How to Repair a Basement Water Spigot

Repairing a broken basement water spigot is a must. If you do not attend to this immediately you will not only have a higher water bill, but you will also allow damage to occur to the basement and foundation of your home, which is a serious problem. Here are a few materials that you will need for this repair project, along with a few steps to help guide you.

Step 1 - Determine the Problem

Determining what the problem is can help you with an efficient repair. Many times, you will find that something is loose, and you just need to use a wrench to tighten it. Explore the spigot and check to make sure that everything is secure and if not, use a wrench to fix the problem. If this does not work, you may be dealing with a washer problem. this can be easily solved by taking the spigot apart and then replacing the washer.

Step 2 - Turn Water Off

Turning the water off is an important step as you do not want to cause anymore leaking or flooding in the basement. You can either shut the water off through a nearby valve or the main water supply to the house completely. Once the water is turned off, place a bucket underneath the spigot and open the faucet completely. this will help to drain out any of the sitting water inside. It should only take a few minutes, but allow everything to get out.

Step 3 - Take Spigot Apart

Remove any screws holding the spigot on with a screwdriver and pull the hardware off. Once you have the spigot and handles off, you will need a wrench to get inside and remove the nut. Once you remove the nut you will be able to see the washer sitting back there. Remove and discard the washer. While everything is still apart, you can take this time to clean out the spigot and the insides to get rid of any build up that could be causing a blockage.

Step 4 - Replace Parts

Now, replace with a new washer and use a wrench to reinstall the nut that you removed earlier. Then, use a screwdriver to reattach the handles and spigot. Be sure to use the screwdriver as well as pliers to tighten everything completely.

Once you are completely finished replacing the parts of your basement water spigot, you will be able to turn the water back on and test it. Be sure to watch for any leaks or dripping to ensure that everything is in working order. Checking on it from time to time during the first few weeks is a safe idea. You will want to keep an eye out during times when the weather changes drastically or it is really cold. While the spigot is still in your home and not outside, many times the basement will still experience that same effects and cause the spigot to leak.