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How to Repair a Dripping Outdoor Faucet

Outdoor faucets can develop leaks over time. Repairing or replacing the faulty parts will require a few standard tools.

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What materials were used in this video?

Adjustable wrench Compression washer Graphite packing string Packing washer Screwdriver Socket or socket wrench

Clip Transcript For:

How to Repair a Dripping Outdoor Faucet

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" How to repair a dripping outdoor faucet? Older compression faucets, like this outdoor faucet, often develop leaks around the handles and spouts. If the faucet is just leaking around the stem, sometimes the fix is as simple as tightening the packing under the handle with a wrench. If that doesn't work or if the faucet is dripping from the spout, then you need to take the faucet apart. Before you start, make sure that the water supply to the outside faucet is shut off. Start by opening the valve completely. Just inside the packing knot, there will be a spot where you can attach an adjustable wrench. Loosen the entire valve assembly and remove it. To replace the packing knot washer, first remove the faucet handle which will be attached either by a screw or a knot. Once the fastener is removed, wiggle the handle while pulling it straight up. Next, unscrew the packing knot and slide it up the stem. Inside the knot, you will either find a rubber packing washer or graphite packing string. Using a small-bladed screwdriver, carefully pry out the washer or graphite packing string. Replace the old packing washer with new matching washer and slide the packing knot back down over the stem and tighten it in place. If you cannot find an identical packing knot washer, you can wrap graphite packing string around the valve stem and while holding it in place, tighten the packing knot. With the packing knot tightened down snug with a wrench, replace the faucet handle on the valve stem and tighten the retaining knot or screw. To stop water dripping from the faucet spout, you will need to replace the compression washer by unscrewing the retaining screw and removing the worn washer. After removing the screw, carefully pry out the old washer with the small-bladed screwdriver and replace it with a new washer of exactly the same size and shape. Secure the new washer with the retaining screw. With the handle of the valve unscrewed to the full open position and the packing knot loose, reassemble the faucet by screwing the valve stem assembly into the faucet. While holding the valve with your hand, tighten the valve stem assembly with an adjustable wrench. Gently retighten the valve stem packing knot until it is snug and close the faucet valve. Turn on the water supply and your faucet is ready to use."

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