How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet

Posted June 28, 2023

In Portland Plumbing Services, Portland Plumbing Tips

Ignoring a leaky outdoor faucet or hose bib can have consequences beyond mere annoyance. It can lead to wasted water, increased bills, and even damage to your property. When it comes to plumbing repairs, a leaky outdoor faucet is something you can fix yourself – but you have to know what you’re doing. So, let’s put on our plumbing hats and delve into how to fix a leaky outdoor faucet.

Your Step by Step Guide to Fixing a Leaky Outdoor Faucet

Fixing a leaky outdoor faucet is similar to fixing a leaky indoor faucet, but there are some key differences. There are two common reasons why you might have a leaking hose spigot. The first is a worn out compression washer at the joint of the valve steam. Worn out washers tend let a little bit of water through, which is where the leak comes from. The second is the string that winds around the valve stem — it can also break or wear out.

With either of these problems, you’re going to follow these steps:

Shut off the water supply: Before diving into any repairs, make sure to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any unwanted surprises and ensure a safe working environment. If your outdoor faucet doesn’t have a dedicated shutoff valve, you may have to shut off water to the entire house while you work.
Take off the handle, then take off the packing nut, and finally the valve stem: A screwdriver can do most of the work taking off the handle. Once it’s loose, you may need to use your hand to wrestle it off. Once you remove the handle, you should have access to the packing nut. An adjustable wrench or pliers can help you with this piece. The last step of the disassembly process is removing the valve stem from the threaded faucet housing.
Check your stem washer: You should find the rubber or neoprene stem washer at the end of the valve stem. If it’s hardened or cracked, it was probably the leak-causing culprit. Make sure you replace your washer with the exact same type or the leak may continue or even get worse.
Check your packing string: If the packing string seems hardened or damaged, it needs replacement. Remove it and replace it with new packing string. Be sure you’re wrapping it in a clockwise direction.
Reassemble and test the faucet: Once you’ve replaced any worn-out parts and cleaned the valve seat, it’s time to put everything back together. Reassemble the faucet, ensuring all components are aligned properly and tightly secured. Once everything is back in place, slowly turn on the water supply and test for any remaining leaks. If all is well, congratulations – you’ve fixed your leaky outdoor faucet!

Your Local Plumbing Experts are Here for You

Plumbing may seem like a different world, but with the right knowledge and a touch of determination, you can repair your own hose bibs. Of course, having confidence in your abilities is one thing – you don’t want to be overconfident and bite off more than you can chew, either.

If you’re uncomfortable with performing repairs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experts at All Pro Plumbing. Whether you have a drip that won’t stop or a hose spigot leaking from the handle, we have the expertise and experience to tackle your plumbing issue, ensuring a proper and long-lasting fix.

Schedule your appointment with us today!

Leaky Outdoor Faucet FAQs

Q. Why is my outdoor faucet/spigot/hose bib leaking?

The most common cause of a leaking hose bib is a break or crack formed during a winter freeze. We typically don’t notice them until the weather warms up and we need to use the hose again. Our company recommends replacing the broken hose bib with a frost-free version that will prevent any flooding in the winter if it breaks.

Q. Do I need specialized parts to repair a leaky outdoor faucet?

Fortunately, most parts needed for outdoor faucet repair are standardized and you can find them at your local home repair or hardware store. Follow the disassembly instructions above to see which parts you need. You can take a picture of the parts on your phone for reference and show them to someone who works there if you’re having trouble finding them. If you can’t find them at a local store, you will be able to order them online.