fbpx

Outdoor Faucet Repair

Andy with Andyโ€™s Pipe Dream, here today to talk about outside hydrants.

Some may also refer to these hydrants as:

โ€ข Silcock
โ€ข Hosebib
โ€ข Outdoor Faucet

We here at Andyโ€™s Pipe Dream would like to educate you on how to keep your hydrant/faucet from freezing in the wintertime. As well we will show you how to properly rebuild your hydrant/faucet.

See our instructional video below for a step-by-step tutorial:

A typical frost-free hydrant/faucet will have valve shut off component, draining excess water after being shut off. (This is what ultimately winterizes the hydrant/faucet)

Several common mistakes homeowners will make:

โ€ข Leaving a hose on will make the draining process impossible, causing freezing of the hydrant/faucet and eventual break.
โ€ข Other times people will properly shut of the hydrant/faucet but fail to notice a slow drip at the end of the spout, this too will cause freeze & eventual breaking.

The main purpose of this tutorial is to properly educate homeowners on how to dismantle a failing hydrant/faucet and replace older parts with newer working parts.

Start by:

โ€ข Shutting off the hydrant/faucet at the valve.
โ€ข Remove any attached hose.
โ€ข Check for any possible dripping.

Start by identifying the hydrant/faucet you own, obtaining the necessary parts needed for the repair. We recommend the best way of identifying a faucet/hydrant if you are unaware is to simply take a photo of the faucet/hydrant. Then go to your local plumbing supplier/hardware store, show the photos of the faucet/hydrant you own and they should be able to identify the proper replacement youโ€™ll need to get started.

STEP ONE:
The first and arguably most important thing to do is shutting of the water within your home. This is important for future plumbing related repairs anyway; knowing the location of the shut off is valuable for any homeowner. After youโ€™ve shut the valve off head back outside to the repair site to begin.

STEP TWO:
Now that the water has been shut off, twist and open the hydrant/faucet valve to draining any remaining water before beginning the repair.

STEP THREE:
Start by removing the handle with a screwdriver, rotating counterclockwise. Once unscrewed, remove the handle exposing the internal parts that need to be removed.

STEP FOUR:
Remove top parts of the hydrant/faucet including the vacuum breaker located just under the top cap.

STEP FIVE:
Remove the packing nut with a wrench or pliers turning counterclockwise, gently unscrewing until the threads become loose and youโ€™re able to remove from the hydrant/faucet.

STEP SIX:
After removing the packing nut, the next step in the process is to remove the packing itself. Sometimes itโ€™s a fiber packing material other are made from rubber, simply use a screwdriver or your fingers to remove this packing material.

STEP SEVEN:
Removing the stem turning counterclockwise, once loose you will be able to pull the stem straight out. The stem is between 8โ€ โ€“ 10โ€ inches long. Once the stem is off itโ€™s now time to take off the faulty parts and replace them. It is important to replace each piece as you remove them so you remember exactly where each part is to be placed.

STEP EIGHT:
Now that the new parts have been assembled, itโ€™s time to repeat the process but in reverse order this time. Start by pushing the stem back, this time gently turning clockwise to reengage with the hydrant/faucet.

STEP NINE:
Parts can now be put back on the front of the hydrant/faucet. 3 parts total we be placed on the front, including the metal washer, the rubber packing or fiber packing, and finally the packing nut.

STEP TEN:
If your hydrant/faucet has a vacuum breaker, itโ€™s now time to reinstall that piece along with the cover cap.

STEP ELEVEN:
It is now time to reattach the hydrant/faucet handle. Be sure to NOT over tighten the handle, as this will only make it difficult to turn on or off.

STEP TWELVE:
For the final step, make sure your hydrant/faucet handle is in the shut off position. Now go back inside to turn the water main back on, head back outside and test the hydrant/faucet to make sure it operates properly.

One last important tip!
When turning off your hydrant/faucet for the first time after a rebuild it may drip slightly. This is normal for a frost-free system; give the hydrant/faucet a few minutes to completely drain. Do not over tighten the handle, this will only damage the hydrant/faucet and cut down on the life of the repair youโ€™ve just finished.

Kansas City Metro

19959 W. 162nd Street.
Olathe, KS 66062
Phone:ย 913-210-5818
E-mail:ย dispatch@andyspipedream.com

Hours of Operation

Monday โ€“ Friday:ย 8 amย โ€“ย 6 pm
Saturday: Closed (Emergency Service Available)
Sunday:
ย Closed (Emergency Service Available)

Emergency Service Available 24 Hours a Day / 7 Days a Week

Our COVID-19 Safety Practices

Follow Us on Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Andy's Pipe Dream is honored to celebrate veterans day, recognizing the bravery, sacrifice and unwavering dedication of all our veterans.

