Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs or sillcocks, are water spigots located on the exterior of homes and buildings. They provide convenient access to water for gardening, washing cars, filling pools, and other outdoor activities. However, outdoor faucets can develop leaks, which are often noticeable when the faucet is turned on.
Outdoor faucet leaks can range from small drips to gushing flows of water. Left unchecked, leaking outdoor spigots can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water annually, resulting in higher utility bills. Water leaks can also cause damage to surrounding structures, attract insects, and create slippery conditions.
Fortunately, most outdoor faucet leaks are relatively easy to diagnose and repair, even for homeowners without advanced plumbing skills. This comprehensive guide will explore the common causes of outdoor faucet leaks, how to troubleshoot and pinpoint the source of the problem, and the steps involved in DIY repair or replacement.
What Causes Outdoor Faucet Leaks?
There are several typical reasons why an outdoor spigot may leak when turned on:
Worn Washers
The most common source of drippy outdoor faucets is worn-out rubber washers inside the stem assembly. These flexible washers create a watertight seal against valve seats when the faucet is closed. Over time, the washers compress and lose their sealing capabilities, allowing water to leak past when the faucet is pressurized. Replacing old washers is a quick, inexpensive fix in most cases.
Damaged/Corroded Valve Seats
The valve seats inside the faucet body provide a solid surface for washers to seal against. If these seats become pitted, corroded, or cracked, they can prevent the washers from creating an effective seal, resulting in drips and leaks. Valve seats can usually be resurfaced with light sanding or replaced if severely damaged.
Frozen/Stuck Components
During freezing winter temperatures, any water trapped inside or around an outdoor faucet can expand as it turns to ice, potentially damaging washers, valve seats, and other internal components. Something as minor as a stuck or frozen stem can prevent the faucet from closing fully, allowing leaks when water pressure is applied. Thawing and freeing up any stuck components is often all that’s needed to resolve frozen faucet issues.
Loose/Damaged Parts
Loose, worn out, or cracked components like packing nuts, valve stems, and inlet seals can all potentially cause water to leak past when an outdoor faucet is pressurized. Tightening connections, replacing damaged O-rings and seals, or rebuilding the valve assembly may be necessary.
High Water Pressure
Excessively high water supply pressure can overwhelm washers and valve seats, causing drips and leaks. In some cases, installing a pressure-reducing valve can help resolve leaks related to high water pressure. Adjusting the main shut-off valve to reduce flow to outdoor spigots may also help.
Backflow Issues
Outdoor faucets are prone to backflow or back-siphonage, which is when water flows backwards into the plumbing system. This can happen if there is lower pressure in the supply lines than in outdoor hoses or attachments. Installing a backflow preventer device can help eliminate related leaks.
Troubleshooting Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Pinpointing the exact cause of an outdoor faucet leak is helpful for diagnosing and addressing the problem in the quickest, most cost-effective manner. Here are some troubleshooting techniques:
Inspect the Pipes
Visually inspect all visible pipes leading to the leaky outdoor faucet. Check for cracks, holes, loose fittings, or obvious sources of dripping water. Leaking pipes indicate more extensive plumbing repairs will be necessary.
Remove the Faucet Handle
Take off the faucet’s handle and handle seat using a screwdriver. This will expose the valve stem and packing nut. Check these components for wear, cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Tighten the packing nut if loose. Replace any visibly damaged pieces.
Check for Worn Washers
Closely examine the condition of the rubber valve seat washer(s). Flatten, torn, cracked, or overly compressed washers often need replacement to restore a tight seal. Carefully remove the washer(s) for inspection and replacement.
Test Water Pressure
Attach a pressure gauge to an exterior hose bib and turn on the water. Pressures consistently above 80 psi may indicate the need for a pressure reducing valve. High pressure can overwhelm washers and valve seats.
Assess Shut-Off Valves
Ensure that any interior or exterior shut-off valves feeding the leaky faucet are fully open. Partially closed valves can restrict water flow and pressure properly, causing drips and leaks. Opening shut-off valves may help resolve some leaks.
Check for Backflow
Disconnect any hoses or attachments and turn the faucet on and off multiple times. If water sputters or spits out initially, backflow issues may be allowing water to flow back into the faucet body and leak past seals.
Monitor the Leak
Pay attention to the rate and intensity of dripping or leaking. Slow drips versus gushing flows can provide hints as to the source and severity of the problem. The leak rate may also fluctuate depending on water pressure.
How to Repair an Outdoor Faucet Leak
Once the source of the leak has been identified, the appropriate repairs can be made. Here are some tips for resolving common outdoor faucet leaks:
Replace Old Washers
If worn rubbers washers are causing drips and leaks, they are very easy and inexpensive to replace:
- Shut off the water supply and open the faucet to release pressure.
- Unscrew the stem assembly and remove the old washer(s).
