Outdoor faucets are handy when watering your garden, washing the car, or filling the kiddie pool. But like anything else around the house, they can sometimes break or start leaking. If your outdoor faucet isn't working right, don't worry—many problems are easy to fix before needing to call a plumber in Ohio Valley. Mr. Rooter Plumbing presents this simple guide to help you get your outdoor faucet back in working order.
Knowing what might be wrong is helpful before we dive into fixing the faucet. Outdoor faucets can have a few common problems:
These problems can be solved with essential tools and a little know-how. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, it’s always a good idea to call a plumber or a plumbing repair service to handle the job.
A leaking outdoor faucet is a common issue, and a worn-out washer or a loose packing nut often causes it. Here’s how you can fix it:
Before you do anything, turn off the water supply to the faucet. The shutoff will usually be a valve located inside your home, near where the pipe leads outside. Once the water is off, open the faucet to drain any remaining water.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the faucet handle in place. After removing the screw, pull off the handle to expose the packing nut and stem.
Sometimes, a loose packing nut is the cause of the leak. Use a wrench to tighten the nut slightly and see if that stops the leak. If the leak stops, you’re done!
If tightening the packing nut doesn’t fix the leak, you might need to replace the washer inside the faucet. Unscrew the packing nut and pull out the stem. You’ll see the washer attached to the bottom of the stem. Take the old washer to a hardware store to find an exact match and replace it.
Once you’ve replaced the washer, reassemble the faucet by reversing the steps you used to take it apart. Turn the water supply back on and check if the leak is fixed. If it leaks, it might be time to call a plumber in Steubenville or a plumbing repair service.
If your outdoor faucet has low water pressure or no water flow, the problem might be a clog or an issue with the pipes. Here’s what you can do:
Remove the faucet handle and unscrew it from the pipe using a wrench. Check inside the faucet for debris or buildup blocking the water flow, and clean out any gunk you find.
If the faucet is clogged, it’s a good idea to flush out the pipe before reattaching it. Turn on the water supply briefly to clear any debris inside the pipe. Then, screw the faucet back onto the pipe and test the water flow.
If cleaning the faucet and flushing the pipe doesn’t solve the problem, there could be a more significant issue with the pipe itself, like a blockage or a break. A plumbing service can inspect the pipe and determine the best action.
When to Consider Faucet Replacement
Sometimes, fixing an outdoor faucet isn’t enough. If your faucet is old, rusty, or leaks even after you've tried to repair it, it might be time for a replacement. Here’s when you should consider replacing the faucet:
Installing a new faucet can be tricky, so if you’re unsure how to do it, you might want to call a plumber or a plumbing service. They can ensure the faucet replacement is done correctly, preventing future issues.
Fixing an outdoor faucet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether a simple leak or a more complicated issue like low water pressure, many problems can be resolved with essential tools and patience. However, if the problem persists or you’re uncomfortable repairing yourself, don’t hesitate to contact a plumbing repair service. Sometimes, calling in a plumber is the best way to ensure your faucet is fixed correctly and will last for years.