Outdoor spigots, also known as hose bibbs or sillcocks, are valves that allow you to connect a garden hose to your home’s plumbing system. Over time, the washers and O-rings inside these valves can wear out or get damaged, causing the spigot to leak. Fixing a leaky outdoor spigot is an easy DIY project that usually only requires replacing a few inexpensive parts.
What Causes an Outdoor Spigot to Leak?
There are a few common reasons why an outdoor spigot may start to drip or leak water:
- Worn washers – The rubber or neoprene washers inside the spigot valve seat against the valve seat to form a water-tight seal. After years of use, these washers can become compressed or deteriorate, allowing water to pass through.
- Damaged valve seat – If the brass valve seat inside the spigot body is scratched, corroded, or uneven, it can prevent the washer from sealing properly.
- Broken O-rings – O-rings around the stem and bonnet help prevent water from leaking out around the handle. Cracked or damaged O-rings need to be replaced.
- Loose parts – Over time, the bonnet nut and packing nut can loosen up, causing gaps and leaks around the valve stem. Tightening these parts may fix minor leaks.
- Frozen pipes – In very cold climates, if water freezes and expands inside the spigot, it can crack parts like washers, O-rings, or even the brass body.
- High water pressure – Excessive water pressure coming from the mainline pipe can stress the valve seals and cause them to fail. Installing a pressure reducing valve may help.
How to Fix a Leaky Spigot in 6 Steps
Fixing a leaking outdoor spigot is a straightforward DIY repair that can be accomplished in about 15-30 minutes. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
The first thing you’ll want to do is locate the shutoff valve for the outdoor spigot and turn off the water supply. This is usually an indoor gate valve near where the pipe exits the house. Turning it clockwise will shut off the flow of water to the spigot.
Step 2: Open the Spigot to Drain Remaining Water
Once the water is shut off, go outside and open the spigot handle to allow any water left in the pipe to drain out. Let it drain completely before starting any disassembly.
Step 3: Disassemble the Spigot
There are usually just two parts that need to come apart to access the interior seals – the handle and the bonnet nut. Unscrew the handle by turning it counter-clockwise. You may need to pry it off with a screwdriver.
Underneath the handle, use a wrench or pliers to unscrew the bonnet nut by turning it counter-clockwise. Pull the bonnet nut and stem out of the spigot body.
Step 4: Replace the Washers and O-rings
Once disassembled, you’ll see the neoprene or rubber valve washer inside the bonnet nut or stem. Check it for cracks, pits, and distortion. If it is worn, pick up a replacement washer that matches the size of your spigot. You may also find a larger seat washer inside the spigot body. Replace this as well if it is damaged.
Also, inspect the O-rings around the stem and replace any that are cracked, nicked, or swollen. Apply a bit of plumber’s grease to the new O-rings and washers before reassembling.
Step 5: Reassemble the Spigot
To put the spigot back together, drop the new washers back into place and screw the bonnet nut and stem assembly back into the spigot body. Tighten the bonnet nut using your wrench. Don’t over tighten it.
Screw the spigot handle back on and turn it clockwise until snug. Don’t force the handle or overtighten.
Step 6: Turn the Water Back On
The last step is to turn the water supply back on. Slowly turn the shut off valve clockwise until fully open. Check for leaks! Tighten any part that drips or seeps water. Then open the spigot valve and let the water run for 30 seconds to flush any debris.
If the spigot still leaks after replacing the washers and O-rings, the valve seat inside the body may be damaged and need replacing. This requires shutting off water to the house, cutting the pipe, unscrewing the spigot, and replacing the entire valve assembly. Consult a plumber for this more advanced repair.
Troubleshooting Leaky Spigot Problems
Here are some tips for troubleshooting common spigot leaks:
Spigot leaks around the handle – Tighten the packing nut behind the handle clockwise until snug. Replace stem O-rings if this doesn’t stop the drip.
Spigot drips when fully closed – Replace the stem washer and seat washer. If it still leaks, the brass seat is likely damaged and will need grinding or replacing.
Water seeps from further back on spigot body – This indicates a problem with the vacuum breaker or anti-siphon unit inside the spigot. The whole spigot assembly may need replacement.
