Changing an outdoor faucet is a straightforward project that most DIYers can tackle themselves. With the right tools and some patience, you can replace an old, leaky faucet with a shiny new one in just a few hours. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire outdoor faucet replacement process from start to finish.
Introduction
An outdoor faucet, also known as a hose bib, spigot or sillcock, is a valve and spout installed on the exterior of your home to provide access to water for gardening, washing cars and other outdoor tasks. Like any frequently-used plumbing fixture, outdoor faucets are prone to drips, leaks and general wear and tear over time. Replacing an aging outdoor faucet with a new one can restore full water pressure for better performance.
Swapping in a new outdoor faucet also presents an opportunity to upgrade to a frost-proof model. Traditional outdoor faucets are simple valves with the shut-off deep within the warm interior of your home. When winter temperatures cause the exposed outdoor water line to freeze and expand, serious pipe damage can occur. Frost-proof faucets have a long stem that allows the shut-off to be located underground below the freeze line. The key benefit is that the valve can be shut off inside the home during cold weather, while the exterior components remain safely out of harm’s way.
Changing an old leaky or conventional outdoor faucet for a new frost-proof unit is a moderately difficult DIY project. But with our step-by-step instructions, you can replace your outdoor faucet like a pro. Let’s get started!
Gather the Right Tools and Materials
Before beginning any plumbing project, it’s important to assemble all the necessary tools and materials ahead of time. Here’s what you’ll need to complete an outdoor faucet replacement:
Tools
- Adjustable wrenches (2)
- Pipe wrench
- Teflon tape
- Plumber’s putty
- Flat head screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Reciprocating saw with metal cutting blade (for cutting any seized connections)
- Bucket
- Rag
- Flashlight
- Pencil/Marker
Materials
- New outdoor faucet (choose frost-proof or standard)
- Replacement supply lines
- Shut-off valves
- Flux and solder kit (for copper pipes)
- PVC primer & cement (for PVC pipes)
Take inventory of your existing faucet setup before purchasing replacement parts to ensure everything matches up properly. Bring photos and measurements when buying a new faucet unit. Having all materials ready ahead of time prevents unnecessary trips to the hardware store during the project.
Turn Off Water Supply
Before removing your old outdoor faucet, you must shut off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valve for the outdoor faucet line inside your home. It’s typically near the main water shut-off valve.
Turn the outdoor faucet shut-off valve clockwise to the closed position. Then go outside and turn on the exterior faucet handle to allow water to drain from the line. If needed, connect a hose and aim it into your yard to direct the water away from your house’s foundation. Once the flow of water stops, disconnect the hose. The line is now ready for faucet removal.
Remove the Old Faucet
With the water supply turned off, you can start removing the old outdoor faucet. The specific method will vary slightly based on the faucet type, but the general process is the same:
- Unscrew any mounting hardware such as brackets or screws from the exterior wall. You may need to scrape away old caulk to access the fasteners.
- Loosen and unthread the faucet from the water supply line connections. You’ll likely need two wrenches to loosen the compression fittings or threaded connections. Apply penetrating oil if they are seized up.
- For an old-fashioned faucet with interior shut-off, cut the pipe coming through the wall with a reciprocating saw. Leave about 2 inches of pipe protruding to connect the new faucet.
- For a frost-proof faucet, dig down around the exterior pipe and cut it below the frost line depth for your climate.
- Remove any remaining faucet pieces and scrape off old plumber’s putty or caulk from the wall. Clean the faucet mounting holes with a wire brush.
Now the old leaky faucet should be completely removed, and you have a clean slate for the new installation.
Install the New Faucet
Installation of the new outdoor faucet is the reverse of the removal process. Follow these steps:
- If you are converting from a standard to frost-proof faucet, install a new length of appropriately-rated outdoor pipe to run underground from the water supply line stub out to the new faucet location. Ensure it is positioned below your frost line.
- For a standard faucet, slide any escutcheon plates or flanges over the exterior pipe before mounting the faucet.
- Apply plumber’s putty around the faucet holes and seat the new faucet base against the wall. Secure with mounting screws or brackets.
- Make the threaded or compression water line connections by hand initially. Then use two wrenches to fully tighten. Apply Teflon tape to threaded connections first.
- For a frost-proof model, make sure the interior shut-off valve is closed before making exterior connections. This allows you to drain the line from inside later.
- Seal any gaps around the faucet base with silicone caulk to prevent leaks.
- Slowly turn the water back on and check for leaks. Tighten any connections further if needed.
And that’s it! Installing a new outdoor faucet takes less than an hour in most cases. Turn on the exterior handle and enjoy your drip-free water flow.
