How to Repair a Leaky Outside Faucet
Outside faucets get more than their fair share of neglect and abuse, not to mention extreme weather. A very common ailment of the outside faucet is a worn or damaged faucet washer. If this is the problem, you will have to put increasingly more pressure on the handle over time to turn off the water. Rather than take the chance of damaging the valve seat, it is better to replace the faucet washer when you notice it is taking more pressure to shut off the water. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Assortment of faucet washers
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
Instructions
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1
Turn off the water to the faucet. In many cases the only way to do that is to turn off the water to the building.
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2
Remove the Phillips screw at the center of the valve handle.
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3
Pull up on the handle to remove it.
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4
Unscrew the large packing nut just below where the handle was. Remove packing washer and packing ring.
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5
Turn the spindle counterclockwise to remove the valve stem.
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6
Remove the stem screw holding the rubber faucet washer in place on the bottom of the stem.
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7
Remove the washer and replace with a washer of the same diameter.
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8
Replace and tighten the stem screw.
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9
Turn stem clockwise into valve until it stops.
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10
Replace packing ring, packing washer and packing nut. Tighten packing nut just until slight resistance is felt. Do not over-tighten.
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11
Replace handle and tighten handle screw.
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12
Turn on water and check for leaks. If water leaks near the packing nut, open the valve one turn and tighten the packing nut until the leak stops.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If the old washer is missing or severely damaged, look inside the valve body to inspect the valve seat. If the seat is damaged it might be possible to replace the seat by inserting a seat removal tool and turning the seat counterclockwise. If the seat is not replaceable then it may be possible to use a seat grinder to smooth the seat and repair the damage. If neither of these options is possible then it is probably time to replace the entire valve. Some washers will be flat, while others might be rounded.
Do not tighten the packing nut while the valve is closed.
