Having an outdoor spigot that leaks when it’s turned off can be annoying and wasteful. But don’t despair – most of the time these leaks can be fixed with some basic troubleshooting and repairs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and resolving outdoor spigot leaks.
What Causes Outdoor Spigot Leaks?
There are several potential causes behind outdoor spigot leaks:
Worn Out Washers
The most common reason spigots leak when turned off is that the rubber washer inside has worn out. This washer is what provides the watertight seal when the handle is closed. Over time, the constant twisting and clamping down wears away the washer until it can no longer make a tight seal. Replacing this washer is usually an easy and inexpensive fix.
Mineral Buildup and Corrosion
Mineral deposits from hard water as well as corrosion over time can prevent the spigot’s internal mechanisms from seating and sealing properly when closed. You may need to disassemble the spigot and clean or replace any affected parts.
Loose/Damaged Stem Packing
Inside the spigot’s stem is packing material that fits around the moving stem to prevent water from leaking out around the stem when the spigot is under pressure. If this packing has become loose or deteriorated, it can allow water to leak through even when the spigot is off. Tightening or replacing the stem packing may be necessary.
Freezing Temperatures
If temperatures dip below freezing, any residual water left in or around the spigot mechanism can expand as it turns to ice and prevent the spigot from fully closing. This most often affects frost-proof sillcocks. Draining the spigot properly in winter can help prevent freezing damage.
High Water Pressure
Excessive water system pressure can stress the washers, valves, and seals inside a spigot and cause leaks. A pressure reducing valve installed on the main home water line may help reduce spigot leaks related to high pressure.
Ground Shift
Movement in the surrounding soil due to frost, settling, etc. can shift an outdoor spigot out of alignment and affect its ability to seal off fully. Securing the spigot mounts or connections may help realign a shifted spigot.
Troubleshooting Outdoor Spigot Leaks
Before attempting repairs, it’s important to isolate the source of the leak through some basic troubleshooting steps:
- Check for drips at the spigot outlet – Tightly close the spigot handle and look for water dripping from the spigot nozzle, as this indicates a problem with the spigot washers or valves.
- Check for drips around the handle – Leaks coming from around the handle when closed suggest worn stem packing that needs to be replaced.
- Check for drips around the spigot body – Weeping anywhere along the spigot body points to a larger internal issue like corrosion or freezing damage. The entire spigot may need rebuilding or replacing.
- Check for underground leaks – Use a shovel to dig around the area beneath the spigot to check for water-saturated soil, which means a leak in the supply line. The line will need repair.
- Consider hose connections – Make sure to check any hoses attached to the spigot. A faulty hose washer can sometimes mimic a leak from the spigot itself.
Pinpointing the location of the leak will point you to the proper repair method.
How to Fix an Outdoor Spigot Leaking from Spout
If the leak is coming from the spigot nozzle when the handle is fully closed, the cause is likely a faulty rubber washer that needs replacing:
Supplies Needed:
- Spigot/hose bib washer repair kit
- Adjustable wrench
- Wire brush
- Teflon tape
Steps to Fix:
- Turn off water supply to spigot and open spigot to release pressure.
- Disconnect any attached hoses or pipes.
- Use adjustable wrench to unscrew and remove the spigot handle and bonnet covering the washer assembly.
- Examine the rubber washer inside the bonnet. If it is worn, cracked or flattened, it needs replacement.
- Use a wire brush to scrub away any mineral deposits or corrosion inside the bonnet.
- Install a replacement washer of the correct size into the bonnet. Make sure it sits flat and even.
- Before reassembling, wrap the spigot threaded stem with 2-3 layers of Teflon tape to prevent leaks.
- Screw the bonnet and handle back onto the spigot stem. Tighten firmly with the wrench but do not overtighten.
- Slowly turn water supply back on and check for leaks. If leak continues, you may need to disassemble and reseat the washer again or inspect for other issues.
- Reconnect any hoses/pipes once the spigot is no longer leaking.
Replacing the washer is an inexpensive fix that typically solves spigot nozzle leaks quickly and easily.
Fixing Leaks from Around Spigot Stem and Handle
If you notice water leaking from around the spigot stem and handle when the spigot is closed, the source is likely worn out stem packing:
Supplies Needed:
- Stem packing kit or string packing material
- Adjustable wrench
- Needle-nose pliers
Steps to Fix:
- Turn off water supply and open spigot to release pressure.
- Disconnect any hoses or pipes.
- Use the adjustable wrench to fully unscrew and remove the spigot handle.
- Find the packing nut around the stem and use the wrench to loosen the nut 3-4 turns.
- Use needle-nose pliers to pry out the old stem packing material and dispose of it.
- Wrap new stem packing around the spigot stem so it seats inside the packing nut. Tighten packing nut gently to secure.
- Re-install spigot handle until snug.
- Turn water supply back on and check for leaks. If still leaking, tighten packing nut a bit more.
- Once no leaks are present, reconnect pipes and hoses.
Replacing worn stem packing helps seal off leaks at the spigot handle joint while maintaining the stem’s ability to move and operate the water flow.
How to Fix Leaks from Spigot Body
If you have leaks coming from various points along the spigot body – not just the spout or handle joints – there may be an issue with internal corrosion, mineral buildup, freezing damage or high water pressure:
Supplies Needed:
- Spigot rebuild kit
- Pipe wrench
- Emery cloth
- Grease/lubricant
Steps to Fix:
- Turn off water supply and open spigot to drain.
