How to Replace a Frost Free Faucet
Winter can be a dangerous time for plumbing. A hard freeze can cause the water in outdoor pipes to freeze and expand. As the ice expands, it can rupture pipes leading to leaks and expensive water damage. Frost free faucets solve this problem by keeping the part of the faucet most likely to suffer from severe weather, the faucet stem, buried deep inside your house or foundation. Replacing a frost free faucet is something that you should do during the summer to get your outdoor plumbing ready for cold weather. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- New frost free faucet
- Adjustable wrench
- Steel wool
- Plumber's tape
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Turn off the water supply to the faucet that you are replacing. In some installations, you will be able to do this by shutting off the supply valve for the faucet in the basement or outbuilding. In other cases, you will have to turn off the water supply for the whole house. The main water supply shut off valve is usually located next to the water meter, buried in a concrete or plastic utility box.
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2
Remove the packing nut on the faucet. This is the large hexagonal nut located at the base of the faucet. Turn this counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench to remove.
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3
Pull out the frost free faucet.
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4
Clean off the threads of the faucet stem with a piece of steel wool. Remove all traces of old caulk or plumbing tape. Wrap the stem with a piece of plumber's tape. Trim off the excess with the scissors.
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5
Insert the new frost free faucet into the faucet socket.
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6
Tighten the faucet in place by turning the packing nut with the adjustable wrench.
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7
Restore the water supply.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you have to turn off the water supply for the entire house in Step 1, remember that this will cut off the water supply to all the fixtures in your house, including bathtubs, showers, washing machines, dishwashers and ice makers.
References
- Photo Credit outdoor tap/faucet image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
