Maya Ellison
Replacing an outdoor spigot, also known as an outdoor faucet or hose bib, is a relatively straightforward process that requires just a few tools and a bit of courage. Before beginning the project, it is important to shut off the water supply to the house by turning the shut-off valves counterclockwise. This will ensure that things remain dry while you work on replacing the spigot. The pipes running to your spigot could be made of copper, PVC plastic, or PEX plastic. Copper pipes are rigid, making it easy to unscrew the spigot, but they may burst if the water freezes. PVC plastic is easier to work with than copper but may also burst if the water freezes. Many new constructions and renovations now use PEX plastic, which will not burst if the water freezes and is simple to work with if you have the right tools and fittings. Once you have identified the type of pipe you are working with, you can proceed to remove the old spigot and install the new one.
Characteristics and Values Table for Changing an Outside Spigot Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | New spigot, adjustable wrench or basin wrench, channel-type pliers, Teflon tape, water shut-off wrench |
| First Step | Shut off the water supply |
| Pipe Types | Copper, PVC plastic (white or yellow), PEX plastic (blue and red) |
| Pipe Cutter | Plastic pipe cutter |
| Fitting | "Shark-bite" fitting |
| Pipe Connection | "Male" threaded connection |
| Pipe Wrench | Turn spigot counterclockwise to unthread the connection |
| Additional Tips | Use Teflon tape on the threads of the water supply lines to prevent leaks |
| Additional Components | Frost-proof spigot |
| Professional Help | Consider hiring a professional plumber if you're uncomfortable or have complex plumbing issues |
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What You'll Learn
Shut off the water supply
Shutting off the water supply is the first step in replacing an outdoor spigot. This is because water is constantly flowing from the municipal pipe at the street to your house, and stopping this flow will keep things dry while you work.
To shut off the water supply, you must first locate the shut-off valves. These valves control the flow of water to the spigot and are usually located near the water meter or where the main water line enters the house. Once you have located the shut-off valves, turn them clockwise to shut off the water supply.
If you have a frost-proof spigot, you may need to remove additional components, such as the frost-proof valve, to access the shut-off valves. In some cases, the shut-off valves may be difficult to turn by hand. In this case, you may need to use a water shut-off wrench to turn them.
After locating and turning off the shut-off valves, you should turn on the spigot to drain the remaining water from the line. Ensure that you have a bucket or container ready to catch any water that may spill out. Once the water has drained, you can proceed to remove the spigot.
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Drain the water line
Before you begin to change an outside spigot, you must first drain the water line. This is a crucial step to prevent water from spilling out and causing a mess or potential accidents. Here is a detailed guide on how to drain the water line:
Locate the Spigot Line
Begin by locating the spigot line inside your house. This is where the water supply enters your home and connects to the spigot. Ensure that this area is accessible and prepared for the work ahead. Have a bucket ready to catch any water that may spill during the process.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Before you drain the water line, it is essential to shut off the water supply to the spigot. This step will ensure that no more water enters the line while you are working. Locate the shut-off valves and turn them counterclockwise to shut off the water flow. In some cases, you may need to shut off the water supply to your entire house, especially if there is no dedicated shut-off valve for the spigot.
Open the Spigot
Once the water supply is shut off, turn on the spigot by turning it counterclockwise. This action will allow any remaining water in the line to drain out. Keep the spigot open until all the water has drained completely. If your spigot has a hose attached, remove the hose before turning on the spigot to ensure proper drainage.
With the spigot open, the water will begin to drain out of the line. Let the water flow out completely. You may notice that the water flow slows down or stops before the line is entirely drained. This is because air may be trapped in the line, creating a vacuum effect. To release the remaining water, briefly close the spigot and then open it again. The rush of air will help to release the remaining water, ensuring the line is entirely drained.
Prepare for Winter (if applicable)
If you live in a cold climate, it is essential to take extra steps to winterize your outdoor spigot. After draining the water, confirm that all water has been removed to prevent ice buildup, which can cause significant damage. Install an insulated cover over the spigot to protect it from freezing temperatures. Additionally, periodically lubricating the spigot's moving parts can prevent freezing and make operating the spigot easier during colder months.
By following these steps, you can effectively and safely drain the water line before proceeding with changing your outside spigot. Remember to refer to other resources and guidelines for a comprehensive understanding of the spigot replacement process.
