Its Spring Time! And everyone is starting to once again get their lawns and gardens ready or maybe even wash the outside of their home or car. That means that many of people are using their garden hose for the first time in Lexington since the Winter.
And guess what? Its not working properly! It might be leaking from the handle, valve or even worse – inside your wall or floor. This can be due to several reasons including freezing pipes in the winter.
Here are some easy tips to try yourself but often times it turns into a much bigger job. Call us and we will come and fix it right the first time!
Step 1- Turning Off the Water
In order to start the job you need to turn off the water. Once the water is off get a small tray or a box, that way you can put the things you take off from the faucet inside the box so you wont lose anything.
Step 2- Removing the Handle
You need to remove the handle which you use to turn the water off and on. For this you need to use a screw driver. Put the screw into the small tray or box. Once you have unscrewed the handle the handle should come off easily. Depending on the type of garden faucet that you have, you might need to use different kinds of tools. You might need a wrench for removing the handle. To do this, grab the handle with the wrench and turn the handle all the way to the left, or counterclockwise.
Step 3- Removing the Nut
There is a small nut under the handle which needs to be removed. In order for the nut packaging to come out, you need to move it counterclockwise, then you need to wiggle the stem around in order for it to effectively come out. To remove the nut, you might need a socket wrench. You need to take off the packaging nut by turning the socket wrench counterclockwise. If it is difficult for you to take the washer out once it has being unscrewed, then use a screwdriver to get it out.
Step 4- Removing the Stem
The stem should be removed. The stem is a long rod that is accompanied by a washer. The washer is located at the end of the rod and this washer needs to be replaced by a new washer. Once you have taken the washer off, make sure to put in a new one.
Step 5- Greasing the Stem
Once you have removed and replaced the washer it is important that you grease the stem. Rub the grease all over the stem by applying the grease to a rag, and rubbing it on the stem thoroughly.
Step 6 – Installing the Packing Nut
You need two adjustable wrenches to do this job. With one adjustable wrench, you will hold the faucet in place and with the other you will turn the faucet in order to tighten it.
Step 7 – Replacing Everything
Once you have replaced all of the components above, your garden faucet should not leak. This should save your garden soil, and a few dollars on your monthly water bill.
