Signs You Need an Exterior Faucet Replacement

An exterior faucet, sometimes called a hose bib or outdoor water spigot, is a crucial part of the plumbing system in your house. It supplies water for various outdoor activities, such as vehicle washing and gardening. These faucets may need to be replaced as they corrode over time. Here are some signs that it’s time for a new one:

1. It Becomes Rusty

Outdoor faucets can become worn out from years of exposure to the weather. One obvious indication that it’s time to repair your outside faucet is rust. Rust may weaken the metal, causing it to eventually fail and break down. Additionally, rust can tarnish your faucet’s finish. It is, therefore, advisable to contact a Beaufort, SC, plumber to replace your outside faucet if it is beginning to rust.

2. The Faucet is Leaking

When you turned on your exterior faucet, did you ever hear the sound of water dripping? If so, it’s probably time to replace your outside faucet. Even the finest-built outdoor faucets can eventually deteriorate from constant exposure to the outdoors. It’s critical to fix a leaky faucet as quickly as possible since it might waste a lot of water. If ignored, a dripping exterior faucet may soon spiral out of control and cause expensive damage to your house. Call a plumber right away. 

3. The Handle is Difficult to Turn

When the handle on your outdoor faucet gets challenging to turn, it’s one of the most typical symptoms that needs to be replaced. It is usually caused by a washer or gasket that is worn out. On the other side, it might indicate that the faucet needs to be replaced entirely if the handle is hard to turn. The internal components of the faucet are typically the source of this, either through corrosion or wear and tear.

It’s essential to give a plumbing expert a call right away if you see that turning the handle is becoming more complex. In many cases, they can fix or clean the faucet, ultimately saving you money. However, if the damage is too significant, they can advise replacing the entire device. In any case, it’s critical to follow a plumber’s recommendations to maintain the state of your house.

4. Handle Breaks Off

When the handle of an outdoor faucet falls off unexpectedly, it indicates that it must be replaced entirely. The faucet’s handle and valve are linked, and a broken handle may harm the valve. The faucet will then leak water, necessitating a trip to a plumber to fix it. By closing the valve at the main water supply, you may stop the water flowing from the outside faucet in the interim. 

5. When It’s Time to Redesign the Outside of Your House

It should come as no surprise that you want your home’s exterior to look its best because it is one of the most visible areas. Enhancing the curb appeal of your house is a fantastic place to start, whether you want to sell it or make some cosmetic changes. An old or broken outside faucet can detract from the overall appeal of your house, even though new paint or landscaping might make a big difference. A new faucet may give the outside of your house a stylish, contemporary makeover. Consult with a specialist like Pine’s Plumbing, LLC, before making any exterior house improvements to determine whether your outdoor faucet needs to be changed. 

6. You Can’t Get the Faucet to Shut Off Completely

When you tried to turn off your outside faucet, did you ever find that the handle wouldn’t spin all the way? It may not seem like much, but it’s a hint that you should replace your exterior faucet. The faucet’s internal washer ages and loses some of its sealing power over time. Water leaks may result from this, even when the handle is in the “off” position. The packing nut can be tightened. However, this will only solve the issue momentarily. It’s time to hire a plumber to replace your exterior faucet if you’re experiencing this. 

7. There is Little to No Water Pressure

When you turn on your exterior faucet, have you ever noticed the water pressure is excruciatingly low? In that case, it could be time to get a new outside faucet. Low water pressure can have many reasons, but one of the most frequent is an exterior faucet that isn’t working correctly. Due to constant use and abuse, exterior faucets may eventually begin to malfunction. Leaks and a drop in water pressure may result from this. It’s recommended to get help from a plumber if you think your exterior faucet causes your low water pressure. They’ll be able to identify the issue quickly and suggest a replacement faucet that will get your home’s water pressure back to normal.

8. You’ve Already Had to Fix the Faucet Several Times

It could be time to replace your exterior faucet if you’ve had to fix it more than once. Even the most resilient fixtures can experience damage due to weather and wear and tear. It is essential to contact an expert if you notice leaks or other problems. They can assist in determining if you require a total replacement or just a little fix. Sometimes, it could be less expensive to replace the complete fixture than to fix it continuously. Therefore, schedule a plumber to replace your outside faucet as soon as possible if it’s giving you problems. Over time, it will save you both money and time.

9. Old Age

Exterior faucets have a limited lifespan, much like any other home appliance. Even if it is working correctly, a faucet that is many decades old is likely to have deteriorating parts and should be replaced.

10. Visible Cracks

Check for noticeable cracks in the body or spout of your faucet. Cracks may indicate that the faucet is compromised, so it has to be changed right away to prevent more damage. 

The Advantages of Exterior Faucet Replacement

Exterior faucets are essential fixtures for many homeowners. They provide the water source for various outdoor activities such as gardening, car washing, and filling the kiddie pool during hot summer days. However, like any other home component, exterior faucets can wear out over time, leading to various problems. In this section, we’ll explore the benefits of replacing your exterior faucet.

1. Improved Functionality

One of the primary benefits of replacing an exterior faucet is restoring its functionality. Older faucets can become corroded, clogged with debris, or damaged, reducing water flow and creating uneven pressure. It can make routine tasks like watering the garden or cleaning the driveway a frustrating experience. By installing a new faucet, you ensure a reliable and efficient water source for your outdoor needs. 

2. Preventing Leaks

Leaky outdoor faucets are not only annoying but can also lead to significant water wastage. Over time, the seals and components of the faucet can degrade, allowing water to escape even when the faucet is turned off. This constant dripping can potentially affect the integrity of your home’s foundation. Replacing the faucet eliminates this problem, saving water and money in the long run. 

3. Reduced Risk of Freezing

For homeowners in regions with cold winters, frozen pipes are a constant concern. Outdoor faucets are particularly vulnerable to freezing. When water inside the faucet or the connected hose freezes, it can lead to burst pipes and costly repairs. Newer exterior faucets are designed with frost-proof features, preventing freezing and ensuring your outdoor water supply remains intact, even during the harshest winter months. 

4. Water Efficiency

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, water conservation is a significant concern. Many modern exterior faucets come equipped with water-saving features. These may include adjustable flow rates and automatic shut-off mechanisms, helping you use water more efficiently during lawn watering or car washing. By upgrading to a water-efficient faucet, you not only save on water bills but also contribute to water conservation efforts.

5. Better Durability

The materials and construction of older outdoor faucets may not stand the test of time. They can rust, corrode, or wear out, leading to frequent replacements. Newer faucets are typically built with high-quality materials and construction that can withstand the elements, offering excellent durability. It means you won’t have to replace the faucet as often, saving you time and money.

6. Safety

Safety is a significant concern when it comes to water sources. Modern exterior faucets often come equipped with safety features like backflow prevention. Backflow prevention ensures that contaminants do not enter your household water supply through the outdoor faucet, safeguarding your family’s health and the quality of your drinking water. 

7. Aesthetics

The installation of a new exterior faucet can significantly enhance the appearance of your home’s exterior. Old, corroded faucets can be an eyesore. By choosing a stylish and contemporary faucet, you not only improve functionality but also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in the appearance of your home.

8. Ease of Use

Finally, modern exterior faucets often feature user-friendly designs. Single-handle operation and easy hose connections make these faucets a breeze to use. Say goodbye to the frustration of struggling with a stiff, outdated faucet and hello to the convenience of a new and easy-to-use one.