DIY: How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Faucet!
Are you experiencing a leaking outdoor faucet (which is also known as a spigot) this summer? Here are 8 at-home steps you can do to repair your faucet in less than one day! This method is low cost, yet time-consuming with an expected time of completion of half a day. It also requires a somewhat high skill level of advanced to expert. While we don’t recommend this process for beginners due to the complexity of the repairs and use of dangerous tools, we do have a recommendation for you at the end of this article!
Step #1: Gather the Tools And Materials
There are several things needed before starting. First, an array of tools is required. These include a hacksaw, sandpaper, propane torch, safety glasses, and a pipe cutter. These tools will assist in getting the job done but can be very hazardous if not used correctly. Next, you’ll need to gather materials. These consists of tinning flux, solder, a replacement stem, and a copper pipe.
Step #2: Remove the Faucet
First, the main water supply to the whole house will need to be turned off while you are working on this spigot. Once the water is off, inspect the old spigot and seek to replace it with a similar one. After finding a replacement spigot, you’ll want to locate the pipe that feeds water to the faucet. Then it will need to be cut with a hacksaw at the point where it bends. This will allow for the faucet to be removed for replacement.
Step #3: Cut Off the Damaged Pipe
Using pipe cutters, cut off the length of the supply pipe that has been damaged. Then take a medium grit sliver of sandpaper, and begin roughing up the shape at the end of the new pipe, allowing it to fit easily in the new faucet.
Step #4: Insert the Pipe Into the Fitting
Brush a layer of the tinning flux to the end of the pipe that is to go inside the fitting. Doing this improves the capabilities of the solder to adhere. Then insert the end of the new pipe into the new fitting.
Step #5: Seal the New Joint
Use solder and torch to seal the new fixtures. Make sure the tip of the flame is used to seal the joint and not the solder for the best adhesion possible. A torch can be a very dangerous tool if used without experience. We do not advise beginners to do this step themselves.
Step #6: Insert Pipe Into the Wall
Once the connection is sealed, let it cool from the heat of the torch. Once it’s cool to the touch, insert the end of the new pipe through the hole in the wall. Once the pipe is fed through the wall and fitted, cut the excess pipe behind the wall using the pipe cutter.
Step #7: Install Fitting Onto Pipe
Repeating the same soldering and torching process, install a 90 degree fitting onto the pipe. Measure the length between the end of the fitting and the end of the supply line pipe to figure out the size of the copper pipe needed.
Step #8: Solder the Pipe Into the Fitting
Combine the new pipe piece and fitting by cutting the right size pipe, sanding the edges, applying the tinning flux, and soldering the new pipe in place into the 90-degree fitting.
If by reading this process, you feel a little overwhelmed don’t fret! It is a process that requires dangerous tools and a high level of experience. That's where we come in. Here at Andy OnCall, we specialize in an array of services if you are not comfortable or able to do them yourself. Give us a call at 636-724-8008 today!