Leaking from where spigot attaches to pipe – The spigot may be crooked, pulling the valve away from the supply pipe. Loosen the mounting nuts, straighten spigot, and re-tighten mounting hardware. Use pipe thread sealant.
Leak worsens when water is turned on – This points to worn or defective washers. Follow steps above to replace washers and O-rings.
Persistent small drip when spigot is closed – Debris is likely trapped, preventing the valve from fully closing. Disassemble the valve, clean any dirt or buildup, grease the washers, and reassemble.
Tips for Preventing Outdoor Spigot Leaks
Here are some tips to help prevent leaks and keep your outdoor spigots working properly for longer:
- Inspect washers and O-rings annually before winter and replace if any cracking or distortion is found. Doing this preventively will help avoid cracks from freezing.
- Make sure spigots are mounted securely and vertically. Crooked installations stress connections and valves.
- Install heat tape for freeze protection if you live in a climate with sub-freezing winter temperatures. Insulating the pipe can also help prevent freeze damage.
- Consider installing a frost-proof spigot, which has a self-draining valve mechanism located deeper inside the building wall to avoid freezing.
- For handles that loosen over time, apply some pipe joint compound or plumber’s tape to the threads before tightening which helps prevent loosening.
- Drain and shut off any spigots not being used during winter months. Turning the valve on and off repeatedly can wear out the washers faster.
- Use a water pressure regulator if your home’s water pressure exceeds 80 psi, the max most spigot valves are designed for.
- Lubricate the stem washer, O-rings, and valve seat annually by flushing the spigot while holding the valve halfway open. This prevents lubricant from washing away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing Outdoor Spigots
How do I know if my outdoor spigot needs repair?
The most obvious sign is water leaking or dripping from the spigot when the valve is shut off. A spigot that is difficult to fully open or close can also indicate worn washers. Periodically inspect washers and O-rings for cracks or distortion. Spigots over 5-10 years old may need overhaul.
What tools do I need to fix a leaky outdoor spigot?
You’ll need an adjustable wrench or pliers to grip and turn the bonnet nut, a flat head screwdriver to pry off the handle, and channel lock pliers to turn the shutoff valve. You may also need Teflon tape and pipe joint compound. Have rags to clean up drips.
Can I completely remove an outdoor spigot for repair?
If needed, you can cut the pipe with a hacksaw and unthread the entire spigot for overhaul or replacement. Be sure to shut off water inside first and drain all water from the system! Use caution not to damage the pipe threads.
How do I fix a leaking vacuum breaker on my spigot?
The vacuum breaker is harder to repair and will likely need to be replaced. Turn off water, detach the mounting nuts/bracket, unscrew the top cap, replace any damaged gaskets and reassemble with pipe sealant on the threads.
Should I replace both stem washers or just one?
It’s best to replace both the stem washer (the smaller one) and the seat washer (the larger one) at the same time. They work together as a set to make a water-tight seal. Replacing just one can result in continued leakage.
Can I use Teflon tape or pipe sealant on spigot threads?
Yes, applying 2-3 wraps of Teflon tape or pipe joint compound to the threads helps create a tighter seal and prevent leaks. It also prevents parts from sticking. Avoid getting sealant inside the valve.
Why does my spigot still drip after replacing washers?
If a spigot drips after replacing worn washers, the brass valve seat is likely damaged from corrosion or mineral deposits. Replacing this seat by cutting the pipe and removing the old spigot assembly can fix this issue.
What is the best material for spigot washers?
Most manufacturers recommend washers made of durable neoprene rubber. Neoprene is resistant to compression and distortion over time. Avoid lower grade rubber blends which can deteriorate and harden. Make sure any replacement is the correct size.
How often should outdoor spigots be maintained?
It’s a good idea to lubricate and inspect washers and O-rings every year before winter. Any visibly damaged pieces should be replaced. Doing this annually ensures parts remain in good condition and prevent leaks.
Conclusion
A leaking outdoor spigot can often be fixed with some simple mechanical repairs like replacing the stem and seat washers and O-rings. Just be sure to turn off the water first! In most cases, no plumbing experience is needed to successfully overhaul a dripping outdoor spigot valve in about 30 minutes. Paying attention to spigot leaks quickly and performing preventative washer replacement can save unnecessary water loss and avoid the chore of mopping up puddles under the spigot all year long.