- Disconnect and remove any attached pipes or accessories.
- Use a pipe wrench to fully unscrew the spigot from the supply pipe for easier access.
- Disassemble the spigot unit completely using wrenches to access internal parts.
- Clean all parts with emery cloth to remove corrosion and mineral deposits.
- Inspect parts for damage from freezing or pressure issues and replace any affected pieces.
- Reassemble spigot with rebuilt kit parts, using grease/lubricant on seals and washers.
- Tighten all joints but do not overtighten. Be sure parts align correctly.
- Apply Teflon tape to supply pipe threads and reattach spigot tightly.
- Turn on water slowly and check for leaks. Make any needed adjustments.
- Once leak free, reconnect pipes and accessories to the rebuilt spigot.
Completely disassembling and rebuilding the spigot helps refresh all seals, washers, and valves for leak-free performance.
Fixing Underground Leaks in Spigot Piping
If you discover saturated soil or pooling water around the base of the spigot, there may be an underground leak in the supply piping:
Supplies Needed:
- Pipe repair epoxy or crimp/clamp fittings
- Shovel
- Pipe cutter
- Emory cloth
Steps to Fix:
- Use the shovel to dig around the supply pipe to find the leak location.
- If pipe is corroded or damaged, cut out the affected section with a pipe cutter.
- Sand pipe ends smooth with emery cloth. Clean thoroughly.
- Apply epoxy or use a metal crimp/clamp fitting to join the pipe ends. Ensure a tight seal.
- Check repaired section for leaks before backfilling soil. Repair again if needed.
- Once leak free, fill in the dug up soil and compact firmly.
- Run water through spigot to test repaired line integrity before reattaching spigot accessories.
Going underground to find and repair pipe leaks maintains the water supply to your outdoor spigot.
Preventing Outdoor Spigot Leaks
To help avoid dealing with leaks down the road, keep these maintenance tips in mind:
- Inspect washers and packing annually before winter. Replace as needed.
- Disassemble and clean spigot interior components periodically to prevent mineral buildup.
- Always drain and shut off spigots prior to the first winter freeze to prevent ice damage.
- Consider installing a pressure regulator if water pressure exceeds 80 psi. High pressure strains parts.
- Make sure spigot mountings are solid and stable in the ground to prevent alignment issues from ground shifting.
- Disconnect hoses during freezing weather and store indoors to prevent cracked washers.
- Lubricate the stem with non-petroleum grease annually to prevent binding and wear.
- Insulate outdoor spigot bodies in very cold climates to slow freezing.
With proper maintenance and cold weather preparation, you can extend the leak-free lifespan of your outdoor spigots.
FAQs About Outdoor Spigot Leaks
What is the most common cause of outdoor spigot leaks?
The most common cause of outdoor spigot leaks is worn out rubber washers inside the spigot assembly. The constant twisting and clamping of the spigot handle eventually flattens and deteriorates the washers, preventing a watertight seal.
Why does my spigot drip even when fully closed?
A spigot that drips from its outlet nozzle when closed is almost always caused by worn out washers that can no longer seal off the water flow as intended. Replacing the old washers is a quick and easy fix.
Why might water leak around the handle of a closed spigot?
Leaks coming from around the spigot handle indicate that the stem packing is no longer sealing properly. Stem packing is the material inside that keeps water from escaping around the moving stem. Replacing this packing restores the water-tight seal.
Are outdoor spigot leaks expensive to repair?
Repairing most basic outdoor spigot leaks is very inexpensive, often costing less than a few dollars for replacement washers or packing. More significant spigot body or pipe leaks can run $10-$30 depending on the parts and complexity of the repair.
How can I prevent my outdoor spigots from leaking?
Prevent leaks by inspecting washers and packing regularly, cleaning out the spigot body periodically, draining spigots before winter, avoiding pipe movement, and disconnecting hoses in freezing weather. Proper maintenance extends the leak-free lifespan.
When should I call a plumber for an outdoor spigot leak?
It is fine to DIY basic washer and packing replacements. But if you have leaks inside the spigot body, underground pipe leaks, or very old troublesome spigots, it may be wise to call a plumber to ensure repairs are done properly and avoid bigger problems down the road.
Does Teflon tape really stop outdoor spigot leaks?
Teflon tape doesn’t actually stop leaks on its own but it is an important preventive measure. Wrapping spigot joints and pipe threads with 2-3 layers of tape provides a smooth, non-stick surface so parts seal and tighten properly without leaks developing.
How do I winterize my outdoor spigots to prevent freezing leaks?
Prevent winter freeze damage by disconnecting all hoses, closing shut-off valves inside, opening the outdoor spigots to drain fully, and closing the handle. Consider wrapping insulation around the pipe behind the spigot for added protection in colder climates.
Conclusion
Dealing with outdoor spigot leaks can be a nuisance but is usually an easy fix. In most standard cases, replacing washers or stem packing restores the spigot to leak-free operation. For more complex leaks, rebuilding the internal parts or making underground pipe repairs may be necessary. Prevention is also key – maintaining and properly winterizing your outdoor spigots will help them last many leak-free years. With the steps covered in this guide, you should be equipped to diagnose and fix those pesky outdoor spigot leaks.