How to Fix an Outdoor Frost-Free Faucet

If you live in a climate that freezes, you know how often pipes can burst. Outdoor faucets should always be left turned on just slightly, so water is always running through the pipes. Or, sometimes they will be covered by a faucet cover. If you have a frost-free faucet, it has a built-in valve that drains water so it won't freeze. Sometimes, frost-free faucets need repairing, though.

Things You'll Need

• Small screwdriver
• Wrench
• Spray cleaner
• Clean rags
• Channel lock pliers
• Frost-free valve
• Teflon tape

Instructions

Blown Frost Cap

1. Turn off your water supply that feeds your frost-free valve. Pry off the frost cap, which is located on the back side of the frost-free faucet. Sometimes the frost protection system, built into your frost-free faucet, goes bad and may need to be replaced.

2. Purchase a frost-free repair kit from your local hardware store. The most popular brands will be available. The parts must be from the same brand and model to work correctly. Remove the threaded cap with your wrench and pull out the diaphragm. Spray cleaner inside the frost-free valve chamber and wipe clean with the rag. You don't want any dirt or grime to get under the diaphragm.

3. Separate the parts from the frost-free faucet repair kit. Most kits consists of a diaphragm, threaded collar, and press-on cap.

4. Install the diaphragm first. Apply the threaded collar with your wrench. Then push the plastic cap over the whole assembly. Turn you water supply and make sure there are no leaks.

Split Frost-Free Bib Pipe

1. Turn off your water supply that feeds your frost-free valve. Open the valve to make sure the water is off. You may have to replace the whole valve if the pipe gets a crack or split in it.

2. Apply your channel lock pliers to the backside of your valve, as close to the wall as possible. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. Remove the entire frost-free valve assembly from the wall.

3. Apply Teflon tape to the threads by wrapping the tape clockwise. Reinsert the new frost-free faucet into the wall. Tighten it down with the channel lock pliers. If you have a soldered pipe and not threaded, see the next step.

4. Cut soldered pipes within the house or garage. Your frost-free valve is usually about 12 inches long and extends back through the wall. Go inside, and you will see it sticking out. Use a torch and apply a new connector and solder the joint. Turn on the water and check for leaks.

References

• Wonderhowto.com: How to Fix an Outdoor Frost-Free Faucet

Resources

• Masterplumber.net: How to Fix an Outdoor Frost-Free Faucet