How to Repair a Frost-Free Faucet That Leaks

Don’t let a little leak turn into a frosty problem

A frost free faucet
Photo: JJ Gouin / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A frost free faucet
Photo: JJ Gouin / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Mariel Loveland
Written by Mariel Loveland
Contributing Writer
Updated Sep 13, 2024
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
30 minutes
COST
Up to $25
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Adjustable wrench
  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
SUPPLIES
  • Replacement washer assembly
  • Replacement vacuum breaker

Freezing temperatures are always a threat to your plumbing, and your outdoor faucet endures the brunt of it. For this reason, many homeowners opt for frost-free faucets (also known as freeze-proof faucets). These faucets are designed to prevent the type of trapped water that can freeze inside your pipes and cause serious damage—but like any faucet, they may eventually start to leak. This guide shows how to repair a frost-free faucet in 10 simple steps.

Prepping to Repair a Frost-Free Faucet

7 frost-free faucet parts illustrated, including the handle, faucet stem, and vacuum breaker cap

Frost-free faucets are a first line of defense against freezing pipes, but you could end up with a frozen spigot or worse if you allow a leak to continue into the colder months. Before you begin your repair, narrow down the location of the leak. Different locations have different solutions.

You could try tightening the retaining nut if your faucet leaks around the handle. If it leaks from the spout, you may need to replace the washer assembly. If water leaks out of the vacuum breaker cap, you may need a new vacuum breaker. If you prefer to let a pro take on the job, you can call a plumber to help get your faucet working again. 

How to Repair a Frost-Free Faucet

Repairing a frost-free faucet requires trial and error. The good news is that most replacement parts are budget-friendly, and you can often purchase repair kits. You’ll need to know the model of your faucet or bring the damaged components to the hardware store to find a match. Follow these steps to start your repair.

  1. Remove the Handle

    Before repairing your faucet, remove the handle to access the retaining nut. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the handle, then lift the handle off of the faucet. The retaining nut is directly behind the handle.

  2. Tighten the Retaining Nut

    A person turning off a water valve
    Photo: photovs / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    In a best-case scenario, fixing the leak in your frost-free faucet is as easy as tightening the retaining nut, which is the case with leaks around the handle. Gently turn the nut with your wrench until it feels snug. Screw back on the handle and test the water. If this solves the leak, you’re good to go. If not, move on to the next steps.

  3. Turn Off the Water Supply

    Turn off the water supply to your faucet using the corresponding water shut-off valve you’ll find inside your house on the same wall. If not, you can turn off your home’s main water supply. 

  4. Remove the Faucet Stem

    Once you turn off the water, return to your faucet and remove the handle again. Use your wrench to unscrew the retaining nut and pull the stem out of the faucet. You may have to spin the stem like you’re unscrewing it from the pipe to remove it.

  5. Replace the Washer Assembly

    Locate the washer assembly on the end of the faucet stem. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the assembly together. Remove the old assembly, keeping the parts in order so you know how to install the new assembly. If the parts look damaged, such as cracked washers and worn O-rings, replace them with a new assembly.

  6. Reassemble the Faucet

    A frost free faucet assembled
    Photo: beekeepx / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Once you’ve installed the new washer assembly, reassemble your frost-free faucet. Slide the faucet stem back into place, then reinstall the retaining nut and handle. You can turn your water back on to test the faucet. If that didn’t solve the leak, there’s still one more place you can look.

  7. Remove the Vacuum Breaker Cap

    If you notice leaking water from the vacuum breaker cap, you most likely need to replace a new one. Pop off the cap using your hand or screwdriver. You’ll find the vacuum breaker (a couple of small pieces of plastic) underneath the cap.

  8. Clean the Vacuum Breaker

    Remove the vacuum breaker from the faucet. Clean the individual components by running them under water, then reinstall them. Sometimes, that can fix the leak, but if not, you’ll need to replace the vacuum breaker.

  9. Replace the Vacuum Breaker if Necessary

    When cleaning the vacuum breaker doesn’t resolve the issue, you can install a new one. Screw the vacuum breaker into place on the pipe, then pop the vacuum breaker cap back on. If you don’t know which type of vacuum breaker to buy, you can bring your old vacuum breaker to the hardware store.

  10. Test the Faucet

    A frost free faucet running water
    Photo: Michal / Adobe Stock

    Once you’ve finished the repair and reassembled your faucet, turn on the water and test your faucet. If it’s still leaking or starts leaking again shortly after the repair, you may have an issue with the valve seat and need to replace your outdoor spigot.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Sometimes, fixing a leaky frost-free faucet is as easy as replacing a washer or tightening a nut. These simple tasks are doable for a DIY beginner who knows their way around a screwdriver, but some repairs are more challenging. Call a plumber near you if you try a simple fix and your faucet is still leaking. 

For most homeowners, the cost to fix a leaky faucet is between $100 and $300 if you hire a pro. However, this repair is a drop in the bucket compared to the potential cost of a burst pipe. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Most homeowners pay between $150 to $500 to replace their frost-free faucet. It depends on the type and the brand. For a lower-end model, you won’t pay much more than the cost to replace a standard outdoor faucet. For a higher-end model, you could end up paying twice as much. Either way, installing a new frost-free faucet can lead to long-term savings by preventing damage to frozen pipes.

Though frost-free faucets are designed to withstand winter weather in most climates, it’s still a good idea to cover your faucets with an insulated cap during periods of extreme cold. Even then, you should always disconnect hoses and drain the faucet before temperatures dip below freezing. Frost-free faucets will not work correctly if a hose is attached because the hose can contain trapped water.

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Learn more about our contributor
Mariel Loveland
Written by Mariel Loveland
Contributing Writer
Mariel is a writer from New York City who has a passion for helping renters and homeowners make their space unapologetically their own—and save a few bucks along the way.

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