find aMoreNow remove the handle by unscrewing the screw that holds it in place behind the handle you'll find a packing nut turning counterclockwise use a wrench to undo the packing nut.

How do you fix an anti siphon faucet?

1:327:36How To Fix a Water Leak in the Anti Siphon Valve of an Outdoor FaucetYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we do is pop this off just with a flathead this one's really loose so this one's really easyMoreSo what we do is pop this off just with a flathead this one's really loose so this one's really easy to pop off you might have to work your side to side but this one's.

Why would a faucet suddenly stop working?

Rust is a common reason why your taps may suddenly stop working. If you notice that rust has gathered on your tap's exterior, it is a sure sign that it has gathered on the interior too. Rust comes from general wear and tear and can cause blockages. If you see any rust, you should replace your tap with a new faucet.

Why is water not coming out of my outside tap?

All outside taps have a one way valve inside them (or sometimes in the pipe). If you connect a hose to the tap then leave the end of the hose in a bucket of water it stops the water in the bucket being siphoned back into the water pipes in your house. Sometimes the valve will jam so no water comes out of the tap.

How do you change the stem on a silcock?

Sillcock Repair Tip:Remove sillcock handle, and loosen retaining nut with channel-type pliers. Remove stem. Replace O-ring found on retaining nut or stem.Remove the brass stem screw at the end of the stem, and replace the washer. Reassemble the sillcock.

How do you replace a freeze proof Sillcock?

0:5010:27How Pro Plumbers Replace Frost Proof Faucets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd mortar the wall. Inside in order to solder. Or are we going to be able to just unthread it andMoreAnd mortar the wall. Inside in order to solder. Or are we going to be able to just unthread it and change it out so anyway let's get started. Now i've got a couple of little chisels.

What does it mean when a faucet is frost proof?

A frost-proof faucet can also have a hidden leak in the valve body. The symptom of this type of leak is reduced water pressure coming from the faucet. First, check to make sure that water pressure in other fixtures is normal, and that only the frost-proof spigot is affected. If the frost-proof faucet is the only one affected, ...

How far back does a frost proof faucet go?

The Design of Frost-Proof Faucets. Frost-proof faucets are designed so that the valve mechanism that seals off the water flow is located a full 12 inches or so back inside the house, away from the exposed exterior portion of the faucet. In older types of faucets, a long valve stem operates a rubber washer that compresses down against ...

Why does my faucet leak?

The symptom of this kind of leak is when closing the handle fails to stop the flow of water , which usually continues to drip or flow in a slow trickle.

Where is the washer on a faucet?

Examing the washer and/or O-rings at the end of the faucet stem and replace them. The washer at the tip of the stem is usually secured by a brass screw. Reassemble the faucet, turn on the water, and test to make sure it no longer leaks. New faucets may use a cartridge mechanism located at the end of the valve stem.

Where is the packing cord on a faucet?

On older faucets that operate with compression washers, there is packing cord wrapped around the handle stem, just beneath the handle's mounting nut. If you see seeping around the threads of the handle mounting nut, this is the likely problem.

Can a hose spigot freeze?

A frost-proof sillcock faucet (hose spigot) is an excellent choice in climates with freezing winter temperatures, since the faucet's design prevents water from remaining inside the faucet near the exterior wall, where it can freeze and split the faucet body. The parts of a frost-proof faucet can, however, wear out and require repair or replacement .

Can a frost proof faucet leak?

Another place a frost-proof faucet can leak is from the anti-siphon portion of the valve if the faucet has one. This component can go bad with use, and to repair it you will most likely need a new anti-siphon rebuild kit that is brand-specific to your faucet.

How to Repair a Leaky Frost-Proof Faucet

Here are step-by-step instructions for how to repair a frost-proof faucet that’s leaking from a worn-out O-ring or washer.

Final Thoughts

Trust us, repairing a frost-free faucet looks much more complicated than it actually is.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help repairing or installing a frost-proof outdoor faucet.

How does a frost proof faucet work?

AKA “Sillcock”. It works by shutting off the water inside your home and allowing the water to run out of the actual faucet so that there is nothing to freeze. Years ago before these things were invented, we would just shut the water off inside the home which supplied ...

Why does my faucet twist apart?

This is because the loss of barrel integrity causes it to twist apart, often leaving chunks of faucet hidden or buried in the wall. The trick is to get to the connection from domestic water to the spigot and by holding each part firmly, unscrew them from each other.

How does a water faucet work?

It works by shutting off the water inside your home and allowing the water to run out of the actual faucet so that there is nothing to freeze. Years ago before these things were invented, we would just shut the water off inside the home which supplied that faucet under the house, and drain the line. Now that these things exist all of the old-style ...

What is the screw that holds the washer on?

Hint the screw that holds the washer on is usually fairly soft brass. If it needs replacing use a brass one, other metals often dissolve over time. If this does not fix the problem then the faucet seat may be galled or have an irregular surface which prohibits the rubber washer from forming a perfect seal.

What is a frost free faucet?

A frost-free faucet is designed to prevent water from freezing inside the pipe or valve and damaging it . It does this through means of a long valve stem that reaches inside the home where it remains warm, and a self-draining design that prevents water from collecting in the faucet, where it can freeze. Despite this, it is possible ...

Can you turn off the water to the entire house?

There may be a shutoff valve on the individual supply pipe leading to the faucet. If not, you can turn off the water to the entire house at the main shutoff valve. Open the faucet to relieve pressure in the line. designbase / Getty Images.

Can a frost free faucet freeze?

Despite this, it is possible for a frost-free faucet to freeze and rupture in extreme cold. These faucets also can require replacement simply because they wear out. Replacing most frost-free faucets usually involves just shutting off the water, unscrewing the old faucet, and screwing on the new one. If your old faucet is soldered in place, you may ...

Can you cut off a soldered faucet?

If your old faucet is soldered in place, you may have to hire a plumber for the job, or you can cut off the supply pipe behind the soldered fitting and install a new faucet that uses a push-in fitting (SharkBite is one brand of this type of faucet).

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