How to Repair an Exterior Freeze-Proof Faucet Pipe

Examine the faucet’s water pipe for signs of damage or corrosion and to determine where the leak is coming from. If the leak is coming from the faucet pipe’s connection with the other pipes inside the house, turn the connection clockwise with a pipe wrench to tighten the connection.

Close the faucet’s shutoff water valve, located inside the house on the faucet’s water line. Turn the shutoff valve’s handle clockwise until it stops, without using any tools to turn the handle.

Turn on the freeze-proof faucet to release any leftover water in the pipes, and to check that the shutoff valve is closed all the way. Remove the screws holding the faucet to the outside of the house. Turn the compression nut, where the faucet’s water pipe connects to the other pipes, counterclockwise using a pipe wrench, loosening the connection. Clamp a second pipe wrench to the faucet’s water pipe, if necessary, to keep the pipe stationary.

Loosen the packing nut on the new faucet body by turning it counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench, while holding the faucet body stationary with a pair of adjustable pliers. Pull on the new faucet’s handle, sliding the valve stem assembly out of the faucet’s pipe.

Insert the new faucet’s pipe into the opening in the house’s exterior. Wrap pipe tape clockwise around the faucet’s pipe threads. Thread the compression nut onto the end of faucet’s pipe, and tighten the connection with a pipe wrench.

Drill guide holes into the exterior of the house where the faucet’s anchor holes sit, and then drive screws into the guide holes, anchoring the faucet body to the house. Insert the valve stem in to the faucet’s body, and turn the compression nut clockwise with an adjustable wrench until tight. Restore water to the faucet by turning the shutoff valve counterclockwise.