How to Childproof an Outdoor Spigot

If your water bill has gone up a little, you might be wondering if your children are using too much water. When kids play outside, especially in the summertime, they may be drawn to the outdoor spigot. After all, splashing each other with the water hose is great fun! But outdoor water activities can get expensive if not properly monitored. Childproof your outdoor spigots by removing the handles. Keep the handles out of reach of your children until you decide it is time to play with water. By childproofing outside faucets, you may just see an improvement in excess water usage.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Freezer bag

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Instructions

1. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the spigot handle. Protect the screw for future use by using the right style screwdriver. If the screw has a plus-shaped indention, use a Phillips head screwdriver. If the screw is slotted, use a flat head screwdriver. To protect the screw from becoming mangled, do not use screwdrivers that are too small. Do not use slotted head (flat head) screwdrivers for Phillips screws.

2. Remove the screw from the handle. Put the screw in the freezer bag for safekeeping.

3. Gently pull the handle away from the spigot to remove. Put the handle in the freezer bag.

4. Seal the freezer bag. Put it in a safe place where your kids cannot reach it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to remove more than one outdoor spigot handle, place the parts in separate freezer bags and label according to location on the house.

• You don't need to replace the handle every time you wish to use the spigot. Simply turn the bolt with a set of pliers or wrench.

References

• BobVila.com: "Phillips Head Screwdriver"