Routine plumbing maintenance tasks are an area where many homeowners can save a lot of money by doing the work themselves. While not everyone has a DIY spirit and others may choose to hire a licensed plumber for all plumbing repairs, you can make simple repairs yourself if you are willing to do some reading and instructional video watching.

If the water spigot in your garden has been leaking or has simply stopped working, then this is a great example of a plumbing repair you can make yourself.  

Tools and Supplies Needed to Replace a Garden Water Spigot

To replace the broken water spigot, you only need a few tools and supplies, including:

• a replacement spigot
• an adjustable pipe wrench
• thread sealant
• Teflon tape

To make the repair, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply to the Spigot

Since the water spigot is what's keeping the water from freely flowing out of the pipe, you need to turn off the main supply before you attempt removing it. After you turn off the water, test the spigot to ensure the water is completely turned off.

Step 2: Remove the Damaged Water Spigot

Using an adjustable pipe wrench, remove the damaged water spigot by rotating it counterclockwise. Once it has been removed, it can be recycled as metal scrap or put into your household trash. 

If the pipe threads under the spigot have mineral buildup on them, then you should brush it off using a soft toothbrush dipped in white vinegar.  

Step 3: Prepare the New Water Spigot for Installation

Before you can attach the new water spigot, you need to prepare the threads so it won't leak. To do so, wrap the threads with Teflon tape. Wrap the tape clockwise around the threads and wrap each threat at least a few times. On top of the Teflon taped threads, apply some pipe thread sealant. While you can use one or the other, using both tape and sealant generally ensures a leak-free seal on the first attempt.

Step 4: Install the New Water Spigot

Once the threads have been prepared, then you can screw the new spigot into the pipe. Use the pipe wrench to get the new part on tightly so it won't leak.

Step 5: Turn the Water Back on and Test the New Spigot

Finally, once the new water spigot has been installed, then you need to turn the water back on and test to make sure it works correctly. If the faucet leaks around the threads, then you need to turn the water back off, remove the new spigot, apply more Teflon tape and thread sealant, and reinstall it. If it doesn't leak, then you are good to go and just saved yourself enough money to go buy a nice dinner with your family.