Your courage has shaped our freedom, and we are forever grateful. Thank you for serving our country with selflessness, dedication, and honor.

We salute all Americans who have served or are currently serving in the military.โฃ

#VeteransDay
... See MoreSee Less

Andys Pipe Dream is honored to celebrate veterans day, recognizing the bravery, sacrifice and unwavering dedication of all our veterans.

Your courage has shaped our freedom, and we are forever grateful. Thank you for serving our country with selflessness, dedication, and honor.

We salute all Americans who have served or are currently serving in the military.โฃ

 #VeteransDay

As the holidays approach, your thoughts are probably focused on gift giving, great food and spending time with those that you care about and love. The last thing that crosses your mind is the effects of the holidays on your plumbing system.

With the increased demands on a homeโ€™s plumbing system, homeowners often have a very unpleasant time dealing with clogged toilets, backed up sinks and other plumbing nightmares.

Hopefully, you will have a holiday free from any plumbing problems. But, if you do experience a leak, clog or other issue, you can always count on Andy's Pipe Dream. Weโ€™re here to help keep your holidays on track and running smoothly.

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: bit.ly/book-plumbing-service

#andyspipedream #plumbingsolutions #plumbingservices #PLUMBINGEXPERTS #KansasCityPlumbing #HolidayPlumbing #ThanksgivingPlumbing #ChristmasPlumbing #plumbingrepair
... See MoreSee Less

As the holidays approach, your thoughts are probably focused on gift giving, great food and spending time with those that you care about and love. The last thing that crosses your mind is the effects of the holidays on your plumbing system.

With the increased demands on a homeโ€™s plumbing system, homeowners often have a very unpleasant time dealing with clogged toilets, backed up sinks and other plumbing nightmares.

Hopefully, you will have a holiday free from any plumbing problems. But, if you do experience a leak, clog or other issue, you can always count on Andys Pipe Dream. Weโ€™re here to help keep your holidays on track and running smoothly.

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: http://bit.ly/book-plumbing-service

#andyspipedream #plumbingsolutions #plumbingservices #PLUMBINGEXPERTS #KansasCityPlumbing #HolidayPlumbing #ThanksgivingPlumbing #ChristmasPlumbing #plumbingrepair

Andy's Pipe Dream expert technicians continue to provide the best service possible on every service visit - and feedback from our valued clients reflects that!

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Andy's Pipe Dream & our technicians.

Read more reviews or leave your own comments about your experience with Andy's Pipe Dream Plumbing: bit.ly/andys-pipe-dream-leave-a-google-review

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: bit.ly/book-plumbing-service

#andyspipedream #plumbingsolutions #plumbingservices #PLUMBINGEXPERTS #KansasCityPlumbing #PlumbingReviews #plumbingrepair
... See MoreSee Less

Andys Pipe Dream expert technicians continue to provide the best service possible on every service visit - and feedback from our valued clients reflects that!

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Andys Pipe Dream & our technicians.

Read more reviews or leave your own comments about your experience with Andys Pipe Dream Plumbing: https://bit.ly/andys-pipe-dream-leave-a-google-review

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: http://bit.ly/book-plumbing-service

#andyspipedream #plumbingsolutions #plumbingservices #PLUMBINGEXPERTS #KansasCityPlumbing #PlumbingReviews #plumbingrepair

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, it's time to start thinking about your homeโ€™s plumbing system.

+ ๐—•๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—ฃ๐—ถ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—”๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐— ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ธ๐—ฒ๐—น๐˜† ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—™๐—ฎ๐—น๐—น
As temperatures drop, the risk of burst pipes increases, especially if theyโ€™re old or poorly insulated. Take preventative action before cold nights lead to costly water damage - inspect all of your pipes.

Check for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Pay special attention to uninsulated pipes in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces. If you notice any wear, be sure to wrap them in pipe insulation or contact Andy's Pipe Dream for assistance.

+ ๐—ช๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ฒ
Check on your water heater. Sediment can build up over time, so itโ€™s a good idea to flush it out. This helps improve efficiency and extends the lifespan of the unit. If you arenโ€™t sure how to do this, refer to your manufacturerโ€™s instructions or contact Andy's Pipe Dream for assistance.

