How to Change a Washer on a Garden Tap

A leaky faucet (tap) in your home can cost you money in water bills; a leaky outdoor faucet can not only cost you money, it can cause damage to your garden and grass in addition to your home itself. Fortunately, leaky faucets of any kind are usually caused by a worn-out washer. Replacing a worn-out washer is a simple process that takes very little time and only a few common tools.

Steps

Download Article

^{[1]XResearch source}
^{[2]XResearch source}
Advertisement
^{[3]XResearch source}
^{[4]XResearch source}
^{[5]XResearch source}
^{[6]XResearch source}
^{[7]XResearch source}
Let the water run for several minutes to clean out any debris that may have gotten inside the valve stem and spigot while working on them.^{[8]XResearch source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
How can I remove the faucet if it will not come out?
Community Answer
Cut the faucet off the pipe and install a new faucet. You can solder on a new faucet or thread fitting. Alternatively, you can screw on a compression fitted valve to a plain pipe.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 3 Helpful 4

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

It is a good idea to always have a range of washer sizes and shapes on hand for various jobs. Each of the faucets in your home may use a different size and shape of washer and your outdoor hoses use them as well. Some washers are flat; some are "cone shaped." You will need to test their fits when replacing a washer to determine which fits the snuggest with the least amount of force.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Use care and patience when reinstalling the valve stem. There are threads on both the valve stem and the inside pipe to which it attaches. These can be easily stripped or damaged if the parts are forced together in any way or are not seated correctly. You may need to adjust both the valve stem and packing nut at the same time to get the correct fit.
Thanks
Helpful3 Not Helpful3