How to Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet

Outdoor water faucets may simply wear down over time. Fortunately, replacing an outdoor water faucet is an easy task.

Steps

  1. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 1
    1
    Turn off your home's main water supply valve.[1]
  2. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 2
    2
    Spray lubricant onto the faucet where it connects to the pipe. Lubricant will help to loosen any rust that may have formed on the threads.[2]
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 3
    3
    Open the faucet completely to drain out all of the water.
  4. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 4
    4
    Place one pipe wrench onto the water pipe and one onto the faucet.
  5. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 5
    5
    With your non-dominant hand, hold the pipe wrench on the water pipe to keep it still. At the same time, slowly turn the pipe wrench that is connected to the faucet counterclockwise until the faucet is loosened.
  6. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 6
    6
    Once it's loosened, unscrew the faucet by hand in a counterclockwise motion.
  7. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 7
    7
    Brush the threads on the pipe with a stiff bristled brush to clean off any rust or debris.
  8. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 9
    8
    Go to the home improvement store and take the old faucet with you. Purchase a new faucet that meets the same specifications as the old one.
  9. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 8
    9
    Wrap two to three layers of Teflon tape around the threads in a clockwise direction. Teflon tape seals the connection to ensure that no water leaks out.
  10. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 10
    10
    Screw the new faucet onto the pipe in a clockwise direction by hand until the faucet is tightened.
  11. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 11
    11
    Place one pipe wrench on the pipe and another on the faucet as before.
  12. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 12
    12
    Turn the faucet wrench clockwise until the faucet connection is tight and the faucet is turned in the appropriate direction.
  13. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 13
    13
    Turn on the main water supply valve.
  14. Image titled Replace an Outdoor Water Faucet Step 14
    14
    Open the new faucet to check for leaks.[3]
    15. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Can the turning knob on an outside faucet be replaced?
    Patrick Johns
    Patrick Johns
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Patrick Johns is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of CatchAll Handyman Services. With more than 28 years of experience, he has worked on a variety of home improvement projects, such as carpentry, plumbing, and door and window installations in both commercial and residential properties.
    Patrick Johns
    Patrick Johns
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Sure it can! My recommendation is to choose a quarter turn knob while you're at it. They're more of a gate valve per se, so they hold up a lot longer than the older ones that just fully keep turning until it's fully open.
  • Question
    What if I cannot turn off the main water line?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Then you have to turn the water off at the main valve or at the water meter. Take a cell phone picture of the valve to the store with you and ask for a "curb key" (should be less than $10), if there isn't a regular valve handle on the meter. You can have the utility company do it, but that's expensive and inconvenient -- you'll have to wait for both 'on' and 'off', without any water.
  • Question
    When I take the stem off the outside faucet, it still leaks! What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Start over. Use plumber's tape if it's leaking where it's connected. If it's leaking from the spigot, replace the new faucet.
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Spray lubricant
  • Two pipe wrenches
  • Stiff bristled brush
  • Teflon tape
  • New faucet


You Might Also Like

Change a Washer on a Garden Tap
How to
Change a Washer on a Garden Tap
Fix a Leaky FaucetHow to Repair a Faucet That Leaks
Replace Shut off Valves
How to
Replace Shut off Valves
Replace a Shower Valve
How to
Replace a Shower Valve
Adjust Faucet Water Pressure
How to
Adjust Faucet Water Pressure
Change a Bathtub Faucet
How to
Change a Bathtub Faucet
How to
Attach a Garden Hose to a Kitchen Faucet
Determine a Faucet Brand
How to
Determine a Faucet Brand
Remove a Tub Faucet
How to
Remove a Tub Faucet
Install a Shower Faucet
How to
Install a Shower Faucet
Replace a Bathroom FaucetThe Easiest Way to Change a Bathroom Sink Faucet
Clean Limescale Off Taps
How to
Clean Limescale Off Taps
Install a Brita Filter on a Faucet
How to
Install a Brita Filter on a Faucet
Fix Cloudy Tap Water
How to
Fix Cloudy Tap Water
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/plumbing/pipes/finding-the-main-water-shutoff-valve/
  2. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/more/loosening-stuck-nut
  3. ↑ https://www.home-water-works.org/indoor-use/leaks
  4. ↑ https://www.wsscwater.com/customer-service/residential-tips/locating-and-operating-your-main.html
  5. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/faucet-repair/how-to-install-a-frost-proof-outdoor-faucet/
  6. https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/stop-an-outdoor-faucet-from-dripping/
  7. https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-repair-a-leaking-outdoor-faucet-hose-bib/
  8. http://www.gardenguides.com/117527-replace-garden-hose-spigot.html

About This Article

Patrick Johns
Co-authored by:
Patrick Johns
Home Improvement Specialist
This article was co-authored by Patrick Johns and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Patrick Johns is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of CatchAll Handyman Services. With more than 28 years of experience, he has worked on a variety of home improvement projects, such as carpentry, plumbing, and door and window installations in both commercial and residential properties. This article has been viewed 275,037 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 19
Updated: October 22, 2022
Views: 275,037
Categories: Faucets and Taps
Advertisement