A leaky outdoor faucet can be a nuisance. The constant drip-drip-drip can lead to higher water bills, damage to your home’s exterior, and erosion or flooding in the surrounding soil. Repairing an outdoor faucet leak may seem daunting, but it’s usually a straightforward job that can be completed in less than an hour with some basic tools.
What Causes an Outdoor Faucet to Leak?
Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs or sillcocks, are subject to more extreme temperatures and weather compared to indoor plumbing fixtures. This can lead to a variety of problems that result in leaks:
- Worn washers or O-rings – The rubber washers or O-rings that seal the connection between the faucet and water supply line wear out over time. This allows water to drip from the faucet spout.
- Mineral buildup – Hard water deposits and mineral sediment can accumulate in the faucet over years of use. This prevents the faucet from sealing properly.
- Freeze damage – If water is left in the outdoor faucet and supply lines during freezing temperatures, expanding ice can crack components and cause leaks.
- Corrosion – Exposure to the elements can corrode the metal components of the faucet assembly and water supply connections. Corrosion widens gaps and allows leaks.
- Loose connections – Vibration from water hammer or winter freezing can loosen the connections between supply lines, valves, and the faucet body. This allows water to leak at joints.
How to Diagnose the Source of the Leak
Before attempting to repair an outdoor faucet leak, it’s important to determine exactly where the leak is occurring. This will guide the repair steps. Possible leak locations include:
- The joint between the faucet body and water supply line
- The spout or nozzle
- Where the handle attaches to the faucet body
- Where two segments of supply line connect
- At a shut-off valve on the supply line
Run the water and inspect the various connection points on the faucet and supply line to locate the source of dripping water. Leaks may be more apparent when the faucet is turned on compared to when it is off.
Look for mineral deposits or rust stains around joints as this can indicate small leaks even if actively dripping water isn’t visible.
Tools and Materials Needed
You don’t need an extensive collection of specialty plumbing tools to repair an outdoor faucet leak. Here are the basic tools and materials required:
- Adjustable wrenches
- Replacement rubber washer
- Pipe tape
- Rag
- Screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Replacement faucet (if necessary)
Other helpful items include pliers, a bucket, and silicone caulk or sealant.
Make sure to turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucet before beginning work. Locate the shut-off valve inside your home that controls the water supply to the outdoor faucet and turn it to the closed position.
Step-by-Step Faucet Repair Process
With the tools gathered and water turned off, follow these steps to complete the repair:
1. Remove the Faucet Handle
The first step is to remove the handle that controls the faucet. This gives access to the internal components.
- Pry off any decorative caps covering the handle screw.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the handle screw.
- Pull the handle away from the faucet body.
On some faucets, you may need to use an adjustable wrench to carefully pry or twist the handle off if it is stuck in place.
2. Remove the Retaining Nut, Stem, and Washer
With the handle removed, you’ll see a cylindrical stem sticking out of the faucet body as well as a retaining nut holding it in place.
- Use adjustable pliers or wrench to loosen and remove the retaining nut.
- Pull out the stem assembly which includes rubber washers.
- Inspect the washers for wear or damage and replace if needed.
Hard water deposits or rust buildup on the stem may need to be cleaned with a wire brush or steel wool.
3. Replace Rubber Washers
If the leakage is coming from the joint between the stem and faucet body, the cause is often worn-out rubber washers. Replacing these is quick and easy:
- Insert new washers of the correct size in the same sequence as the old washers.
- Lubricate washers with plumber’s grease or petroleum jelly to help create a better seal.
- Re-insert stem and tighten retaining nut.
4. Tighten Supply Line Connections
If the leak isn’t from the faucet itself but rather its supply line connections, try tightening the joints:
- Use pipe wrenches or pliers to disconnect supply lines from shut-off valves and the faucet.
- Inspect for cracks or damage.
- Clean and wrap threads in pipe tape.
- Reconnect segments applying sealant if necessary.
- Tighten joints securely but be careful not to overtighten.
If plastic supply lines are damaged, they should be replaced with new copper or stainless steel lines.
5. Replace Faucet Seals and O-Rings
For leaks coming directly from the faucet spout, replacing internal O-rings or seals may be required:
- Remove spout or nozzle from the faucet body with a wrench or pliers.
- Use a small screwdriver to remove any retaining screws inside the faucet body and pry out the old seals and O-rings.
- Apply plumber’s grease to new replacement seals/O-rings and install them in the same configuration.
