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. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Shut off the water supply to the faucet at the branch shutoff or the meter.
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2
Turn the faucet handle all the way open to relieve any water pressure on the valve.
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3
Unscrew the screw in the center of the handle with a Phillips screwdriver.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
