How to Disassemble a Sillcock to Fix a Leak

While you're more apt to notice a dripping faucet in the house than one outdoors, the leak from an outdoor faucet can raise your water bills. Most outdoor faucets use a long-stem compression design known as a freezeless sillcock. Here's how to disassemble a sillcock to fix a leak.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench

1. Shut off the water supply to the faucet at the branch shutoff or the meter.

2. Turn the faucet handle all the way open to relieve any water pressure on the valve.

3. Unscrew the screw in the center of the handle with a Phillips screwdriver.

4. Remove the handle. Wiggle the handle off gently. If it is tight, work it off by inserting a screwdriver behind the handle. Pry one side, and then the other. Be careful if the valve is old and the handle is plastic. Old plastic can be brittle.

5. Take off the collar with an adjustable wrench. The collar is the piece behind the handle and has a hexagonal shape that the wrench can grab easily.

6. Look inside the collar for a washer. This will usually be the source of your leak, so check the washer for any cracks, pits, wear or other problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless you use your outdoor faucets regularly, a leak can go unnoticed for a long time. To prevent large water bills, check the faucets weekly, such as when you mow the grass.