How to Replace a Spigot Handle in 4 Easy Steps

The sun of spring is always a welcome relief from a harsh, icy winter. But sometimes, you're in for a rude awakening when you plan a day of gardening just to find that your water spigot handle no longer turns. Winter wonderlands, while beautiful, can freeze your outdoor faucets and make the handles impossible to turn. Fortunately, this isn't a major plumbing catastrophe. We'll show you how to replace a spigot handle if yours is stuck in just a few easy steps.

Prepping to Replace a Spigot Handle

If your home is older and the spigot has been there for a long time, age can cause it to stop turning eventually. It’s likely due for a replacement. But if your faucet is relatively new, try to loosen it up first. Loosening it can make the spigot handle turn again, which means you won’t need to replace it yet, no matter what type of outdoor faucet it is.

Just because it’s warming up outside doesn’t mean that the spigot is thawed and ready for action. Give it a boost by running a torch or heat gun near it to make the metal expand, but don’t do this if it’s too close to vinyl siding or other materials that can melt or catch on fire. If a heat source isn’t an option, use some penetrating oil like Liquid Wrench on the spigot handle. If it’s still stuck after exhausting these options, it’s time to replace it.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

Replacing a spigot handle is a very simple job, even if you aren’t an expert DIYer. A new spigot handle costs about $6 to $10. A basic drill driver or cordless electric screwdriver can be purchased for about $50, while higher-end models with more bits and features go for $150 and up. A manual screwdriver is $5 or less, but this task often requires too much elbow grease to do without power tools comfortably.

If you don't have or want the tools necessary to change the spigot handle yourself, a handyperson who has the right tools on hand typically charges $35 to $50 per hour.

Assuming that only the spigot handle needs replacement, you don't need to call a local plumber. A handyperson can handle the replacement for far less since the job doesn't require messing with the water lines. A licensed local plumber charges anywhere from $150 to $250 per hour, and rates of $300 per hour or more are common in areas with a high cost of living.

You don’t need to hire a plumber unless you want to replace the entire faucet or water stops coming out after you turn the new handle. Mineral build-up can make it grueling to turn the faucet handle, but you don’t need a plumber’s help until that build-up becomes a clog.