How to Replace Frost Free Outside Faucet Washers

Frost-free lines will not burst during the winter.

Outside faucets are convenient for outdoor irrigation during the summer. Old style faucets became a liability during the winter months due to water freezing in the pipes. Excessive water in the faucet would cause it to burst open and flood the basement. New frost-proof faucets stop the flow of water inside of the house to prevent this from occurring. If you notice leaks coming from the faucet, you may need to change the washer set.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

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Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply leading to the faucet in the basement.

2. Remove the screw from the center of the faucet handle. Pull the handle off the unit.

3. Turn the retaining nut at the end of the faucet counterclockwise using a wrench to loosen it.

4. Pull out the stem of the faucet.

5. Turn the screw at the end of the stem to remove the washer assembly. Remove the washers that look worn down or brittle and reassemble in the same order.

6. Reassemble the faucet by reversing the order of the steps here. Turn on the water and test.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Frost Proof Faucet
• This Old House; How to Install a Frost-Proof Faucet; Richard Tretheway