How to Repair a Leaky Frost-Proof Faucet.
- Turn off the water supply valve to the sillcock inside the house. It should be located somewhere close to the opposite side of the outdoor spigot (on ...
- Remove the handle screw. Lift the handle straigh up and off.
- Using an adjustable wrench, remove the hexagonal retaining nut by turning it counterclockwise.
- Turn the stem counterclockwise and pull it all th way out.
- Take the retaining nut and the stem to a hardware store and purchase replacement O-rings and washer.
- Replace the O-rings and washer.
- Insert the stem into the sillcock body and turn it clockwise as far as it will go.
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
- 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. ...
- Remove the Stem Assembly To remove the stem assembly, remove the packing or retaining nut and reinstall the handle. ...
- 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. ...
- 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. ...
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. ...
How do you repair a frost free outdoor faucet?
2:4416:09How 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.
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 replace an anti frost faucet?
1:506:47Outside Faucet Replacement: Frost Free Wall Hydrant - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI have a separate shutoff just for the wall hydrant. But if you don't shut off the main water supplyMoreI have a separate shutoff just for the wall hydrant. But if you don't shut off the main water supply to the home unscrew the old valve from the wall. And open it fully to ensure the water is.
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.
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.
Why does my outdoor faucet leak when I turn it on?
Sometimes your outdoor faucet will leak because the water pressure is too much for it to handle. In such a case, you'll have to call in a plumber to diagnose the problem. Usually, high pressure is a sign of underlying problems. If you're not careful, the high water pressure might permanently damage your faucet.
How do you take apart a frost free faucet?
0:052:55Frost Free Faucet Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWork around the outer diameter of the packing material. Until it dislodges. And comes out place theMoreWork around the outer diameter of the packing material. Until it dislodges. And comes out place the handle back on the rod without the screw. And turn the handle counterclockwise.
How much does it cost to replace a frost free faucet?
Outside Faucet Costs by TypeTypeMaterials & LaborSillcock, Spigot or Hose Bib$200 - $500Frost-Free Faucet$150 - $500Yard Hydrant$500 - $3,000+Outdoor Shower$1,000 - $4,0002 more rows
How do you replace an outdoor faucet stem?
0:073:59Repair Outdoor Faucet - traditional style - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe same you take out that lower nut and the entire stem. And handle will unscrew with it and on theMoreThe same you take out that lower nut and the entire stem. And handle will unscrew with it and on the bottom you can see the two nuts here yep. You've got a washer held in with the screw.
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 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.
What is the cap on top of an outdoor faucet?
The vacuum cap is circular and about an inch in diameter, and it either slips or screws onto the top of the faucet. The device underneath it is known as a vacuum breaker or an anti-siphon valve.
How do I stop a dripping faucet?
1:382:54How To Fix A Dripping or Leaky Double Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst take off the handle. Then unscrew the valve stem on the stem remove the old gasket screw. AndMoreFirst take off the handle. Then unscrew the valve stem on the stem remove the old gasket screw. And seat washer. Apply some plumbers grease.
Why does my hose leak at the spigot?
If your hose leaks where it connects to the spigot, it's most likely caused by a worn gasket, stripped adapter, or leaking connector. Connection problems usually cost between $2 and $20 to fix. New garden hoses can cost up to $400, depending on the length and material.
Where is the vacuum breaker on a frost proof faucet?
Most frost-proof faucets have a built-in vacuum breaker located on top of the faucet (Photo 4). If you see water dribbling out from under the cap when the water is running, it's leaking. Photos 4 and 5 show how to replace a leaking vacuum breaker. Some repair kits include the parts for this.
How do I fix a leaking faucet?
If you're lucky, you can fix your leaking faucet by simply tightening the nut under the handle. Don't crank it hard, though. If snugging it up doesn't solve the problem, turn off the water and remove the nut to repair the faucet.
How to fix a faucet that leaks from the handle?
In some cases, you can fix this by simply tightening the retaining nut that's under the handle. Remove the screw in the center of the handle and pull the handle off. Try tightening the nut slightly (Photo 1).
What to do if your faucet starts leaking?
If you find that the faucet starts leaking again after a short time, the valve seat is worn and you should replace the entire frostproof faucet. If the faucet is attached with threads, you can simply turn off the water, unscrew the faucet and replace it with one that's the same length.
What happens if a faucet spout is leaking?
If your faucet still leaks, the stem may be leaking and you should replace the faucet. If your faucet leaks out of the spout when it's turned off, the washer is bad. On frost-proof faucets, the washer is located on the end of the long faucet stem.
Can a frost proof 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 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.
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 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 makes a hydrant frost proof?
But what makes the hydrant frost-proof is a design variation that features a drain port built into the bottom of the valve. When the pump rod and plunger lift away from the valve seat, this drain port is blocked, forcing water to flow up the standpipe. However, when the pump rod and plunger are lowered down to close against the water inlet, ...
What to do if hydrant lever is not fully closed?
If the hydrant lever can't be fully closed, or if the faucet continues to dribble water when the lever is closed, you may need to adjust the hydrant's shutoff. Most hydrants have a square-head setscrew or a lock wheel that can loosened to allow for small adjustments to the position of the lever.
How to remove a pump rod?
Remove the Pump Rod. Carefully pull up and remove the long pump rod from inside the standpipe. If necessary, grip the rod with pliers to remove it; use pliers only on the outer portion of the rod, not on the brass spindle. Unscrew the old plunger from the end of the rod, using a screwdriver.
What is a frost free yard hydrant?
A frost-free yard hydrant is really just a variation on a standard compression faucet, in which a plunger at the end of a plunger stem opens and closes against a water inlet to control the flow of water. But in the case of a yard hydrant, the plunger is fitted onto the end of a long pump rod that runs down inside the vertical standpipe to ...
How does a frost free hydrant work?
How a Frost-Free Hydrant Works. A frost-free hydrant can be thought of as a very long compression faucet. The horizontal water pipe running out to the hydrant location from the house must be buried deep enough to be below the frost line, which in some climates can be 4 feet or more below ground. The actual valve body is located at ...
When a pump rod and plunger are lowered down to close against the water inlet, the drain port is
However, when the pump rod and plunger are lowered down to close against the water inlet, the drain port is opened and any water in the standpipe drains away into the ground—the surrounding area is usually packed with gravel to facilitate drainage.
Where do you turn off water lines in your house?
If there's no shutoff valve on the individual water line, you can turn off the water at your home's main shutoff valve .
How to disassemble an outdoor water faucet?
Disassemble the outdoor water faucet by turning off the retaining nut. Pull the handle and stem assembly out from the outdoor water faucet and replace the rubber washer. An outdoor faucet that makes a loud vibrating noise when it’s turned on or off probably has a worn out faucet washer.
Why is my outdoor faucet loud?
An unusually noisy outdoor faucet may be due to something as simple as a worn-out washer. To find out, disassemble the faucet from the outside, then check the condition of the washer.
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. 1. Turn off the water supply valve to the sillcock inside the house. It should be located somewhere close to the opposite side of the outdoor spigot (on the inside of the house). If you can’t find it, then shut off the main wat...
Recommended Frost-Proof Faucets
Final Thoughts
- Trust us, repairing a frost-free faucet looks much more complicated than it actually is. Remember, all you’re doing is (1) tightening what’s already part of the assembly to make sure the fittings are extra-secure, and (2) replacing simple O-ring and washer if they look worn out. It’s as simple as taking one out and putting the new one in. Give it a try if you’re seeing a leak. You got this!
Related Resources
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. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing,drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavationof underground water lines and sewer main line…