Eliminate faucet frustration: master the art of tightening an outdoor handle today!
What To Know
- Once the water supply is turned off, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that holds the handle in place.
- Once the handle is in place, use the adjustable wrench to tighten the nut that holds it in place.
- The packing nut is located at the base of the faucet, where the handle stem enters the faucet body.
A leaky outdoor faucet can be a real nuisance, wasting water and potentially causing damage to your property. One of the most common causes of a leaky faucet is a loose handle. Fortunately, tightening an outdoor faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes.
Tools You’ll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Allen wrench (optional)
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before you begin, turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually done by turning the valve located behind the faucet. If there is no valve, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your home.
Step 2: Remove the Handle
Once the water supply is turned off, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that holds the handle in place. Once the nut is loose, you can remove the handle by pulling it straight up.
Step 3: Inspect the Washer
Once the handle is removed, you will see a washer located beneath it. This washer is responsible for creating a watertight seal between the faucet and the handle. If the washer is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Step 4: Replace the Washer (if necessary)
If the washer needs to be replaced, use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the old washer and replace it with a new one.
Step 5: Reattach the Handle
Once the washer has been replaced (or if it did not need to be replaced), reattach the handle by pushing it straight down onto the faucet. Once the handle is in place, use the adjustable wrench to tighten the nut that holds it in place.
Step 6: Turn On the Water Supply
Once the handle is tightened, turn on the water supply to the faucet. Check for leaks around the handle. If there are any leaks, tighten the nut further until the leak stops.
Step 7: Tighten the Packing Nut (optional)
If you still have a leak after tightening the handle, you may need to tighten the packing nut. The packing nut is located at the base of the faucet, where the handle stem enters the faucet body. Use the Allen wrench to tighten the packing nut until the leak stops.
Final Note
Tightening an outdoor faucet handle is a simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following the steps outlined above, you can save yourself the hassle and expense of calling a plumber.
Questions You May Have
Q: Why is my outdoor faucet handle loose?
A: There are several reasons why an outdoor faucet handle may become loose. One common reason is that the nut that holds the handle in place has become loose. Another reason is that the washer beneath the handle has become worn or damaged.
Q: How do I know if the washer needs to be replaced?
A: If you see water leaking from around the base of the handle, it is likely that the washer needs to be replaced. Another sign that the washer needs to be replaced is if the handle is difficult to turn.
Q: Can I tighten an outdoor faucet handle without turning off the water supply?
A: It is not recommended to tighten an outdoor faucet handle without turning off the water supply. If you do not turn off the water supply, you may cause the faucet to leak or burst.
