Adding an Outdoor Spigot - The Super Handyman

You need several things for this job, and of course depending on what type of plumbing project you have, you might need to consult an expert at one of your hometown hardware or home centers. But basically you need the following items: -hacksaw blade to remove old spigot -1/2” copper tubing to replace busted pipe -90 degree elbow for the joint to bring the underground pipe above ground -tube cutter; this handy little device is inexpensive and necessary for a good clean cut on copper pipe. Basically you measure the pipe and mark the line of your cut. Then take the tube cutter, attach it to the pipe. There is a blade in the tube cutter, and as you twist and tighten the device, it gradually cuts cleanly through the tube so there are no rough edges which might produce a leak by making an ill-fitting joint. -abrasive tool, this device is filled with steel wool like fibers and it fits over the end of your cut pipe. It is used to remove any oxidation on the pipe that would make for an ill-fitting joint. When you are finished brushing the end of the copper pipe with this tool the copper should shine like a new penny. -paste flux. This is necessary to seal your joint. It comes in a tube and you simply rub the flux on the end of the pipe where you will make your joint. -blowtorch. Once the pipe is covered with paste flux and fitted together, use the blowtorch to “sweat” the joint. By this we mean, take the blowtorch and put the heat on the fitting, NOT on the pipe. What happens is that the heat from the blowtorch literally draws the paste flux into the fitting and you get a water tight seal. -finally, use Teflon tape to seal the threaded connection on your spigot. Any time you have a threaded connection it is a good idea to use teflon tape because this will give you an especially good seal and prevent leaks.