How to Replace an Outdoor Faucet Handle (Step-by-Step Guide)

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Replace an Outside Faucet Handle

Your outdoor faucet is a critical part of your home, providing water for everything from washing your car to watering your lawn. But if the handle on your faucet starts to stick or leak, it can be a real pain. Luckily, replacing an outside faucet handle is a relatively simple DIY project that you can easily do yourself.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of replacing an outside faucet handle, from start to finish. We’ll provide detailed instructions and photos, so you can be confident that you’re doing the job correctly.

So if your outside faucet handle is giving you trouble, read on for all the information you need to get it fixed!

Steps to Replace an Outside Faucet Handle

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually done by turning the shut-off valve located behind the faucet clockwise.
2. Remove the old handle. To do this, you’ll need to unscrew the screws that hold the handle in place. These screws are usually located on the front of the handle, but they may also be located on the back.
3. Install the new handle. Once the old handle is removed, you can install the new one. To do this, simply reverse the steps you took to remove the old handle.
4. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Now that the new handle is installed, you can turn the water supply back on. Test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.

Step Tools Instructions
1 Pliers Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Screwdriver Remove the screws that hold the handle in place.
3 Pliers Pull the handle off of the faucet.
4 New handle Install the new handle onto the faucet.
5 Screwdriver Replace the screws that hold the handle in place.
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

How to Replace an Outside Faucet Handle

1. Gather the necessary tools and materials.

You will need the following tools and materials to replace an outside faucet handle:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • New faucet handle
  • Plumbing tape
  • Penetrating oil

2. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any water from spilling out when you remove the old handle.

To turn off the water supply, locate the shut-off valve for the faucet. This valve is usually located near the base of the faucet, on the hot or cold water line. Turn the valve clockwise to close the water supply.

3. Remove the old faucet handle.

Once the water supply is turned off, you can begin to remove the old faucet handle.

The first step is to loosen the set screws that hold the handle in place. These screws are usually located on the underside of the handle. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screws.

Once the set screws are loosened, you can remove the handle by pulling it straight off of the faucet. Be careful not to damage the threads on the faucet stem.

4. Install the new faucet handle.

To install the new faucet handle, simply reverse the steps you took to remove the old handle.

First, apply a small amount of plumber’s tape to the threads of the new handle. This will help to create a watertight seal.

Next, insert the new handle onto the faucet stem. Be sure to align the slots in the handle with the screws on the faucet stem.

Finally, tighten the set screws to secure the handle in place.

5. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Once the new faucet handle is installed, you can turn on the water supply to the faucet. Be sure to check for leaks around the handle. If you see any leaks, tighten the set screws until the leak stops.

Replacing an outside faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can easily and safely replace your old faucet handle with a new one.

Here are some additional tips for replacing an outside faucet handle:

  • If the old handle is stuck, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the oil to the threads of the handle and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try to loosen the handle again.
  • If you are having trouble removing the old handle, you can try using a wrench to hold the faucet stem in place while you loosen the set screws.
  • Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific faucet before you begin replacing the handle. Some faucets may require special tools or procedures.

By following these tips, you can easily and safely replace your old faucet handle with a new one.

3. Remove the old faucet handle.

To remove the old faucet handle, you will need an adjustable wrench.

1. Locate the nuts that hold the faucet handle in place. These nuts are typically located on the underside of the faucet handle.
2. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the faucet handle in place.
3. Once the nuts are loosened, you can remove the old faucet handle.

4. Install the new faucet handle.

To install the new faucet handle, you will need a new faucet handle, a small amount of plumber’s tape, and an adjustable wrench.

1. Apply a small amount of plumber’s tape to the threads of the new faucet handle.
2. Screw the new faucet handle onto the faucet body.
3. Tighten the nuts to secure the faucet handle in place.

5. Test the faucet.

Once you have installed the new faucet handle, turn on the water and test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.

Replacing a faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a matter of minutes. By following these steps, you can easily replace a damaged or worn-out faucet handle and restore your faucet to its former glory.

Here are some additional tips for replacing a faucet handle:

  • Make sure that you have the right tools and materials before you begin.
  • Work carefully and take your time.
  • If you are not comfortable doing this type of work, you may want to hire a professional plumber.

    How do I remove an outside faucet handle?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the setscrews that hold the handle in place. They are usually located on the underside of the handle.
3. Use a screwdriver to loosen the setscrews.
4. Remove the handle by pulling it straight up.

How do I install a new outside faucet handle?

1. Make sure the water supply to the faucet is turned off.
2. Clean the threads on the faucet body with a rag.
3. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new handle.
4. Insert the handle into the faucet body and tighten the setscrews.
5. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks.

What if the handle is stuck?

1. Try using a penetrating oil to loosen the handle.
2. If the handle is still stuck, you may need to use a heat gun or a torch to heat the handle until it expands.
3. Be careful not to damage the faucet body.

What if the handle is broken?

1. You will need to remove the old handle and install a new one.
2. Follow the steps above for removing and installing a new handle.

What is the difference between a single-handle and a double-handle faucet?

A single-handle faucet has one lever that controls both the hot and cold water. A double-handle faucet has two levers, one for the hot water and one for the cold water.

Which type of faucet is better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best type of faucet for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Single-handle faucets are typically easier to use, while double-handle faucets offer more control over the temperature of the water.

How often should I replace my faucet handles?

Faucet handles should be replaced when they are damaged or worn out. There is no set schedule for replacing faucet handles, but you should inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to replace an outside faucet handle. We have covered the steps involved in the process, as well as some tips and tricks to make the job easier. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to replace your own outside faucet handle with confidence.

Here are some key takeaways from the blog post:

  • Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools and materials.
  • Turn off the water supply to the faucet before you start work.
  • Remove the old handle by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
  • Clean the threads on the faucet body before installing the new handle.
  • Apply a sealant to the threads of the new handle before installing it.
  • Tighten the screws that hold the new handle in place.
  • Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful, and that you are now able to replace your own outside faucet handle with confidence.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.