Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    gemini28's Avatar
    gemini28 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Aug 23, 2010, 10:38 AM
    Outside faucet
    My exterior faucet is leaking around the handle. The house is less than 20 years old but it is an often used faucet. I've tried tightening the packing nut but I can't get it any tighter. Is there a way to fix this or do I just need to get a new faucet?
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,490, Reputation: 2853
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Aug 23, 2010, 11:05 AM

    You can replace the packing for a lot less than than a new valve would cost.

    I assume its leaking around the stem and not the spout.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Aug 23, 2010, 11:43 AM

    Hi Gemini...

    Like Smoothy suggested, you want to purchase some GRAPHITE PACKING rope (see image) at a local home improvement store and repack the stem under the packing nut.

    Loosen/remove the packing nut and pull out the old packing material and then wrap 3-4 wraps of the rope around the stem. Install the packing nut, tighten down and see how you make out. If needed, add additional wraps. That should get you up and running trouble free for awhile.

    Mark
    Attached Images
     
    gemini28's Avatar
    gemini28 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Aug 24, 2010, 02:27 PM
    Thanks for the info! I'll try it out!
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

How do I replace kitchen faucet sprayer with a undersink water filter faucet? [ 1 Answers ]

I have a old kitchen kitchen faucet with attached sprayer. I want to install a Culligan undersink filter which comes with a water faucet that REPLACES the sprayer. I have very limited room under the sink to work in. I cannot even get any normal open end wrenches/adjustibles to work with limited...

After shutting off the main line to fix a faucet, another faucet started running slow [ 3 Answers ]

I shut off the main line to fix the tub faucet. When I turned the main line back on the sink, in the same bathroom, had low water pressure. This wasn't the case prior to the job. It's very cold now so I thought perhaps a water line was frozen, however, every other faucet in the house is running...

Low hot water pressure from kichen faucet only- 1 handle faucet [ 7 Answers ]

Hi. My question is similar to one asked a few posts ago except this is a 1 handle faucet. I plan on maintaining the boiler from now on but I have to fix the flow problem first. I disconnected the hot water supply line to the faucet and the pressure is excellent so I assume the problem is in the...

View more questions Search