What is the best way to fix an outdoor non-compressive faucet leak?

Answer 1

Repairing Outdoor Faucets
by the Beginners Guide Staff




Last updated February 8, 2006

Disassembling part or all of a faucet and replacing washers, seals, or other parts can fix most problems. It's a good idea to keep a faucet repair kit on hand that contains a variety of washers, O-rings, and seals. Follow the steps below to replace a washer on most outdoor faucets:

• Turn off the water supply to the house at the main valve.
• With the use of a screwdriver, remove the nut that holds the knob together and remove the knob.
• Loosen the joints on the knob using penetrating oil.
• Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the nut and remove the faucet assembly attached to the wall.
• After removing the assembly, check for corrosion.
o If the faucet assembly is stubborn and you can't take it apart, try soaking the joints with penetrating oil and leave the oil working on the assembly for several hours. After the oil has loosened the joints sufficiently, hold the stem with a pair of adjustable pliers and tap the pliers with a hammer to get the assembly apart.
• You must then remove the screw that holds the assembly together.
• Remove the old washer with the use of an awl.
• Cover the new washer with plumber’s grease.
• Insert the washer into the assembly.
• Replace the assembly onto the outside wall.
• Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.