As summer approaches, you’ll want to make sure your outdoor plumbing is ready for watering, gardening, and all the fun outdoor water fun that is in store for you these months ahead. One common problem that can happen with your outdoor plumbing is spigot leaks, which can really mess up your summer plans if left unchecked. Check out this guide from Five Star Dayton Plumbing to help you find and fix those leaks, getting your outdoor plumbing set for the sunny days ahead.
How to Spot a Leak in Your Spigot:
Here are a few easy steps to spot a leak in your spigots:
- Watch Out for Visible Leaks: Take a peek at your water spigots for any drips when they’re on or off. Spotting drippage? That’s a clear sign of leaks.
- Check for Stains and Mold: Look around the fixture on the exterior wall for water stains or mold near the spigot area. Seeing any? It could mean there are hidden leaks.
- Look for Pressure Drops: If water pressure drops while you are using the hose, this is yet another indication there might be a leak in the spigot.
- Keep an Eye Out for Corrosion: Lastly, check for any signs of rust or corrosion around the spigot. Ignoring it could weaken the fixture and lead to leaks. Corrosion is always a tell-tale sign that your fixture may need a little TLC.
How to Stop a Spigot Leak:
If you find a leak on your spigot, follow these steps to fix it.
- Tighten Loose Connections: First, you’ll want to check for any loose connections. If you find any, they should be tightened right away. The fixture should be nice, snug, and not ill-fitting. Grab a wrench to carefully tighten up the connection between the spigot and the pipe.
- Swap out Worn-out Washers: If you’re dealing with leaks, sometimes a worn-out washer could be the culprit inside the spigot. So, turn off the water, take off the old washers, and pop on new washers. After you are done, don’t forget to put everything back where it belongs.
- Patch-Up Cracks: Got cracks in the wall near the fixture? Seal up any holes or damage in the spigot with a waterproof sealant or plumber’s tape. Take your time and follow the product instructions closely.
- Sort Out Backflow: If you are dealing with backflow issues, it would not be a bad idea to add a backflow preventer to keep water from sneaking back into your plumbing system. It’s a wise move to prevent leaks and contamination.
- Upgrade to Frost-Free Spigots: If frozen fixtures have been a headache for you in the past, maybe it’s time to upgrade to frost-free spigots. By using these, you no longer have to worry about leaks from frozen pipes!
When to Reach Out to a Plumber:
Knowing when to reach out to a plumber is key for dealing with tricky or potentially unsafe plumbing issues. While you can handle minor leaks and small tasks on your own most of the time, there are certain signs that point to the need for professional help. So, if you’re still dealing with a persistent leak despite your best DIY efforts, see water damage or mold by the spigot, or experience sudden water pressure drops throughout your plumbing, it’s time to call in a licensed plumber.
By following these plumbing tips to spot and repair spigot leaks, you’ll enjoy a smooth summer outdoors and feel more at ease, leaving you more room to create special moments with loved ones all season! Here’s to a leak-free, chill summer season!
Call Five Star Dayton Plumbing anytime at (937) 230-6506 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
