How to Change an Outside Faucet Spigot
Outside faucets are practical additions to any garden and have many outdoor uses. However, they are also exposed to various atmospheric conditions and sudden changes in temperature. Those conditions can often lead to damage of the faucet valve. Faucet spigots are also specially designed to self-drain and are therefore frost-proof. Still, it doesn't matter if your outside faucet spigot got damaged or you simply want to change it for a newer or different model. The process of removing and installing an outside faucet is a simple task. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Locate the main water valve to turn the water supply off. This is a necessary step when dealing with plumbing issues. The main valve is usually located next to the street in front of your house, in a small utility box.
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Loosen the main valve by applying some lubricant if you notice that the valve is particularly rusty and stuck. Insert a big screwdriver through the valve handle to help loosen and turn it.
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Open the faucet valve to let the remaining water from the pipes out. Wait until the water starts dripping or drains out completely.
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Tighten a crescent wrench firmly around the water pipe while you work on removing the faucet. Be sure to hold the wrench tool tight and don't slip, because the water pipe has to stay perfectly still and not turn with the faucet.
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Place a pipe wrench on the water faucet near the water pipe. Slowly and carefully turn the wrench counterclockwise with one hand, while holding the water pipe with the crescent wrench with the other one. Loosen the water faucet with the pipe wrench until you can turn it freely with your hand. Remove the old faucet spigot from the assembly.
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Prepare the end of the water pipe for installing a new faucet spigot. If there is any dirt or built-up rust, remove it and clean the pipe with a wire brush. Put plumber's tape around the end of the water pipe.
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Insert the new faucet spigot on the water pipe by turning it clockwise with your hand. Then use the pipe wrench to turn it all the way.
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Turn the main water valve on again, to let the water flow through the pipes so you can test your new outdoor faucet spigot.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not forget to remove the hose from the spigot prior to the installation.
Wear thick, protective gloves while using a wrench tool.
References
- Photo Credit Wash point water faucet by the ocean image by Pezography from Fotolia.com
