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Replace a Hose Bib

mediumHome Repaircheck locally7 steps

Safety Warnings

  • Shut off the main water supply before beginning work to prevent flooding.

Tools Needed

Monkey wrench — Adjustable
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Materials

Hose bib/faucet — check locally(1)
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String packing or candle wicking — For thread sealing(as needed)
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Steps

1
Shut off the water supply to the faucet.
2
Unscrew the faucet body from the tailpiece using hands or a monkey wrench on the hexagonal part of the body.
Tip: If the tailpiece rotates, apply a wrench to the hexagonal nut on the tailpiece and press downward to prevent it from unscrewing.
3
Remove the old faucet from the line.
4
Prepare the threads of the new faucet.
Tip: Wrap a little string packing or candle wicking around the thread on the faucet to make the joint water-tight.
5
Screw the new faucet into the tailpiece.
Tip: Apply packing just before the joint closes or 'makes up'.
6
Tighten the connection securely with a wrench.
7
Restore the water supply and test for leaks.

Pro Tips

  • Ensure the joint is water-tight by using packing materials on the threads before final tightening.

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Sources

Synthesized from 4 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Simple Plumbing Repairs (FB 1460)View →
USDA Farmers' Bulletin (Gutenberg)View →
Gutenberg: Electricity for the 4-H ScientistView →
Gutenberg: Dwelling ConstructionView →