Broken Outdoor Faucet? How to Easily Replace the Parts Yourself
If you've noticed water leaking or dripping from your exterior spigot, it likely means the faucet parts have become worn out over time. Rather than calling a plumber, replacing the faulty parts yourself can save you money. With some basic tools and new replacement parts, you can often extend the life of your aging outdoor faucet.
Identifying Your Faucet Brand to Get the Right Parts
Start by determining the manufacturer or brand of your existing outdoor faucet. Check areas like the handle, spout, and valve bodies closely for a stamped or engraved logo. Match any markings you find to images of faucets online to identify the maker.
Understanding Your Faucet's Internal Components
Once the brand is identified, look up diagrams of your faucet model to understand how components like compression stems, cartridges, washers, and seat valves function internally. This will ensure you get replacement parts that properly fit and seal.
Ordering Compatible Faucet Repair Parts
Purchase new faucet parts designed specifically for your model if possible. Generic "universal" parts don't always properly fit. Have the manufacturer part numbers handy when sourcing replacements.
Preparing to Install the New Pieces
Before swapping in fresh faucet components, turn off the indoor shut-off valves supplying water to your spigot. Then open the faucet to drain leftover water before dismantling.
Taking Apart the Faucet Assembly
Carefully disassemble the faucet handle, cap, cam assembly, and interior components without damaging anything still in usable shape. This generally requires unscrewing or loosening certain pieces.
Inspecting and Cleaning Internal Surfaces
Check all faucet surfaces for cracks, pitting, and scale buildup. Scrub away mineral deposits around seats, stems, washers, etc. using white vinegar or a dissolving solution.
Replacing Your Outdoor Faucet Parts
- For compression faucets, replace worn washers, springs, seats, and stems with identical new versions.
- In a cartridge faucet, swap out the entire faulty cartridge for an exact replacement part.
Carefully reassemble components in the proper sequence and orientation after replacing parts.
Testing for Leaks Before Completing Repair
After reattaching all hardware, turn the water back on and check for drips or other leaks around the handle and spout. Tighten as needed before reattaching the exterior vacuum breaker, handle, and hose bib cap.
Maintaining Your Replacement Faucet Parts
Your outdoor faucet should now function like new. But remember to regularly inspect and maintain replacement parts to maximize their working lifespan. Using heat tape or foam insulation over winter can also prevent freeze damage.
As you can see, restoring an aging outdoor faucet with DIY part replacements is very achievable. Identifying your exact faucet brand to source compatible components is key. With proper disassembly and cleaning procedures, swapping in new washers, cartridges, stems, etc. can stop leaks for years to come.