You need an outdoor spigot to wash the car, water the garden, and hose off the family dog from time to time. Having one that works is essential. If you’re installing the outdoor faucet yourself, make sure the supply pipe end is mounted to the side of the house and that the compression valve works.
The average cost of an outdoor spigot may range between $100 and $500, and installation fees could be up to $1,000, depending on the project. Still, it’s worth it to be able to set up the slip & slide on a hot summer day. If your outdoor spigot is malfunctioning, we have some suggestions that may help.
Dealing With a Frozen Spigot
Frozen pipes in the winter are very common problems that homeowners have to deal with, especially pipes that are located outdoors. Frozen pipes occur due to cold outside temperatures and a lack of insulation protecting the pipes or faucet. Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem:
- Heat Blanket
- Heat Tape
- Hair Dryer
Once frozen, you’ll need something to warm up the pipes, and slower is better. Once you have thawed out the ice that’s blocking the water flow, the remaining ice will be pushed out, and your outdoor faucet will be working just like normal. Make sure the faucet is turned on before you begin trying to thaw the pipes. This will help prevent the pipes from rupturing. Once thawed, make sure you never have the same problem again by ensuring the outdoor faucet is warm and surrounded by warm air.
If your water shut-off valve won’t turn, you may need to apply some penetrating valve oil to the threads where the parts connect.
Loosening Trapped Debris in Your Spigot
Trapped debris is one of the most common reasons why your spigot may be having trouble. Debris prevents the water from flowing. To check for debris, simply take off the bonnet nut and handle, and check the washer to see if it looks OK after unthreading the stem. If it’s intact, flush out the debris.
If you are still not seeing any results, contact a plumber to further evaluate and find the problem.
Protecting Your Spigot Long Term
Many homeowners neglect to take proper care of their outdoor faucets. And even after fixing an issue with their spigot, they leave it prone to developing the same issue again.
There are many ways to maintain the efficiency of your outdoor spigot, which will prevent it from being replaced down the road. Insulated slip-on covers, designed to cover the exterior faucet, can be found at your local hardware store. They prevent the remaining water inside the faucet from freezing and will extend the life of your faucet greatly. Any exposed pipes can be wrapped in insulating tubing. This will benefit the pipes in the same way as the insulated outdoor faucet slip-on cover.
At Angi (formerly known as Angie’s List), we prioritize home projects and can help with home improvement. Visit Angi to learn more about home improvement projects, or contact us to schedule a consultation.
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