How to Replace an Outdoor Faucet

Wouldn’t it be nice if things lasted forever and never needed upkeep or replacement? It would be especially nice if the things you don’t often think about, such as your outdoor faucet, stayed in working order all the time.

Sadly, the laws of thermodynamics apply to everything, even outdoor faucets. In short, your faucet won’t last forever, and eventually, it’ll need to be replaced.

The good news is that replacing an outdoor faucet isn’t all that difficult. In fact, you can probably do it by yourself if you have a toolkit and the proper replacement.

To help you take care of this task, we’ve assembled everything you need to know about outdoor faucet replacement. We’ll provide you with a few tips that will help you identify whether or not the faucet is ready to be replaced, then explain how to replace the faucet on your own in the following sections:

• How to Tell if Your Outdoor Faucet Needs Replacement
• How to Replace Your Outdoor Faucet
• Common Causes of Damage to Outdoor Faucets
• How to Extend the Life of Your Outdoor Faucet

How to Tell if Your Outdoor Faucet Needs Replacement

No two spigots break in exactly the same way. However, there are a few common issues that can signal that it’s time for a replacement. Here are a few of them:

• Inconsistent water pressure: This is often a sign that something inside your faucet has gone awry. If the water pressure is fine everywhere else on your property, but the spigot struggles, it may be time for a new one.
• The buildup of environmental damage: If you notice rust or other buildup accumulating on the outside of your spigot, it may be more than just an eyesore. Exterior buildup can indicate interior corrosion which can make the water unsafe or ruin the faucet entirely.
• Dripping: While dripping may be a minor annoyance at first, it can cause your water bills to increase and even cause other, bigger issues. Most notably, the damp ground becomes a great breeding place for fungus, bacteria, and pests that can cause damage to your home.

How to Replace Your Outdoor Faucet

If your faucet shows these signs and doesn’t seem like it can be repaired, you can replace your faucet by following these steps:

1. Purchase a replacement faucet.
2. Shut off the water supply to the house to prevent issues while installing the new spigot.
3. Drain the water from the existing faucet by unscrewing the valve. A second wrench can help hold the pipe in place.
4. Drill holes into the concrete to help remove the existing faucet. Do not drill into the existing faucet.
5. Unscrew the existing faucet from the wall. Use a large wrench to move the faucet counterclockwise until it comes free.
6. Screw the new faucet into place where the old faucet was. Tightly twist it in to prevent leaks.
7. Turn the water back on to ensure that there are no leaks and that the faucet functions.
8. Fill in the gaps with concrete and let it dry.

Common Causes of Damage to Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets are exposed to all sorts of environmental damage as a result of their location. Some usual causes of damage include rust, severe cold, clogs, and even damage from being struck. But the most common culprit is general wear and tear.

How to Extend the Life of Your Outdoor Faucet

Like any item in your home, your outdoor faucet should be regularly maintained in order to prevent a full break. You can do this by checking on it every couple of months, removing any excess buildup, and inspecting it for clogs and cracks.

You should also make sure to cover it during winter months if you live in a place that frequently experiences extreme cold. Following these tips will help keep your faucet working longer and reduce the chance that you’ll have to replace it.

Explore Outdoor Faucet Replacement from Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, your outdoor faucet will give up on you. If you read these replacement instructions and decide it is not something you want to do, then you should know that you have other options.

Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we employ experienced plumbers who know exactly how to replace your outdoor faucet with the perfect make and model. So, when you need a faucet replacement, give us a call or search for a nearby location here.