So one day you take a look at that little spigot on the side of your house and you think Hmm doesn’t look like much.
And it leaks a little but no worries and you turn the hose off and shrug it off. You leave the hose attached for weeks and you say Oh whatever I will deal with it next weekend.
Then next weekend comes and goes and it turns into next month so it freezes, the spigot cracks, the siding gets wet and then the basement gets damp.
And then finally you are on the phone panicking and trying to call a plumber in January and asking yourself. Why is my house so full of water?
So if you own a home in the Hamptons or anywhere on Long Island then the cracked outdoor faucet plumbing isn’t a small problem but a big trouble that you can’t ignore.
And so in this guide I am gonna show you how to spot the difference between a fix and a replacement, what a replacement actually involves and how to prevent the problem from happening again.
How To Tell The Difference Between A Repair And A Replacement?
Well you can do this by asking yourself a few quick questions like:
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- So is the faucet body visibly cracked or corroded?
- Does water spray from seams or around the mounting when you open it?
- Has the faucet been repaired multiple times before?
- Did it crack after a freeze?
- Is it time for the outdoor faucet maintenance?
If the answer to any of these questions is a yes then it is time to call in the NY plumbing services to replace it. And I know you might say Oh it is just a slow drip from the spout and everything else looks sound and happy.
So I will just do an O ring or a packing nut fix. Well big mistake because when that metal splits. Boom you are in big trouble.
Why Cracked Faucets Happen In The First Place?
There are three big reasons why you see cracks and they are:
- Freeze Damage as water trapped inside expands and cracks the casting and this is the most common cause in seasonal climates.
- Corrosion and Age because old brass or steel can get thin and all those threads strip and the metal gives out.
- Stress and Wear due to constant hose torque, overtightening or a heavy hose reel pulling on the spigot weaken it over time.
Most of the time you are going to think that a cracked faucet is a small problem ignored until the structure gives out.
The Cost Of Waiting Is Real Not Hypothetical
People put this off because replacement sounds like money and it is. But let me say this that the cost is gonna triple if you wait so make sure to look out for:
- A dripping spigot wastes water and raises bills.
- A frozen, cracked spigot can leak into walls or under siding and that does a lot of rotting, mold and drywall work.
- If a spigot fails inside a wall you may need sheetrock, insulation replacement and labor to open the wall.
In short please fix the spigot now or you are going to pay a lot more later. It is simple math.
When Repair Is Still A Real Option
If the faucet body is intact and the leak is around the handle or spout then it includes the following things like:
- Replace the internal rubber washer or O ring.
- Tighten or replace the packing nut.
- Swapping the cartridge on newer designs.
- Re seating the valve seat.
These are quick jobs, they are cheap and they are worth trying before full replacement.
Plus if you need a step by step guide then make sure to check out a trusted piece by Bob Vila.
Why Are Replacements Usually Safer And Smarter?
If you see a visible crack or persistent leaks after repairs then I think it is time to replace the whole spigot.
And here is why replacement wins:
- You get a new frost proof sillcock option that prevents freeze damage.
- New spigots seal better and reduce future service calls.
- You avoid the hidden damage inside walls that only shows later.
Paradise Plumbing recommends frost proof sillcocks for exposed exterior walls as they push the valve seat inside the warmer wall cavity so water drains away and can’t freeze in the head.
Also, for a clear guide on typical repair and replacement steps and the difference between quick fixes along with the total swaps, make sure you take a look at Today’s Homeowner.
What A Proper Outdoor Faucet Replacement Looks Like?
If you call in Paradise Plumbing and you want the exact sequence so you know what they are doing.
Then here is the standard outdoor faucet maintenance they do and the first agenda on their list is to:
- Turning Off the Local Supply or the house main if needed.
- Open the Faucet and drain residual water.
- Remove the Old Spigot to unscrew or cut the pipe if it’s soldered or connected.
- Inspect the Supply Line inside the wall for corrosion or soft spots and if that is the case then it is replaced.
- Install a Frost Proof Sillcock as it is recommended because it seals the wall penetration properly.
- Pressure Testing the line and spigot for any kinds of leaks.
- Insulate the connection and add a cover if it is exposed.
They will also check the interior connection and offer to replace the sillcock with a frost proof model which prevents the same failure from happening again.
And this extra step is worth it especially in freezing zones.
DIY Vs The Pros: When To Call Paradise Plumbing?
You can do small repairs if you are comfortable with wrenches and basic plumbing.
But please call Paradise Plumbing if you see things like:
- The spigot body is cracked.
- The pipe inside the wall looks corroded.
- The connection is soldered or hard to reach.
- You want a frost proof upgrade installed correctly.
All of these and so much more can happen as Paradise Plumbing handles full replacements and will inspect the feed line so you don’t swap one visible leak for a hidden wall problem.
Here’s A Quick Buying Note On The Best Fixtures To Pick
- Frost Proof Sillcock as they are the top choice for exposed locations.
- A Backflow Vacuum Breaker is required in many areas when providing irrigation or hose hookups to prevent contamination.
- Stainless or Quality Brass Body please make sure to skip cheap zinc alloys as they can crack faster.
Your Paradise Plumber plumber can recommend models that match local codes and last longer in coastal conditions as salt in the air can speed corrosion.
Don’t Skip The Winter Prep Checklist
So before frost hits make sure to:
- Disconnect Hoses and yes make sure to do this every time.
- Drain and close any inline shutoff valves.
- Insulate exposed spigots with simple foam covers.
- Consider an annual check as part of your seasonal plumbing maintenance.
Do these and you cut the risk of cracks by a large margin.
Quick Troubleshooting When You See A Leak
Here are some additional plumbing tips for NY homes:
- If the leak is tiny and from the spout then try replacing the internal washer.
- The water runs around the handle and if that is the case then make sure to tighten the packing nut or replace the O ring.
- And finally the water sprays from the wall or base then replace the spigot and inspect the line behind the wall.
But if you are unsure then take a photo and send it to the experts at Paradise Plumbing as this can save you so much time and get you to the right call immediately .
So come on and don’t let that drip turn into a disaster and Book Our Service Now.
How Paradise Plumbers Prevent Future Leaks?
Our brand new installs include stuff like:
- Leaking outdoor faucet repair, outdoor faucet replacement, cracked outdoor faucet plumbing.
- Replace outdoor spigot and thread sealant and backer to prevent wall leaks.
- Outdoor faucet maintenance and water leak prevention.
- Optional backflow vacuum breaker for irrigation hookups.
These steps add a bit of labor but all this can help you avoid a second trip next winter and that is where the real savings look like.
Conclusion
A cracked outdoor faucet is a small item on the home maintenance list. But it is also a gateway to wasted water, rotten framing, mold and higher bills.
So make sure to repair what’s repairable. Replace what’s cracked. And Prep before winter comes crashing in.
And if you want this done right in a fast, neat fashion and with all the right parts then Paradise Plumbing will handle it.
So Come On and Let’s Get Started Shall We?
