Outdoor faucets (commonly referred to as spigots or hose bibbs) can make everyday tasks like watering the garden, washing your car, and filling a kiddie pool a lot simpler. Unfortunately, like any plumbing fixture, they can experience problems. Trust Rooter discusses some common ones here and how best to address them without hiring a plumber in Hollywood.
Leaky Outdoor Faucet
A leaky outdoor faucet can waste water and significantly increase your bill. Worn-out washers usually cause it within the faucet.
How to Repair
Turn Off the Water Supply: Before beginning any project involving water supplies or faucets, ensure the main shut-off valve in your house has been turned off.
Remove the Handle: Utilizing a screwdriver, remove any screws holding onto handles by dismantling them using their attached bolts.
Unscrew and Remove Packing Nut: Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the packing nut carefully without damaging its threads.
Replace Washer: Once unscrewed, remove the stem and replace the bottom washer using a new one purchased at the hardware store. These washers can usually be found for purchase online.
Reassemble: After reassembling all parts and activating the water supply again, test for leaks to see if any have stopped occurring.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can make tasks such as watering the garden quite frustrating. This problem usually stems from sediment build-up inside faucets or pipes, which causes pressure drops in their entirety.
How to Repair
Tweak the Faucet: Unscrew and clean out any build-up inside the faucet using a small brush or toothpick.
Check Your Pipes: If cleaning the faucet doesn’t solve the issue, the issue may lie with the pipes. Sometimes, this requires replacing old, corroded pipes; otherwise, consider calling an experienced plumber in Hollywood to inspect for hidden leak and blockages or call for service as soon as there’s no improvement.
Frozen Faucet
Colder climates often experience frozen outdoor faucets that could freeze up during the winter and break, potentially leading to significant water damage and additional costs incurred from repairs or restoration.
How to Repair
Turn off the Water Supply: Shut off the water supply to the faucet and open the faucet to drain any remaining water.
Insulate the Faucet: To prevent the faucet from freezing, cover it with insulating material or wrap it in duct tape. Disconnect any hoses and store them indoors during the winter.
Thaw Frozen Pipes: If the faucet has frozen, gently warm the pipe with a hairdryer or heat lamp. Never use an open flame. Once thawed, check for any leaks or damage.
Dripping Spout
An annoying and wasteful dripping spout often indicates worn or damaged valve seats that need repair. Either of these issues must be rectified before everyday use can resume.
How to Repair
Turn off the Water Supply: Start by turning off the water supply.
Remove the Faucet: Remove the handle and the packing nut to access the valve seat.
Replace the Valve Seat: Use a valve seat wrench to remove the old valve seat and replace it with a new one.
Reassemble: Put everything back together and turn the water back on to see if the dripping has stopped.
The Faucet Won’t Switch On or Off
Sometimes, the faucet handle becomes difficult or impossible to turn. This could be caused by grime build-up on its stem or wear and tear over time.
How to Repair
Clean the Faucet: Remove the handle and clean any dirt or debris inside.
Replace the Stem: If cleaning doesn’t help, you should replace the stem. Take the old stem to a hardware store to find a matching replacement.
Lubricate the Parts: Apply the plumber’s grease to the threads to ensure smooth operation.
Squeaky Handles
Noisy handles can be an annoyance, but they are often quickly resolved; squeakiness usually results from needing more lubricant in the handle or stem area of operation.
How to Repair
Remove the Handle: Take off the handle using a screwdriver.
Lubricate: Apply the plumber’s grease to the handle and stem threads.
Reassemble: Turn the handle on and check if the squeaking has stopped.
Trust Rooter
Outdoor faucets can be invaluable tools, yet they can develop various issues that compromise their usefulness over time. Leaks, low water pressure, frozen pipes, and squeaky handles may all require maintenance or professional repair work if not resolved by yourself. For further help or if an issue persists, it’s always best to call Trust Rooter. They will ensure your outdoor faucet works optimally, preventing further damage or malfunction. Regular maintenance and timely repairs should keep it working perfectly for years ahead!
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