How to Fix a Kitchen Faucet That Won't Turn On
Oftentimes, a broken or malfunctioning outside faucet means that the valves have become worn and need to be replaced. Rusting and corrosion of the faucet parts can also cause it to stop working. Salty breeze and cold climates can cause it to malfunction. Whatever the cause, you need to act quickly. While most people call a plumber, you can perform the repair yourself if you know what to look for.
Loosen the packing nut
If you have a wrench, you can use it to loosen the section behind the packing nut. Then, use a second adjustable wrench to clamp onto the connection between the faucet and the pipe. This will prevent the assembly from spinning and causing a mess. If you're not comfortable doing this, don't worry; the process won't take long and will be less risky.
Need a wrench or a flat screwdriver
Another way to fix a leaky exterior faucet is to tighten the retaining nut. It's located just below the handle. Be careful not to over-tighten the nut. If you can't find this nut, try unscrewing the stem nut with a wrench or a flat screwdriver. Depending on the faucet brand, you may need to replace the faucet entirely.
If all else fails, you can replace the valve assembly or replace the worn component. These are generally quite simple to repair. But if you're not confident in your plumbing skills, you can call a plumbing service to perform the repair for you. It's important to turn off the water supply before tackling this task. A plumber will be able to tell you which parts to replace and which ones are not.
You can also attempt to fix the commercial kitchen faucet yourself. You can do this by replacing the handle. Replace the handle with a new one from a reputable vendor. In some cases, a new handle is needed. If the old one has lost its nut, it's best to replace it with a new one from a manufacturer. This way, you'll ensure that the faucet works correctly.
The water supply to the outdoor faucet is most likely shut off valve located several feet away. If you have an older model, the shutoff valve is located in the crawlspace or basement. Sometimes, there's a drainage line near the shutoff valve, which is why you'll have to drain the water. You may want to protect your outdoor faucet by insulating it with insulative foam cover.
Before tackling this repair, shut off the water supply spigot in the house. Then, open the valve of the exterior faucet to remove trapped water in the pipe. By doing this, you can increase air space in the pipe and extend its life. Most exterior faucets have safety valves, which prevent excess water from entering the faucet and leaking into the surrounding area. It's easier to turn the valves when they have durable metal knobs and straight handles.
Replace the stem packing
To fix a broken outdoor faucet, you must first figure out the cause of the leak. It might be a simple matter of tightening the washer or replacing the stem packing. If the problem persists, you can also try to replace the water pipe and stem packing. After these steps, you should be able to turn on the outdoor faucet and enjoy its benefits. Make sure you follow these steps to prevent this problem from recurring again.