You may not use it often, but your outdoor faucet comes in handy when you need it. It’s likely one of the last things any homeowner thinks about when they perform home maintenance, so if you’ve turned your faucet on and run into problems, you’re not alone.
Let’s walk you through some of the most common reasons that your outdoor faucet is on the fritz, and what you can do to fix these problems. We also offer outdoor faucet repair in Chesterfield, MO if these fixes don’t quite fit the bill.
Worn-Out Spigot Washers
Your faucet is leaking like crazy, but there’s no clear problem. It could be beneath the surface. If your faucet leaks when it’s completely turned off, it’s likely the washer.
It’s possible that it just needs to be tightened. Temperatures cause washers to expand and contract, loosening them over time. If you can tighten your spigot and the problem vanishes, that’s the best-case scenario.
If not, unscrew the spigot and remove the washer. It may have some scale buildup. Try using a brush to clear out any remaining buildup from all visible areas on the faucet, add a new washer, then twist the spigot back on.
The Valve Is Stuck
You’re trying to turn the water on, but the valve won’t budge. When’s the last time you used this, anyway? If it’s been a while, scale buildup might be the problem.
Or it could be rust. Either way, something’s blocking it from turning. The first solution here is to rub some WD-40 or another lubricant around the valve.
This should loosen it up enough that you can move it. If not, and it truly just won’t budge, you may need to call for repairs.
The Spigot Itself
We often look to the washer as the problem, but the spigot could be the culprit of your water leak. Over time it can rust and develop micro-cracks, and scale buildup can be a problem as well.
Remove the spigot and try submerging it in white distilled vinegar for 24 hours. This helps gradually remove scale buildup. Use a brush to remove excess scale, then try putting it back at best you can.
What you may find is that your spigot leaks more. This is a sign that any existing cracks were partially blocked by scale buildup. Basically, this spigot is on its way to the landfill.
You’ve done what you can, but now it’s time to replace the spigot with a new one. If that still doesn’t stop leak problems, that’s what we’re here for.
Find the Fix
If your outdoor faucet is running into trouble and these fixes don’t quite cut it, that’s okay. We’re here to help. Not every problem presents itself so plainly; the solution could require a different approach.
We’ll diagnose the problem and get your faucet flowing like it’s brand new so you can get back to your yard with no restraints.
Contact Performance Plumbing today to fix your faucet problems and perform regular maintenance on your pipes.