Things You'll Need
Penetrating oil
Pipe wrenches
Wire brush
Thread seal tape
New outdoor spigot
Allowing water to remain in your outdoor spigot after below-freezing temperatures set in can severely damage it. As water freezes, it expands. With nowhere to expand within the plumbing, the frozen water can crack and damage the spigot. Once your spigot is cracked after being frozen, you will have to replace it. Rather than calling a plumber to perform this simple task, consider replacing it yourself since you can find all the material at your local home improvement store.
Step 1
Turn the main water supply valve off inside your home.
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Step 2
Apply penetrating oil to the threads on your outdoor spigot. Sitting outside for years, the threads may be rusted or corroded.
Step 3
Open the valve on the outdoor spigot to release any remaining water pressure in the lines.
Step 4
Place one pipe wrench on the spigot and another on the pipe. Turn the wrench on the spigot counterclockwise while keeping firm pressure on the other wrench. The spigot should begin to turn off of the pipe. Remove it completely from the pipe.
Step 5
Brush the threads on the pipe with a wire brush. This will remove any remaining rust and debris from the threads.
Step 6
Wrap thread seal tape around the pipe. When looking at the end of the pipe, the tape should wrap around the pipe clockwise. Two to three wraps around the threads is sufficient.
Step 7
Screw the new spigot on to the pipe. Turn it clockwise until hand tight.
Step 8
Place one pipe wrench on the spigot and one on the pipe. Turn the wrench on the spigot clockwise until it is tight. Keep firm pressure on the other wrench while turning the spigot.
Step 9
Turn the main water supply back on and turn the valve on the spigot on. Watch for leaks in and around the spigot.
Tip
Wrap a towel around the new spigot before turning it with your pipe wrench to prevent the wrench from marking up the new spigot.
Turn off the water to the outdoor spigot before freezing temperatures arrive. Once the water is turned off, open the spigot all the way to drain out any residual water inside.
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