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Remove the spigot
Before you begin removing the spigot, ensure you have shut off the water supply to prevent leaks while you work. Locate the shut-off valves and turn them counterclockwise to cut the water supply.
Now, turn on the spigot to drain the remaining water from the line. Once the water has drained, you can begin to remove the spigot. Using a pipe wrench, turn the spigot counterclockwise to unthread the connection to the water line. If the spigot is soldered to the pipe, you may need to cut it off with a pipe cutter or use heat to remove it. Alternatively, you can buy a "'shark-bite'" fitting to slide onto the cut pipe.
If your spigot is made of copper, unscrewing it will be relatively easy as copper pipes are rigid and won't move while you work. However, be cautious as copper pipes may burst if the water inside them freezes. If your house water lines are PEX, you can simply cut the line above the spigot and add a "female" threaded shark-bite fitting to twist on your new spigot.
Once the spigot is fully disconnected, gently pull it away from the building. Measure the length of the spigot fixture and pipe to purchase a suitable replacement from your local plumbing supply store.
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Measure the pipe and spigot
Measuring the pipe and spigot accurately is crucial in plumbing and building projects. Using the wrong size pipe or fittings can lead to leaks, inefficiencies, and even potential damage to the entire system. It is important to have a proper understanding of the pipe size to ensure compatibility and proper functioning of the plumbing system.
To measure the size of a spigot or pipe, you need to determine the outside or inside diameter of the pipe and then convert that measurement to the nominal pipe size. This can be done using a ruler or tape measure. The nominal pipe size is a standardised industry size designation, and different countries have different measurement standards. For instance, in the United States, pipe sizes are typically measured using the NPS, whereas other countries use the metric system.
If your pipe has male threads or no threads, you need to find the outside diameter. This is the distance from outside edge to outside edge across the pipe. Measure the circumference of the pipe with flexible measuring tape and then divide that number by pi (approximately 3.14159). For example, if the circumference is 12.57 inches (319 mm), you would divide by pi, resulting in an outside diameter of about 4 inches (100 mm). If you don't have measuring tape, you can use a piece of string and then measure the length against a ruler.
If your pipe has female threads, you need to measure the inside diameter. This is the distance across the middle of the pipe, excluding the thickness of the pipe walls. Use a ruler or a caliper to measure at the end of the pipe, where there is a cross-section.
Once you have the outside or inside diameter, you can convert it to the nominal pipe size using a conversion chart. These charts are available online or in plumbing reference materials.
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Install a new spigot
Installing a new spigot is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to ensure that you have the right tools and that your new spigot is compatible with your plumbing system.
Before you begin, shut off the water supply by locating the shut-off valves and turning them counterclockwise. This will prevent any water from flowing while you work.
Next, you will need to drain the water line. Turn on the spigot to allow any remaining water to drain out. Once the water has drained, you can remove the old spigot. Using a pipe wrench, turn the spigot counterclockwise to unthread the connection to the water line. If your spigot is soldered to the pipe, you may need to cut it off below the attachment.
Now you are ready to install the new spigot. Measure the length of the pipe and purchase a replacement spigot that is compatible with your plumbing system. If your house water lines are PEX, simply cut the line just above the spigot, add a "female" threaded shark-bite fitting, and twist on your new spigot. Alternatively, you can use a "male" threaded connection on the end of the pipe.
Once the new spigot is in place, turn on the water supply by turning the shut-off valves clockwise. Test the spigot by turning it on and checking for any leaks. You can use Teflon tape on the threads of the water supply lines to prevent leaks.
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Frequently asked questions
If your outdoor hose spigot is leaking from the spout, it's time to replace it.
You will need a new outdoor spigot (compatible with your plumbing system), an adjustable wrench or basin wrench, channel-type pliers (for removing the old packing nut), Teflon tape, and a water shut-off wrench (if your shut-off valves require one).
First, shut off the water supply by locating and turning the shut-off valves counterclockwise. Then, turn on the spigot to drain the water line. Once drained, use a pipe wrench to turn the spigot counterclockwise and unthread it from the water line. Measure the length of the spigot fixture and pipe, purchase a replacement, and attach it by threading it onto the water line in a clockwise direction.
A shark-bite fitting is a type of connector used in plumbing projects. If your house water lines are PEX, you can cut the line above the spigot and add a "female" threaded shark-bite fitting before twisting on your new spigot.
You can cut it, clean it, and braze it, or you may need to buy something like sharkbite to help remove it.
