There are several reasons you might need to replace an outdoor water faucet. Maybe the faucet valve has worn out and will not stop leaking, or it might be that you just want to upgrade the faucet for aesthetic reasons. Whatever the case, you can replace the outdoor faucet without having to call a plumber and pay high rates for labor and materials. It will take you a couple of hours to replace the outdoor water faucet and improve the appearance and usage of the spigot.
Instructions
1. Locate the main water shutoff valve and turn the water completely off. The shutoff valve is normally located in front of your property in an underground utility box next to the street.
2. Open the valve of the faucet that you want to replace and allow any remaining water to drain out until the water pipe is completely empty.
3. Place a crescent wrench on the water pipe below the faucet so that you can hold the water pipe in place while removing the faucet. Tighten the crescent wrench around the pipe so that it does not turn.
4. Attach a pipe wrench to the water faucet next to the water pipe and turn the pipe wrench counterclockwise while holding the crescent wrench attached to the water pipe to loosen the water faucet. When the water faucet is loose, remove it the rest of the way, turning it by hand.
5. Clean the threads and end of the water pipe with a stiff-bristled brush to remove any rust or corrosion that could hinder the new water faucet from being threaded on the pipe. Place some plumbers tape around the threads of the water pipe.
6. Thread the new outdoor water faucet onto the water pipe, turning it clockwise by hand until it is tight. Place the pipe wrench on the end of the new water faucet near the water pipe and continue to tighten the faucet until you can no longer tighten it.
7. Confirm that the outdoor water faucet valve is closed and turn the main water shutoff valve back on. Open the new water faucet valve enough to prime the water pipes and allow the water to run through the faucet.
8. Turn the faucet off and confirm that there are no leaks around the pipe connection.
Tips Warnings
Because of the location of the main water shutoff valve, it can sometimes be rusty and difficult to turn. Apply some Liquid Wrench to the valve to loosen it, and place a screwdriver through the handle to use as a lever to turn the valve.
When loosening or tightening the water faucet, always support the water pipe by holding it with a crescent wrench.
Tags: replace, outdoor, water, faucet, water pipe, water faucet, water faucet, crescent wrench, outdoor water, shutoff valve, faucet valve, main water, main water shutoff
