Outdoor Faucet Repair: Fix Leaking Spigots and Hose Bibs
An outdoor faucet, also called a hose bib or spigot, often leaks from a worn washer, a loose packing nut, or freeze damage. A local pro can repair or replace it. Call (888) 554-0426 and we connect you with an independent contractor near you.
Why is my outdoor faucet leaking?
An outdoor faucet leaks when a part wears out, comes loose, or freezes and cracks. The usual causes are a worn washer, a loose packing nut behind the handle, a damaged valve seat, or a crack from winter freeze. Where the water shows up points to the cause.
Outdoor faucets face rain, sun, frost and hoses that pull on them. Those forces wear out seals and can crack the pipe inside the wall.
| Where the leak shows up | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Drips from the spout when off | Worn washer or damaged seat |
| Water leaks behind the handle | Loose or worn packing nut or packing |
| Water leaks where the hose connects | Worn hose washer or loose hose |
| Water sprays or seeps inside the wall | Cracked pipe from freezing or a bad joint |
| Handle spins and does not stop water | Broken stem or stripped part |
What are the signs your outdoor faucet needs repair?
Signs include a drip that does not stop, water around the handle, a wet spot on the wall near the faucet, a hose that leaks at the connection, and low flow. A spigot that was left with a hose on in winter may also be cracked inside.
- A drip or trickle when the faucet is off.
- Water shows behind the handle when it is on.
- A wet, stained or damp spot on the wall inside or outside.
- Weak flow from the spigot compared to last season.
- A handle that is stiff, loose or spins freely.
- Water running inside the basement or crawl space near the spigot.
If you find water inside the wall after a freeze, shut off the water to the line and call a pro soon. A cracked pipe can cause serious damage when it thaws.
What does outdoor faucet repair involve?
A pro shuts off the water to the outdoor line, checks the spigot and the pipe behind it, and replaces worn parts. For a simple leak, that may be a washer or packing. For a cracked or frozen faucet, the pro may replace the whole spigot.
- Shut off the water to the outdoor line, often at a valve inside the house.
- Remove the hose and check the spout, handle and connections.
- Replace worn washers, packing or the stem if the faucet can be repaired.
- Replace the whole spigot if it is cracked or corroded, and check the pipe behind it.
- Turn the water on and test for leaks outside and inside the wall.
Many homes have frost-free spigots. They have a long stem that puts the shut-off point inside the heated part of the house. A pro can tell you if yours is that type and if it needs service.
Can I fix an outdoor faucet myself?
You can often fix a leak at the hose washer or tighten a packing nut yourself. Larger repairs, like replacing a stem or the whole spigot, are harder. Call a pro if you see water inside the wall, the faucet is frozen, or you cannot find the shut-off valve.
Easy things to try
- Replace the washer inside the hose end.
- Gently tighten the packing nut behind the handle.
- Make sure the hose is on tight.
- Remove and store hoses before freezing weather.
Call a pro for
- A frozen or cracked spigot.
- Water leaking inside the wall or basement.
- A stem that is broken or stuck.
- No shut-off valve you can find or use.
Do not use a torch or open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. It can cause a fire or burst the pipe. If a pipe is frozen, shut off the water and call a pro.
How much does outdoor faucet repair cost?
Outdoor faucet repair prices vary by area and job. A washer or packing fix usually costs less than replacing a spigot. A cracked pipe inside the wall costs more. Ask for a written price before work starts, including any service call fee.
- The fix: a washer or packing is a simple repair. A new spigot takes more time.
- Frost-free spigots: they cost more than basic ones.
- Pipe damage: a cracked pipe can mean opening a wall.
- Access: a spigot with no nearby shut-off takes longer.
- Season: winter freeze weeks can be busy and cost more.
How do I protect my outdoor faucet from freezing?
Remove the hose before freezing weather and shut off the interior valve to the outdoor line if you have one. Open the outdoor faucet to drain the pipe. Cover the spigot with an insulated cover if it is not frost-free.
- Take off hoses and splitters every fall.
- Shut off the inside valve for the outdoor line and drain the pipe.
- Use an insulated faucet cover for basic spigots.
- Check that the faucet does not drip before the first freeze.
- Call a pro to check older spigots before winter.
How do I choose an outdoor faucet repair pro?
Pick a pro who explains the cause and gives a written price. Ask if they work on frost-free spigots and if they will check the pipe inside the wall. Ask for a license number and proof of insurance and check them yourself. The homeowner must confirm both.
- Describe the leak and where the water shows up.
- Ask if the price covers the spigot, parts, labor and any wall repair.
- Ask what the warranty covers.
- Ask if they will check for hidden leaks.
- Check the license and insurance yourself.
What other faucet repair services can we connect you with?
Faucet problems often come in pairs. These pages cover related repairs.
Outdoor Faucet Repair questions, answered
Why is my outdoor faucet dripping?
A drip from the spout usually means a worn washer or damaged seat inside the faucet. Mineral buildup can also keep it from sealing. A pro can replace the washer or repair the valve, or replace the spigot if it is worn out.
What is a hose bib?
A hose bib is another name for an outdoor faucet or spigot. It is the tap on the outside of a house where you connect a garden hose. Some have a long stem that makes them frost-free.
Why is water leaking behind my outdoor faucet handle?
Water behind the handle often means the packing nut is loose or the packing is worn. Tightening the packing nut a little can stop it. If it does not, a pro can replace the packing or stem.
Can a frozen outdoor faucet be repaired?
It depends on the damage. If the pipe or faucet cracked, it must be repaired or replaced. A pro can check for damage after the thaw. If you see water inside the wall, shut off the water and call right away.
Do I need to shut off the water to fix an outdoor faucet?
Yes. Shut off the water to the outdoor line before any repair. Many homes have a valve inside the house for it. If you cannot find it, use the main water valve and call a pro.
How long does outdoor faucet repair take?
A simple washer or packing fix may take under an hour. A full spigot replacement can take one to two hours or more, longer if a wall must be opened. Ask the contractor for a time window.
Ready to get this fixed?
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