- Reassemble spout.
Be sure to purchase replacement seals designed specifically for outdoor faucets as they are made of durable materials to withstand temperature fluctuations.
6. Silicone Sealant for Persistent Leaks
If you have tightly re-installed all components but some dripping persists, try using silicone sealant:
- Clean and dry all connection points thoroughly.
- Apply a small bead of silicone caulk or sealant at interfaces and supply line connections.
- Tighten joints and allow sealant to cure overnight before using faucet.
The sealant will help create a water-tight barrier.
7. Turn Water Supply Back On
Once all repairs are complete:
- Turn shut-off valve back on to restore water supply to the outdoor faucet.
- Check for any leaks as water pressure returns to the system.
- Tighten any connections further if necessary.
Slowly turn on the faucet handle to test operation. If leaks continue despite new washers and seals, the entire faucet assembly may need replacement.
Preventing Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent outdoor faucet leaks in the future:
- Disconnect and drain hoses before winter freeze sets in. Shut off and drain the supply lines and faucet body as well.
- Install foam faucet covers or wrap insulation around the fixture for added freeze protection.
- Lubricate the faucet stem and O-rings with plumber’s grease annually to maintain a tight seal.
- Inspect washers and connections for wear each season. Perform repairs before leaks occur.
- Avoid letting hoses spray directly at the faucet body under high pressure for long periods as this can loosen components.
- Consider installing frost-proof faucets which have valves self-contained inside the warm house rather than outside.
With proper maintenance and occasional repairs, an outdoor faucet can provide many years of reliable service. Knowing how to fix a leaky outdoor spigot yourself saves the hassle and cost of hiring a plumber.
FAQs About Repairing Outdoor Faucet Leaks
What are the most common causes of outdoor faucet leaks?
The most common causes of outdoor faucet leaks are worn rubber washers or O-rings, freeze damage, loose connections, and mineral deposits preventing a tight seal.
What tools do I need to repair an outdoor faucet?
The basic tools needed are adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, pipe tape, pliers, replacement washers, rags, a bucket, and silicone sealant. Turning off the interior water shut-off valve is also required.
How can I find the source of the leak?
Inspect connections at the spout, valve stems, supply line couplings, and shut-off valves while operating the faucet to locate dripping water. Rust stains also indicate small leaks.
How do I stop my outdoor faucet from freezing in winter?
Prevent freezing by disconnecting hoses, shutting off the water supply indoors, and draining the faucet and pipes. Installing foam insulation covers also helps. Replace washers at end of season.
Should I replace the entire outdoor faucet if it leaks?
In most cases leaks at the spout, stem, or connections can be fixed with repairs. But if corrosion is extensive or components crack, replacing the whole faucet may be needed.
Can I use pipe sealant tape on outdoor faucet connections?
Yes, apply 2-3 layers of pipe thread sealant tape on supply line connections when reassembling to help create a tight seal and prevent leaks.
How often should I lubricate or replace outdoor faucet washers?
Inspect washers annually before winter and lubricate with plumber’s grease to maintain a watertight seal. Replace washers every 2-3 years or whenever leaks develop.
What temperature changes cause outdoor faucet leaks?
Frequent temperature cycling causes expansion and contraction which loosens connections. Freezing temperatures can also crack internal components leading to leaks.
Should I hire a plumber or can I repair an outdoor faucet myself?
Outdoor faucet repairs like replacing washers, O-rings, and pipe connections are usually straightforward jobs a homeowner can tackle themselves without plumbing expertise.
How long does it take to fix a leaky outdoor faucet?
A simple repair like replacing a washer takes 15-30 minutes. More complex fixes involving replacing supply lines or internal seals may take 1-2 hours. Turning water back on and testing for leaks adds more time.
Conclusion
Repairing a leaking outdoor spigot is usually an affordable and achievable DIY home plumbing project. In most cases, the leak can be fixed by replacing small rubber washers or O-rings which seal the fixture. Other possible solutions involve tightening supply line connections, replacing damaged pipes, or rebuilding the faucet with new internal seals.
Being able to diagnose the source of the leak is key to targeting the repair correctly. Always turn off the water supply at an indoor shut-off valve before attempting repairs. A few common tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and pipe tape are all that’s typically needed for a successful leaky faucet fix. Some preventive maintenance like seasonal inspections, lubrication, and draining water lines before winter can help avoid leaks altogether. With the right techniques and parts, you can stop the nuisance of a dripping outdoor spigot.