Ah, Spring is here and it’s time to start watering your trees! But–wait… Water is leaking from the outside hose bib. American Restoration Water & Fire routinely knows the damage that even a little bit of water can cause to your home. If your hose bib is leaking, we will guide you through how to replace it!
Replacing a leaky hose bib means replacing one of or both of these things:
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You can replace the compression washer located at the end of the valve stem. Doing so will allow the valve to fully close down which will keep it from constantly leaking.
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Replacing the packing string which will prevent water from seeping up around the handle of the faucet.
Instructions:
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Turn off the water
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Remove the handle: this can be done by removing the screws that hold the handle in place. A little bit of wiggling may be required. Move to the side.
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Using channel-lock pliers or an adjustable wrench, unscrew the packing nut that connects the valve stem to the faucet.
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Remove the valve stem. You can unscrew the stem from the faucet body.
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Replace the stem washer. Be sure to check the rubber washer: if it hard, cracked, or broken this is likely the cause for the leaking bib. Replace with exact size.
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Replace the packing string. Unwrap the old Teflon wrapping and wrap with a new product several times.
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Reassemble the faucet.
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Test it!
Voila!
American Restoration Water & Fire believe that informing the community on how to replace and repair creates a more aware homeowner and one that can ask quickly before water damage sets in.
