Plumbing

Frost-free sillcocks: packing leaks, spout drips, a spitting vacuum breaker, and the fall shutdown before the first freeze.

1 guide

Home Repair Field Guides

Fix That Damn Outdoor Faucet

Frost-free sillcocks: packing leaks, spout drips, a spitting vacuum breaker, and the fall shutdown before the first freeze.

Time: 60-second diagnosis. Job time is on the PDF card.
Skill: Packing, seat washer and vacuum breaker. Water inside the wall is a plumber job.
Parts: $5–$28.50 listed. Not a cart total.

$7.99

Instant download · Screen edition 27 pages + print edition 28 pages

Free tips

Seepage around the stem while the faucet runs points to the packing. The free diagnosis on the outdoor faucet guide takes the next step.

A drip with the faucet closed and the hose off points to the seat rubber or a loose retainer screw.

Hose off, inside shutoff closed, faucet open to drain, foam cover on. That shutdown is in the guide.