Leaking outdoor faucets is a common problem, and it can be annoying to deal with. It makes you want to avoid using your outdoor water feature altogether. But when you don’t use it enough, the rust can build up and ruin the appearance of your outdoor space. Luckily, this is something that any do-it-yourselfer can handle. Here are some ways to fix leaky outdoor faucet.
How to Fix Leaking Outdoor Faucet
If you’ve got a leaky outdoor faucet, here are some tips to help you fix it.
1. Check for loose connections or corroded parts
The first step is to find the source of the leak. If it’s a connection or a part, you can tighten that connection or replace the part. If you don’t know how to do this, consult an expert for help.
2. Replace the rubber washer
You can also fix your leaking outdoor faucet by replacing any old rubber washers with new ones. The rubber washer is there to stop water from leaking out of the joint where two pieces meet and may have worn down over time or gotten dirty from algae buildup and other debris that got in there. To replace them, turn off the water supply so you don’t accidentally get sprayed with water while working on your faucet parts, then remove the handle and unscrew the nut holding the valve stem in place so you can pull it out. You’ll need to pop off any plastic covers (and use a screwdriver if necessary) and use pliers to remove the old washers before installing new ones into your valve stem and tightening everything back up again with a wrench (or screwdriver). That should do it!
What Causes Faucet to Leak?
One of the most common reasons an outdoor faucet will leak is because the washer has worn out. The washer is a rubber ring that sits between the faucet head and the valve. It is what allows water to pass through when you turn on your water. Sometimes, you may also have a leaky outdoor faucet because you don’t have enough water pressure. If there isn’t enough pressure, then it won’t be able to seal around the washers, and water will leak out.
Common Issues with Outdoor Faucets
Most outdoor faucets are made of metal and rubber, which means that the two materials can come into contact with each other. When this happens, you’ll notice a leak from one end to another. However, there are four common issues that can lead to leaking outdoor faucet:
1. If your outdoor faucet has an O-ring, then it is likely that the O-ring has broken down. In order to fix this issue, you will need to replace the O-ring.
2. If your outdoor faucet has a water filter on it, then it’s possible that the filter is clogged or missing a component. This will cause the water pressure to decrease and eventually leak if not fixed soon enough.
3. If your outdoor faucet has a valve behind it, then there might be dirt or debris inside of it causing the valve to stick or jam up over time. To fix this issue, you’ll need to clean out the valve and replace any worn parts as needed if applicable.
4. If your outdoor faucet simply seems loose or detached from its baseplate, then tighten all of the bolts on its underside until they are snug in place.
Tools and Materials You Need to Fix a Leaky Faucet
You will only need a few basic tools to successfully fix your outdoor faucet. You will need a wrench or pliers, pipe tape, and a watertight sealant. Plus, you will want to make sure you have the right size of wrench for your outdoor faucet.
Fixing The Out of Level Faucet
The first thing you should do is make sure your outdoor faucet is level. Outdoor faucets have a tendency to become a bit wobbly over time, and the weight of the water can cause the valve to leak. The best way to fix this is by turning the faucet off, removing the handle in order to unscrew the packing nut underneath it. Once it’s removed, replace it with a new one and tighten it back up, then put your handle back on.
Replacing the O-Ring
One of the most common reasons that outdoor faucet will leak is because the O-ring has become worn or broken. If this is the case, all you need to do is replace it with a new one. You can purchase O-rings at any hardware store in your area. It’s an easy and inexpensive fix that can take only a few minutes to complete.
Replacing the Washer
The washer is the most common cause of leaky outdoor faucets and is probably the easiest to fix. You want to replace it with a new washer, not a rubber gasket. Outdoor faucets are made differently than indoor ones. The washer for an outdoor faucet will have a hole in the center.
To remove the old washer from your outdoor faucet, you’ll need to unscrew the screw and pull off the handle. You may also need a wrench, depending on how tight it’s screwed on there. Replace it with a new one, being careful not to use so much force that you strip out the threads or break off any handles or seals. If you can’t find your size at the hardware store, don’t worry! You can always get it online for cheap.
Conclusion
Outdoor faucets are exposed to a lot of wear and tear, so it is easy for them to develop leaks. But don’t worry! It’s easy to fix a leaky outdoor faucet. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be back in the game in no time.