How to Replace an Older Outdoor Faucet
- 1). Turn off the water at the exterior water valve, located near the main water meter. Grasp the water valve knob with an adjustable wrench, and turn it in a clockwise direction until the water shuts completely off. Insert a screwdriver through the water valve handle to use for leverage when turning if the valve is rusted and stuck tight.
- 2). Release the remaining water in the lines by turning the outdoor faucet on. Allow all the water to flow out of the pipe before proceeding further.
- 3). Grip the water pipe sticking out from the exterior of the home with adjustable pliers. The water pipe is the water line connected to the old water faucet. Grip the faucet assembly with your hands and turn it counterclockwise to loosen. If the old water faucet is rusted or stuck tightly, use another pair of adjustable pliers for grip, and continue to turn. Remove the older water faucet and recycle or discard.
- 4). Clean the end of the water pipe where the faucet assembly came off with a wire brush. Remove all dirt, debris or rust buildup from around the threading located on the water pipe.
- 5). Dampen a soft cloth and wipe off the water pipe threads.
- 6). Wrap the water pipe threads with plumber's tape. This provides a better seal for the replacement faucet to grip onto the water pipe. Screw the new replacement faucet onto the protruding water pipe in a clockwise direction. Tighten the new faucet as much as you can with your hands.
- 7). Wrap a soft cloth around the replacement faucet and attach the adjustable wrench onto the base of the faucet over the cloth. Tighten the new faucet assembly onto the water pipe firmly by turning the wrench in a clockwise direction.
- 8). Turn the water supply back on.
