A leaking outdoor faucet handle can be a nuisance, but fortunately, it’s usually an easy fix. With a few simple tools and steps, you can have your outdoor faucet working like new again.
What Causes an Outdoor Faucet to Leak?
There are a few common reasons an outdoor faucet may start to drip or leak:
- Worn washers – The washers inside the faucet handle can become worn down over time, especially if the faucet is old. This allows water to seep through.
- Mineral buildup – Hard water deposits and mineral buildup from frequent use can prevent the faucet from sealing properly.
- Worn valve seats – The valves that the washers seal against can become corroded, pitted, and worn. This uneven surface also allows leaks.
- Frozen pipes – If water freezes inside the pipes leading to the faucet, it can cause cracks and damage that will leak after thawing.
How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Faucet Handle
Fixing a leaky outdoor spigot is a straightforward DIY project. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Materials Needed
- Adjustable wrenches
- Replacement washers
- Teflon tape
- Rag or paper towels
Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply
The first thing to do is turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucet. There is usually a shut-off valve inside the house that controls the outdoor lines. Locate this and turn it clockwise to shut off the water.
Step 2: Turn On Faucet to Drain Remaining Water
Once the water is shut off, go outside and turn on the faucet handle to allow any water left in the line to drain out completely. Let it run until the flow stops.
Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the faucet handle. Remove the handle and any retaining parts like the cam, packing nut, and stem.
This will expose the valve seat and washers inside that you need to replace.
Step 4: Replace Washers and Valve Seat
Check the condition of the rubber washers around the valve seat. If they are worn, cracked, or flattened, pick up replacement washers from a hardware store. Slide off the old washers and put the new ones in the same sequence.
Inspect the valve seat inside the faucet body. If it is badly corroded or scratched, you may also need a replacement valve seat to get a watertight seal again. Install the new valve seat if needed.
Step 5: Clean and Reassemble Faucet
Use a rag or paper towel to wipe away any grime and mineral deposits from the faucet body and parts you removed. Make sure any sealing surfaces are clean.
Wrap a few turns of Teflon tape around the valve seat and threads to help create a tight seal. Carefully reassemble all the faucet parts in reverse order. Hand tighten initially, then finish tightening with adjustable wrenches.
Step 6: Turn Water Back On
Turn the water supply back on slowly and check for any leaks around the faucet handle. Tighten further if needed. Give the handle a turn and test for proper water flow and pressure.
Troubleshooting Leaking Outdoor Faucets
If you replaced the washers and valve seat but the outdoor faucet still leaks, here are a few things to check:
- Confirm shut-off valve is fully closed – Debris could be blocking it from closing all the way.
- Inspect for cracks in the faucet body – A large crack can leak even with new washers. You may need a faucet replacement.
- Make sure the parts are seated correctly – Improper reassembly can cause continued leakage.
- Check for mineral buildup – Heavy deposits may require disassembly and scrubbing to remove.
- Test with thread sealant – If Teflon tape fails to stop leaks, try using plumber’s putty.
Preventing Leaks in the Future
To help avoid having to continually fix leaks with your outdoor spigots, keep these tips in mind:
- Drain and shut off outdoor faucets in winter – This prevents freeze damage.
- Regularly inspect washers and O-rings – Replace them before they are heavily worn.
- Use a protective outdoor faucet cover – This shields the hardware from weather exposure.
- Avoid cross-threading faucet parts – Damaged threads can cause water to leak through.
- Update old fixtures – Newer frost-proof models are less prone to leaks.
With proper preventive maintenance and following these handy steps, you can stop those bothersome leaks from your outdoor faucets and keep them working properly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need new washers or a whole new valve seat?
Inspect the washers carefully. If they are cracked, torn, flattened, or deteriorated, just replacing them is sufficient. If the valve seat surface is very corroded or damaged, you likely need to replace it too.
What kind of washers should I use for replacement?
Most hardware stores carry packs of rubber faucet washers in a variety of sizes. Take the old one with you to match up the size and shape you need. Opt for neoprene or high-quality rubber, not cheap foam.
What should I do if the leak doesn’t stop after replacing washers?
Double check that the new washers are the right size and seated properly. Make sure the valve seat is clean and smooth. You can also try wraping plumber’s putty around the valve seat for a better seal if Teflon tape fails. If it still leaks, the valve seat itself is likely worn out or damaged and needs replacing.
Is it okay to use plumber’s putty instead of Teflon tape?
Yes, plumber’s putty can work very well to seal threaded faucet joints. Some plumbers even prefer putty over tape. Just be sure not to leave any excess inside the faucet body. Like tape, putty prevents water leaking through the threads.
How can I prevent freezing of my outdoor faucets in winter?
The best way is to shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water from the pipes before the first hard freeze. Installing frost-proof sillcocks also helps prevent freeze damage. Insulated faucet covers add further protection.
Conclusion
A leaky outdoor faucet handle is usually an easy fix with basic tools and replacement parts. The key steps are shutting off water supply, draining lines, replacing worn washers and valve seats, cleaning, reassembling, and turning water back on. Preventive maintenance like draining before winter and replacing worn parts promptly will reduce the need for future repairs. With this helpful guide, you can restore your outdoor faucets to leak-free operation.