- Find replacement washers of the same size and shape.
- Install the new washer(s) and reassemble the faucet.
Make sure washers are seated properly before turning water supply back on. Test for leaks. Washers typically need replacement every few years.
Resurface/Replace Damaged Seats
If valve seats within the faucet body are pitted or corroded, preventing a tight seal, they can often be resurfaced with a light sanding using fine grit emery cloth. If damage is beyond repair, replace damaged seats with new ones that match the faucet make and model.
Free Stuck Components
Use penetrating oils, mild heating, and gentle freeing-up of parts to thaw and loosen any stuck or frozen faucet components. A hair dryer or hot towels can help thaw ice blockages. Avoid forceful twisting or bending of components.
Tighten/Replace Damaged Parts
Tighten any loose nuts, bolts, and connections. Be sure not to overtighten. Replace cracked, worn out, or leaking O-rings, seals, valve stems, and other parts with identical replacements to restore watertight seals.
Install Pressure Reducer
For consistent water pressures above 80 psi, install a pressure reducing valve inline with the supply plumbing. This can protect faucet components and resolve pressure-related leaks. Proper pressure is key for durable faucet function.
Add Backflow Preventer
Installing a backflow prevention device on the exterior faucet outlet can prevent water from flowing backwards into the faucet body and leaking past seals. There are various types of backflow preventers for outdoor faucets.
Replace Faucet
In cases of extensive internal damage or leaks from multiple components, replacing the entire outdoor faucet may be required. Newer frost-proof models offer improved durability and leak resistance. Make sure to shut off water supply before faucet removal.
Preventing Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Taking preventative measures can help minimize leaks and extend the functional lifespan of outdoor spigots:
- Inspect washers and valve seats annually before winter and replace as needed.
- Make sure faucet components are fully thawed in spring before turning water back on.
- Install exterior shut-off valves to allow isolating and draining faucets in winter.
- Add backflow prevention devices to all exterior hose bibs.
- Maintain consistent water pressure between 40-60 psi.
- Avoid letting hoses freeze solid while attached to faucets.
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets before extended periods of disuse.
- Caulk around the faucet base to seal out water and insects.
Routine maintenance and proactive leak prevention will help outdoor faucets work reliably for many years of service. Catching minor leaks early before they worsen will also minimize water waste and property damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Outdoor faucet leaks are a common plumbing issue that homeowners may have questions about. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
What are the most common causes of outdoor faucet leaks?
The most prevalent causes of outdoor faucet leaks are worn out washers and damaged valve seats inside the faucet body. Frozen, stuck, or loose internal components can also result in leaks when water pressure is applied.
How can I tell where the leak is originating?
Carefully inspect all visible pipes and connections for drips or water stains. Remove the faucet handle and check for worn washers, corroded valve seats, cracked stems, and loose nuts/bolts. The source of the leak is typically around one of these components.
How often should outdoor faucet washers be replaced?
Washers typically wear out and need replacement every 3-5 years with regular use. Annual inspections can help identify worn washers before major leaks occur. Replace immediately if any cracking, flattening or hardening is noticed.
Can I resurface pitted or corroded valve seats?
Yes, mild pitting and corrosion on valve seats can often be smoothed out with fine grit emery cloth, allowing washers to seal properly again. But badly damaged seats will need replacement. Avoid abrasives on chrome/brass surfaces.
My outdoor faucet leaks after I turn off the hose. Why?
This is likely due to backflow, which causes water to flow backwards into the faucet body after water flow stops. Installing a backflow prevention device helps prevent this issue.
Is it difficult for a homeowner to repair an outdoor faucet leak?
Most common outdoor faucet leaks are relatively easy for homeowners to diagnose and repair themselves using basic tools. Replacing washers, loosening stuck components, and tightening fittings can typically be done without plumbing expertise.
When should I call a professional plumber about an outdoor faucet leak?
If the leak originates in pipes behind walls or under floors that you cannot access, extensive faucet/valve replacement is required, or the issue is related to other complex plumbing problems, professional repair is advisable.
How can I prevent outdoor faucet leaks in the future?
Routinely inspect and replace worn washers, install exterior shut-off valves, use backflow preventers, maintain proper water pressure, insulate/heat tape pipes, and drain/shut off faucets before freezing weather.
Conclusion
Outdoor faucet leaks, especially when the faucet is turned on, are typically due to common problems like worn washers, damaged valve seats, stuck components, and loose fittings. With some basic troubleshooting and DIY repair, most outdoor spigot leaks can be fixed relatively easily and inexpensively. Preventative maintenance is key to minimizing leaks and extending the lifespan of outdoor faucets. Addressing any drips or flows from outdoor spigots as soon as they start will help avoid damage and wasted water. With the insights provided in this guide, homeowners should feel equipped to handle diagnoses and repairs if their outdoor faucets start leaking when turned on.