+ ๐—ฆ๐˜‚๐—บ๐—ฝ ๐—ฃ๐˜‚๐—บ๐—ฝ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐˜†
If you have a sump pump, now is the perfect time to give it a test. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates and efficiently removes the water. This is crucial for preventing winter flooding during melt-offs.

+ ๐—ข๐˜‚๐˜๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ช๐—ถ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜‡๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป
Donโ€™t forget about your outdoor faucets! Disconnect hoses, drain any remaining water, and consider installing insulated covers for non-frost proof hydrants. This will help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during cold snaps.

๐—ง๐—œ๐—ฃ: Regularly clear gutters and drains. Clogged gutters can lead to water issues in your basement or even ice dams on your roof. Take the time to clear out leaves and debris so that everything flows freely.

Taking these simple steps now can protect your home from plumbing disasters this fall & winter.

Schedule a plumbing inspection with Andy's Pipe Dream now! Our expert plumbing technicians can spot potential issues before they become major headaches.

Stay cozy and keep those pipes flowing!

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: bit.ly/book-plumbing-service

#andyspipedream #plumbingsolutions #plumbingservices #PLUMBINGEXPERTS #KansasCityPlumbing #FallPlumbing #WinterizeYourPlumbing #plumbingrepair
... See MoreSee Less

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, its time to start thinking about your homeโ€™s plumbing system. 

+ ๐—•๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—ฃ๐—ถ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—”๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐— ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ธ๐—ฒ๐—น๐˜† ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—™๐—ฎ๐—น๐—น
As temperatures drop, the risk of burst pipes increases, especially if theyโ€™re old or poorly insulated. Take preventative action before cold nights lead to costly water damage - inspect all of your pipes. 

Check for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Pay special attention to uninsulated pipes in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces. If you notice any wear, be sure to wrap them in pipe insulation or contact Andys Pipe Dream for assistance.

+ ๐—ช๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ฒ
Check on your water heater. Sediment can build up over time, so itโ€™s a good idea to flush it out. This helps improve efficiency and extends the lifespan of the unit. If you arenโ€™t sure how to do this, refer to your manufacturerโ€™s instructions or contact Andys Pipe Dream for assistance.

+ ๐—ฆ๐˜‚๐—บ๐—ฝ ๐—ฃ๐˜‚๐—บ๐—ฝ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐˜†
If you have a sump pump, now is the perfect time to give it a test. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates and efficiently removes the water. This is crucial for preventing winter flooding during melt-offs.

+ ๐—ข๐˜‚๐˜๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ช๐—ถ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜‡๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป
Donโ€™t forget about your outdoor faucets! Disconnect hoses, drain any remaining water, and consider installing insulated covers for non-frost proof hydrants. This will help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during cold snaps.

๐—ง๐—œ๐—ฃ: Regularly clear gutters and drains. Clogged gutters can lead to water issues in your basement or even ice dams on your roof. Take the time to clear out leaves and debris so that everything flows freely.

Taking these simple steps now can protect your home from plumbing disasters this fall & winter. 

Schedule a plumbing inspection with Andys Pipe Dream now! Our expert plumbing technicians can spot potential issues before they become major headaches.

Stay cozy and keep those pipes flowing!

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: http://bit.ly/book-plumbing-service

#andyspipedream #plumbingsolutions #plumbingservices #PLUMBINGEXPERTS #KansasCityPlumbing #FallPlumbing #WinterizeYourPlumbing #plumbingrepairImage attachmentImage attachment

With over 530+ Google Reviews, Andy's Pipe Dream expert technicians continue to provide the best service possible on every service visit - and feedback from our valued clients reflects that!

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Andy's Pipe Dream & our technicians.

Read more reviews or leave your own comments about your experience with Andy's Pipe Dream Plumbing: bit.ly/andys-pipe-dream-leave-a-google-review

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: bit.ly/book-plumbing-service

#andyspipedream #plumbingsolutions #plumbingservices #PLUMBINGEXPERTS #KansasCityPlumbing #PlumbingReviews #plumbingrepair
... See MoreSee Less

With over 530+ Google Reviews, Andys Pipe Dream expert technicians continue to provide the best service possible on every service visit - and feedback from our valued clients reflects that!

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Andys Pipe Dream & our technicians.

Read more reviews or leave your own comments about your experience with Andys Pipe Dream Plumbing: https://bit.ly/andys-pipe-dream-leave-a-google-review

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: http://bit.ly/book-plumbing-service

#andyspipedream #plumbingsolutions #plumbingservices #PLUMBINGEXPERTS #KansasCityPlumbing #PlumbingReviews #plumbingrepairImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment