Dealing with a leaky outdoor faucet handle can be frustrating, but fixing it is usually a straightforward DIY project. With some basic tools and a little know-how, you can have your outdoor faucet working properly again in no time.
What Causes an Outdoor Faucet to Leak?
There are a few common reasons why an outdoor faucet may start to drip or leak:
- Worn washers – The washers inside the faucet handle can become flattened or deteriorated over time, preventing a tight seal and allowing water to drip out. This is the most common cause of leaky outdoor faucets.
- Mineral deposits – Hard water can leave behind mineral deposits that prevent the faucet from sealing properly. Calcium and lime buildup are common culprits.
- Damaged valve seat – The valve seat inside the faucet body can become worn down or corroded, causing drips and leaks.
- Loose parts – If the packing nut or bonnet under the handle are loose, this can cause the faucet to leak around the stem.
How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet
Fixing a leaky outdoor faucet is usually a quick and straightforward repair. Here are the steps:
Turn Off Water Supply
The first step is to locate the shut-off valve for the outdoor faucet and turn off the water supply. This is usually an interior valve near the main water line. Turning off the water ensures no leaks occur while you work.
Remove Faucet Handle
Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove the screw holding the faucet handle in place. Pull the handle off to expose the faucet’s inner components.
Inspect Washers and O-Rings
Examine the washers and O-rings inside the faucet. Look for washers that are worn, torn, or flattened. Also check for any cracks or damage to O-rings. Replace any deteriorated rubber parts.
Clean Valve Seat
Use a seat wrench to remove the valve seat. Examine it for mineral deposits or corrosion. Clean off any buildup with steel wool or emery cloth. A damaged valve seat will need to be replaced.
Replace Stem Packing
The packing around the faucet stem should also be checked. If it is dried out or worn, replace the stem packing to prevent leaks. Wrap new packing material around the stem.
Reassemble Faucet
Put all the faucet components back together in reverse order. Make sure washers, O-rings, valve seats, and packing are installed correctly. Tighten everything securely, but do not overtighten.
Turn Water Back On
Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks. If the faucet still drips, you may need to disassemble and re-seat the parts before tightening again.
Tips for Preventing Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Here are some tips to help prevent outdoor faucet leaks in the future:
- Install frost-proof faucets – Frost-proof faucets have the valves seated deep inside the pipe to prevent freezing. This also protects the washers and O-rings from wear and tear.
- Use pipe insulation – Insulating exposed pipes and faucets can help prevent freezing and damage from temperature fluctuations.
- Drain faucets before freezing temps – Make sure to drain any standing water from outdoor faucets in the fall to avoid freeze damage.
- Replace washers annually – Replacing the faucet washers once a year keeps them in good working order.
- Avoid cross-threading – When reinstalling faucet handles, take care not to cross-thread the parts to avoid stripping.
- Watch for drips – Address any small drips right away to prevent worse leaks down the road. Keep an eye out for wet spots around the faucet.
When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve attempted to fix the leak several times with no success, it may be time to call in a professional plumber. Signs it’s time to call for help include:
- Leak worsens after attempting repair
- Visible corrosion or damage to faucet parts
- Persistent dripping or leaking even with new parts
- Leak coming from an unknown location
- Water supply valves that are stuck or won’t turn off
A licensed plumber will have the skills and experience to fully diagnose the cause and properly fix a stubborn outdoor faucet leak.
Conclusion
Learning how to fix a leaky outdoor faucet handle is a useful DIY skill. In most cases, the repair involves replacing a few inexpensive rubber parts like washers and O-rings. With the water turned off and the proper tools, you can disassemble the faucet, inspect it for damage, replace any worn parts, and reassemble the handle to stop the drip. Paying attention to preventive maintenance on outdoor faucets can help avoid leaks and keep them operating smoothly for years. If you try the repair unsuccessfully, call a professional plumber to properly diagnose and fix the issue.