Troubleshooting Tips
While an outdoor faucet installation is a straightforward project, a few issues can come up. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common problems:
Leaks around the handle or spout: Disassemble and reseat the faucet stem and packing. Replace any worn washers or O-rings. Reapply plumber’s putty if leak persists.
Drips from the water line connections: Tighten compression fittings further with wrenches. If leak continues, disconnect and reseal pipes with fresh Teflon tape.
No water flow: Make sure the shut-off valves are fully open. Disconnect supply lines and inspect for obstructions. Flush lines to clear any debris.
Water flow won’t shut off completely: The faucet stem orcartridge may need replacing. Shut off water and replace the worn parts.
Frozen pipes: For exposed pipes on frost-proof models, insulate lines and drain water supply before freezing weather. Thaw frozen pipes before attempting to operate faucet.
In most cases, following the installation instructions carefully prevents issues. But if problems arise, these tips can get your new outdoor faucet working properly.
Winterizing Your Outdoor Faucet
In climates where winter temperatures drop below freezing, outdoor faucets need seasonal protection. The key is to prevent standing water in the pipes from freezing and expanding. Here are a few tips for winterizing outdoor faucets:
- Shut off the indoor water supply – Close the indoor shut-off valve that feeds water to your outdoor faucet.
- Drain the line – Turn on the outdoor faucet to allow the pipe to drain fully. Leave the faucet open.
- Disconnect hoses – Removing any garden hoses eliminates pockets of trapped water. Store hoses indoors for winter.
- Insulate exposed pipes – For frost-proof models, wrap any exposed exterior pipes in insulation to prevent freezing.
- Use heat tape – Applying electric heat tape along exposed pipes also prevents freezing in extreme climates.
- Install faucet covers – Plastic covers provide insulation for standard sillcock faucets. Close the cover tightly.
Following this winterization process in fall prepares your outdoor faucets for freezing conditions. And you can reverse the steps in spring to restore water flow.
FAQ about Changing an Outdoor Faucet
Many homeowners have additional questions when taking on an outdoor faucet replacement project. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
What type of new faucet should I buy?
You can choose either a traditional sillcock faucet or a frost-proof model. Frost-proof are better for cold climates since they allow draining from indoors. Choose a solid brass or stainless steel faucet for maximum durability. Match the style to your home’s exterior finishes.
How do I remove a rusted/seized faucet?
Apply penetrating oil and let it soak in for several hours. Gently tap the faucet handle with a hammer to break the bond. Use pipe wrenches and pliers to twist off rusted threaded connections. If needed, cut pipes with a reciprocating saw to fully remove the seized faucet.
Where is my outdoor faucet shut-off valve located?
The shut-off is typically located near the main indoor water shut-off valve. Check near water meters or along the water service line’s entry point. Shut-off valves are often in basements, crawlspaces, or utility closets.
Can I convert from a standard to a frost-proof faucet?
Yes, you can upgrade to a frost-proof faucet. Run a new length of pipe underground below the frost line from the existing stub out to the new faucet location. Add an indoor shut-off valve if replacing an old-style sillcock.
How do I stop my outdoor faucet from freezing in winter?
Prevent freezing by shutting off the water supply indoors, draining the line, disconnecting hoses, and insulating any exposed pipes. For hard freezes, wrap pipes in heat tape. Installing faucet covers also protects standard exposed faucets.
Why does my new faucet have low water pressure?
Make sure the shut-off valves are fully open. Disconnect the supply lines and inspect for flow obstructions. Flush debris from the pipes by disconnecting from the stub out. If pressure remains low, inspect your main home water pressure.
How do I get broken faucet pieces out of the wall?
First shut off water supply to prevent leaks. Then carefully chip away any protruding pieces with a cold chisel and hammer. Use needle-nose pliers or a hooked wire to extract the remaining portions. Widen the holes if needed to fit the new faucet.
Can I repair a leaky compression fitting?
You may be able to stop minor drips from a loose compression fitting by further tightening the nut. But for persistent leaks, it’s best to replace the entire supply line. Use fresh Teflon tape and tighten new compression fittings securely.
Conclusion
Replacing an outdated or leaky outdoor faucet with a new frost-proof model is a worthwhile DIY project for most homeowners. Following our step-by-step outdoor faucet replacement guide allows you to upgrade your exterior water access point and winterize your system for years of trouble-free service.
Be sure to shut off the indoor water supply, remove the old faucet completely, install the new unit with care, and seal up any leaks or gaps. Test for proper water flow and drainage. And take seasonal steps to protect outdoor faucets from freezing.
With the right tools and preparation, you can swap out an old outdoor spigot for a shiny new one in just an afternoon. The small investment of time and money up front will pay ongoing dividends through greater home comfort, convenience and efficiency.