How to Replace an Anti-Siphon Valve on an Outdoor Faucet

Every spring it seems to happen. Maybe its because I live in the great white north of central New Hampshire, or maybe it’s due to the low quality outdoor faucets that were installed in my homes.

The bottom line, just about every spring I hook up the hose to my outdoor faucets, turn the faucet handle on, and quickly discover I have a leaky anti-siphon valve. You know, that plastic cap thing that sits behind the faucet handle on the top side of the outdoor spigot.

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The anti-siphon valve it designed to prevent water from back-flowing into the water supply line and into the home’s potable water supply, and potentially contaminating it. So, it has a valuable purpose. It’s just that so often the anti-siphon valve ends up being the source of a leaky outdoor spigot, a.k.a. hose bibb.

The good news is its easy to replace a leaky anti-siphon valve on an outdoor faucet. There’s no need to call a plumber and spend a couple of hundred dollars to have him/her fix it. With about five minutes of effort, and for less than ten dollars, you yourself can replace an anti-siphon valve on an outdoor faucet.

Steps for Replacing the Anti-Siphon Valve on an Outdoor Faucet

The first step in replacing an anti-siphon valve is to turn water off to the outdoor faucet. Typically, you will find a valve inside the home, such as in the basement, that is associated with the outdoor spigot. Turn this valve off and then go out and turn the handle wide open on the outdoor spigot to confirm the water is no longer flowing out of it.

Next, using a common screwdriver or a nut and ratchet set remove the screw that holds the outdoor faucet handle onto the faucet. This will allow you to have easier access to the anti-siphon valve.

Now, using the common screwdriver, carefully pry the cap off of the anti-siphon valve to expose the valve itself.

Then, preferably using just your fingers, unscrew the plastic valve body assembly from the metal outdoor faucet. You may have to use a pair of adjustable pliers. If you do, try to be careful not to break the anti-siphon valve body, not that you are going to use it again. It just can be more difficult to unscrew it if it is broken with the pliers.

Next, using your screwdriver remove the small screw that holds the spigot handle to the faucet assembly.

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Now remove the handle from the faucet.

Once you’ve unscrewed the old anti-siphon valve body from the outdoor faucet, screw in the replacement anti-siphon valve body using your fingers. Make sure first, however, to insert the little piston that comes in the anti-siphon replacement kit into the valve body.

After finger tightening the new anti-siphon valve body carefully use the adjustable pliers to turn it another quarter of a turn or so.

Next, snap on either the old or new anti-siphon valve cap. If the anti-siphon valve replacement kit includes a new valve cap, use it in lieu of the old cap.

Finally reattach the faucet handle onto the end of the outdoor faucet, making sure the associated screw is snugged down firmly using either your screwdriver or nut and ratchet set.

Lastly, go into the house and turn the valve on to the outdoor spigot, and then go back outside and turn the outdoor faucet handle to the full open position. With any luck your leaky outdoor faucet’s anti-siphon valve is no longer leaking and your work is done.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor