How to Fix an Outdoor Spigot - Outdoor Cabinets

An outdoor spigot, also known as an outdoor faucet or hose bibb, is a vital part of any home. It provides easy access to water for gardening, washing cars, filling pools, and many other outdoor needs. However, like any other part of your home’s plumbing system, an outdoor spigot can develop problems. Learning how to fix an outdoor spigot can save you the hassle and expense of calling in a plumber. This comprehensive guide will walk through common outdoor spigot problems and repairs.

Signs Your Outdoor Spigot Needs Repair

Some signs that indicate your outdoor spigot needs attention include:

Slow or low water flow from the spigot. This could indicate buildup and clogs in the faucet or supply lines.
Leaking around the spigot handle or spout, especially when the water is turned on. This points to worn washers or valve seals.
Dripping water when the spigot is off. Usually a symptom of a damaged washer or valve seat.
Rust around the spigot exterior. Rust can eventually cause leaks or clogs.
Loose spigot or shaky handle. Could mean loose internal parts that need to be tightened.
Spigot won’t turn on at all. Typically caused by faulty washers or valves.
High water bills. A running spigot leak can waste a lot of water over time, spiking your bill.

If you notice any of the above, it’s a good idea to inspect and repair your outdoor spigot. Catching minor leaks early prevents more significant problems down the road.

Basic Parts of an Outdoor Spigot

To understand how to fix an outdoor spigot, it helps to know the basic working components:

Handle – Turns the water flow on and off at the spigot exterior. Attaches to the stem.
Stem – Connects the handle to the interior valve and allows the valve to be turned on and off.
Valve seat – The stationary metal component within the valve body that has openings for water flow.
Washer – Rubber gasket on the end of the valve stem, which presses against the valve seat to control water flow.
Packing nut – Holds the valve stem in place within the spigot body. Has threads so it can be tightened or loosened.
Valve body – Interior component that houses the working valve parts and connects to the supply lines.
Supply lines – Flexible copper pipes that run underground from the spigot to your main home water lines.

Knowing the name and function of each spigot part will make repairs much easier. Next we’ll go over how to diagnose and fix common outdoor spigot problems.

How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Spigot

One of the most common spigot repairs is stopping leaks. There are two main places an outdoor spigot can leak:

Leaking at the Spigot Handle

If you notice water dripping from around the spigot handle when the water is turned on, the likely culprits are worn valve washers or a loose packing nut. Here’s how to fix it:

What You’ll Need:

Adjustable wrench
Replacement valve washers
Pipe thread tape

Steps:

Turn off the water supply to the spigot. For an exterior wall spigot, you’ll typically find the shut-off valve inside near the main water line.
Open the spigot handle to release any built-up water pressure.
Use the adjustable wrench to loosen and unthread the packing nut. Be careful not to damage the nut.
Once the packing nut is off, remove the valve stem and check the condition of the valve washer. If worn, replace it with a new washer.
Apply fresh pipe thread tape to reseal the threads. Re-install the valve stem and packing nut. Tighten securely but do not overtighten.
Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. If the leak persists, the valve seat may also need replacement.

Replacing the valve washers is often all it takes to fix a leaky outdoor spigot handle. Be sure to check for worn washers at least annually.

Leaking at the Spigot Spout

If you see dripping or running water coming from the spigot spout itself when the water is turned off, the likely issue is a damaged valve seat. Replacing the valve seat involves a bit more work but is still a doable DIY project. Here are the steps:

What You’ll Need:

Adjustable wrench
Valve seat replacement kit
Pipe joint compound

Steps:

Turn off the water and open the spigot to drain residual water.
Use the adjustable wrench to detach the spigot head where it connects to the valve body. Be careful not to bend or warp the copper pipe.
Unscrew the valve seat from inside the valve body using the wrench or provided tool. Inspect the old valve seat – it likely has mineral deposits or damage letting water through.
Apply pipe joint compound to the threads of the new valve seat. Install and securely tighten into the valve body using the wrench.
Reattach the spigot head piece and tighten with the wrench. Apply pipe joint compound to seal the joint.
Turn water back on and check for leaks. If dry, the new valve seat fixed the problem!

Replacing a leaky valve seat takes a bit more effort but stops water from leaking out the spigot spout. Be sure to use ample joint compound to prevent future leaks.

How to Fix Low Water Flow from Outdoor Spigot

If you find your outdoor spigot has gradually decreasing water flow, the cause is likely a buildup of mineral deposits inside the faucet and supply lines that is restricting water. Here’s how to restore full water flow:

What You’ll Need:

Adjustable wrench
Wire brush or steel wool
Vinegar or commercial limescale cleaner
Hose or pipe brush

Steps:

Turn off water supply to the spigot.
Detach the spigot head from the valve body using the wrench. Check for heavy limescale buildup.
Use the wire brush or steel wool to scrub mineral deposits from the valve body interior and valve seat.
Soak the valve parts in vinegar or limescale cleaner to dissolve more buildup. Rinse thoroughly.
Scrub the interior of the spigot head and the end of the supply line pipe with the hose brush.
Reassemble spigot. Before turning on water, disconnect supply line at shut off valve. Place line ends in bucket and briefly turn on water to flush.
Reconnect supply lines, turn on shutoff valve, and check spigot water flow. Repeat flushing if needed.

Periodically cleaning mineral deposits from your outdoor spigot will keep water flow strong for years to come. You can also install an inline water filter to reduce buildup.

How to Fix an Outdoor Spigot that Won’t Turn On

If no water comes out when you turn the outdoor spigot handle, there is likely an issue with the valve and internal parts. Try this fix:

What You’ll Need

Adjustable wrench
Replacement washers
Grease or penetrating oil

Steps:

Turn off the water to the spigot. Give the handle a turn to release pressure.
Disassemble the spigot handle and use the wrench to detach the valve stem.
Inspect washers, valve seat, and packing – replace any worn out or damaged parts.
Use grease or penetrating oil to loosen parts stuck from mineral deposits. Scrub parts clean.
Reassemble spigot parts. Ensure the valve stem moves smoothly when turning handle.
Turn on water supply and test. If no flow, may need to replace the valve body.

With this fix, your outdoor spigot valve will be good as new and water will flow freely again when the handle is turned.

How to Fix a Loose Outdoor Spigot

It’s important for your outdoor spigot to remain firmly secured to the exterior wall of your home. If you notice yours loose and wobbly, tighten it up with these steps:

What You’ll Need:

Adjustable wrench
Screwdriver
Pipe joint compound

Steps:

Turn off water supply to the spigot and open handle to drain.
Use the wrench to detach the spigot from the supply pipe at the valve body.
Check condition of pipe threads – clean up any grime buildup.
Apply fresh pipe joint compound to the pipe threads and spigot to create a watertight seal.
Screw the spigot valve body back onto supply pipe. Tighten firmly with wrench.
Use screwdriver to check and tighten any loose screws on the spigot exterior housing.
Turn water back on and check for leaks at pipe joints. If dry, spigot is successfully tightened!

Take care not to overtighten when re-securing a loose outdoor spigot. Check joints annually to prevent future leakage issues.

How to Fix Rust on an Outdoor Spigot

Rust is a common eyesore on older outdoor spigots. Thankfully, you can often remove light rust yourself without replacing the entire fixture. Here’s one effective method:

What You’ll Need

Wire brush
Sandpaper
Naval jelly (available at hardware stores)
Spray paint for outdoor metal

Steps:

Turn off water to spigot and detach any hoses or attachments.
Use the wire brush to scrub off any loose rust flakes or peeling paint from the metal exterior.
Apply naval jelly to rusty areas and allow to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. This helps convert more stubborn rust.
Lightly sand remaining rust spots with fine sandpaper. Don’t grind too aggressively.
Wipe clean with damp cloth. Ensure surface is dry before painting.
Apply 2-3 even coats of outdoor spray paint formulated for metal. Allow to fully dry in between coats.
Reconnect water supply and enjoy your freshly de-rusted spigot!

With some wire brushing, naval jelly, and paint, that rusty old outdoor spigot can look shiny and new again. Be sure to use high quality outdoor paint to withstand the elements.

When to Call a Professional for Spigot Repairs

While many common outdoor spigot issues can be addressed with DIY repairs, there are certain situations where it’s best to call in a professional:

If supply lines or the spigot body itself are severely corroded or damaged, a full replacement may be needed.
If the spigot won’t turn off completely, the valve likely needs professional service. A constant drip can cause water damage or leaks into your home’s wall if not addressed quickly.
For anti-freeze faucets or those connected to in-ground irrigation systems, call a professional to avoid damage.
If the shutoff valve itself is not functioning properly, a plumber can install a new one.
For new spigot installations or adding additional exterior faucets, hire a qualified plumber ensure proper installation.

Though inconvenient, hiring a professional plumber is worthwhile for major spigot repairs. An experienced technician can also check for underlying issues and prevent future problems.

Preventing Outdoor Spigot Problems

With proper maintenance, many outdoor spigot repairs can be avoided altogether:

In winter, disconnect hoses and utilize shutoff valves, styrofoam covers, or commercial spigot insulators to prevent freeze damage.
Add an outdoor spigot filter to catch mineral debris before it clogs fixtures.
Lubricate the valve stem with penetrating oil once a year to prevent sticking.
Caulk around the spigot base to prevent water seepage into your home’s walls.
Flush supply lines and allow spigot to drain fully before shutting off for winter.
Avoid Forcefully over-tightening handles or attachments to prevent strain on parts.
Keep spigots coated in outdoor-safe enamel paint to prevent rust and corrosion.

With preventative maintenance and occasional repairs, your outdoor spigots can keep flowing smoothly for years to come. Learning basic fixes like tightening hardware, replacing washers, and clearing clogs will save you from the hassle and cost of frequent plumber calls. For major issues, don’t hesitate to call in an expert.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing Outdoor Spigots

How do I stop my outdoor spigot from dripping?

A dripping outdoor spigot is most often caused by worn washers that need replacement. Refer to the instructions above for replacing valve washers. Ensure supply lines have no leaks.

Why does my outdoor spigot have low water pressure?

If your outdoor spigot has gradually decreasing water flow, there is likely mineral buildup in the faucet and supply lines that needs to be cleaned out. Follow the steps above for clearing debris and restoring full pressure.

What do I do about a frozen outdoor spigot?

If your spigot freezes in winter, never attempt to thaw it with an open flame as this can damage the fixture. Your best bet is turning off the water supply and utilizing safe thawing methods like a hair dryer or heating pad wrapped around the pipe.

How can I get my outdoor spigot handle to turn on again?

If a spigot handle is completely stuck, the interior valve likely needs to be disassembled and cleaned of debris before reassembling, per the instructions above. Replacing worn washers and lubricating parts can get it moving again.

Why does my outdoor spigot leak from inside the house?

If you see water coming from around the spigot on the interior wall, there is likely an issue with the supply line connections. This will require disassembling the valve and resealing pipe connections. Calling a plumber is recommended.

How often should outdoor spigots be replaced?

With proper maintenance and occasional repairs, most quality outdoor spigots should last 15-20 years. Signs yours needs replacing include frequent leaks, interior corrosion, and inability to maintain pressure.

Conclusion

Outdoor spigots are extremely useful but are susceptible to wear and mineral buildup over time. By learning basic repair techniques like replacing washers, clearing blockages, sealing leaks, and removing rust, you can restore smooth performance and avoid costly plumber bills. Don’t hesitate to call in a professional for major issues like pipe damage or complex valve replacement. With preventative maintenance and prompt repairs when needed, your outdoor spigot can continue providing an invaluable water source for your home and garden.