Repairing Guides

how to repair a leaking frost free spigot

by Mrs. Claudie Nolan Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Turn off the water supply valve to the sillcock inside the house. ...
  • Remove the handle screw. ...
  • 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.

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Full Answer

How to fix leaky spigot?

Steps for fixing a leaky hose spigot:

  1. Richard explains that in most circumstances, a leaky hose spigot will leak from one of two places: the bonnet, or the spout.
  2. If the leak is at the bonnet: a. Start by tightening the bonnet with a wrench. ...
  3. If the leak is at the spout, the process is a little more involved:

What is the best outdoor spigot?

  • BEST OVERALL: SharkBite 24632LF Hose Bibb
  • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: EZ-FLO 20183 Hose Bibb
  • BEST FROST-FREE: Prier Products Frost Proof Wall Hydrant
  • BEST SPIGOT: American Valve M71HD Hose Bibb
  • BEST EASY TO OPERATE: American Valve M71QT Hose Bibb
  • BEST ANTI-SIPHON: Homewerks Anti-Siphon Frost-Free Sill Cock

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How to fix a leaky hose spigot?

Wrap the electrical tape—ideally, one made of a PVC backing and a rubber-based adhesive —around the pinhole so it overlaps, but isn’t too tight (to prevent the hose from creasing).

Why is my outdoor spigot leaking?

Why is My Faucet Leaking?

  1. Leaks and Drips Out of the Faucet. In a washer-type faucet, a leak or drip out of a turned-off faucet usually indicates a worn-out washer.
  2. Leaks from the Faucet Handle or Stem. In the washer-type faucet, leaking from the faucet handle or stem can be caused by a worn or bent stem, deteriorated stem ...
  3. Leaking Behind or Under the Faucet. ...
  4. Noisy Faucets. ...

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How do you fix a leaky outdoor frost free faucet?

1:493:02Fixing Faucets : How to Repair a Leak in a Frost-Proof Water FaucetYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll need to remove the bib washer first remove the screw. And then take your pick or knife andMoreYou'll need to remove the bib washer first remove the screw. And then take your pick or knife and remove the bib washer. Once you have your new washer you've matched up the proper.

Why is my frost free spigot leaking?

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 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 fix an outside water spigot that is leaking?

0:452:35How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the old washer to a plumbing supply store to make sure you're replacing it with the right oneMoreTake the old washer to a plumbing supply store to make sure you're replacing it with the right one put the new washer back inside the packing nut and retighten.

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.

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.

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 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.

How much does a plumber charge to replace an outdoor spigot?

Plumber Cost to Install a New Outdoor Water Spigot For most small jobs, plumbers charge a flat rate of $100 to $300 which includes both materials and labor. For larger projects that require new pipes, demolition or that might exceed an hour and a half, expect to pay $45 to $65 per hour.

How much does it cost to replace an outdoor spigot?

On average, the cost for installing an outdoor spigot runs from $150 to $500, although the average cost to U.S. homeowners is about $200 for a new brass hose bib spigot and shut-off valve installation. For basic spigot replacement, homeowners may pay as little as $100.

Why is my frost free hydrant leaking from bottom?

Water leaks from below ground level when the hydrant is on. A small leak may be the result of a leak at the drain hole. Replace the plunger if it is old and worn. See Operating Pipe Assembly Removal instructions.

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.

How do I know if spigot is frost free?

A frost-free faucet has a long stem and turns off the water well inside the wall, keeping the faucet from freezing. A properly installed frost-free faucet will have a slight downward pitch which allows water to drain out when the faucet is shut off.

Do you need a plumber to replace an outside faucet

No, often, you can fix a leaky faucet by yourself without a professional plumber.

How much does it cost to replace an outdoor spigot?

It depends on the part that is broken, but the typical outdoor spigot can cost anywhere between $30-$100 to replace/fix.

Will a leaking outdoor faucet freeze? How do you prevent this?

Yes, leaking outdoor faucets are more prone to freezing during the winter because excess water is still stuck in the pipes. You can prevent this pr...

What are the main types of outdoor faucets?

The two main types of outdoor faucets are regular and frost-free faucets.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Why is my water spigot leaking?

Here are some of the most common causes of a leaky water spigot. A damaged washer assembly unit can mean the pipe is not connected to the water correctly, and some is leaking out . A cracked stem is also a common cause of a water faucet leaking. If the vacuum breaker does not close entirely, water can leak through and come out of the faucet.

What is the main part of an outdoor spigot?

Here are the main parts of an outdoor spigot: Faucet stem - This is the part that contains the pipe that lets water flow to the faucet.Usually, it’s inside the house wall but not always. Washer assembly unit - The washer assembly unit is the tip of the stem that secures it to the pipe. Vacuum breaker - The vacuum breaker prevents water ...

Why is there a loose retaining nut on my faucet?

A loose retaining nut is the most common cause. A loose nut prevents the faucet stem from being sealed fully. There could also be general damage around the faucet from mechanical stress or frost damage. Read more about touchless faucets here.

What prevents water from entering the pipe?

Vacuum breaker - The vacuum breaker prevents water from entering the pipe if it does not go out of the faucet. Retaining nut - The retaining nut is located directly under the handle and is connected to the faucet stem. Water can leak in from any of these parts if they are loose or worn down.

How to remove vacuum breaker plate?

Remove the vacuum breaker plate using your screwdriver and then a pair of pliers to take the fixture out. Sometimes, you may just need to clean the edges of the parts to fix the problem. If the parts are visibly deformed or damaged, replace the vacuum breaker with the new one.

What happens if a washer fails?

A failed washer will be deformed or possibly cracked. If you see that your washer assembly is broken, replace it by using your screwdriver. The washer assembly can also just be loose and need to be tightened. If the washer assembly is still in good condition, then that means the problem is likely the vacuum breaker.

Is a frost free spigot a faucet?

Parts of an Outdoor Faucet & Frost Free Spigot. As a general rule of thumb, if the handle for your faucet is perpendicular to the faucet itself, then it’s probably a frost-free faucet. If the handle is not perpendicular, then it’s probably not a frost free spigot. Here are the main parts of an outdoor spigot:

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 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 ...

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 ...

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.

Can a hydrant freeze?

Since no water remains in the pipe, it cannot freeze and cause the pipe to rupture. But if a leaky hydrant is not fixed, it can be susceptible to bursting, since water remains inside the standpipe. There are many types of yard hydrants, and it's important to get the exact replacement parts for your model. Many hydrant manufacturers offer repair ...

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