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Why a Dripping Faucet Outside Isn’t Harmless
It’s easy to ignore an outdoor faucet that drips now and then. After all, it’s not inside the house—so how much damage could it do?
The truth is, a leaky outdoor faucet can quietly waste hundreds of gallons of water per season. It can soak your home’s foundation, encourage mold or wood rot, and even spike your utility bill. Worse still, if the leak occurs during winter, water trapped inside the pipe can freeze, expand, and cause a costly burst.
This blog walks you through how to fix a leaky outdoor faucet step-by-step, offers prevention tips, and answers common homeowner questions—so you can save money, protect your home, and restore peace of mind.
Why Outdoor Faucets Leak
Outdoor faucets (also known as hose bibs or spigots) face unique wear and tear. They’re exposed to rain, sun, dirt, pests, and freezing temperatures, all of which contribute to damage over time.
Here are the most common reasons they leak:
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Worn-out washers or rubber gaskets
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Loose packing nuts
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Cracked faucet housing
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Corroded valve seats or stems
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Freezing and thawing damage during winter
Identifying the source of the leak helps determine whether you can repair it yourself or if replacement is necessary.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these tools:
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Adjustable wrench or pliers
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Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
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Replacement washers and gaskets
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Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
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Rag or small bucket (to catch any remaining water)
Tip: If your faucet is older, it’s worth buying a hose bib repair kit—it contains all the small parts you’ll likely need.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet
Follow this DIY guide to repair most common outdoor faucet leaks:
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Find the shut-off valve that controls outdoor water (often in the basement or crawlspace). Turn it off, then open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water.
Step 2: Remove the Handle
Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the handle in place. Set the screw and handle aside so they don’t get lost.
Step 3: Loosen the Packing Nut
Use an adjustable wrench to turn the packing nut (located directly behind the handle) counterclockwise. Once it’s loose, pull out the faucet stem.
Step 4: Inspect and Replace Washers
Check the rubber washer at the end of the stem—it’s often the culprit in slow drips. If it’s cracked, brittle, or worn, replace it with a new one of the same size. Also, inspect the O-rings and replace if needed.
Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet
Reinsert the stem and tighten the packing nut. Wrap plumber’s tape around the threads for a tighter seal. Replace the handle and screw.
Step 6: Turn Water Back On and Test
Slowly reopen the indoor shut-off valve. Turn the outdoor faucet on and off to ensure the leak is resolved.
When a Simple Fix Isn’t Enough
Sometimes a leaky outdoor faucet signals a bigger issue. Consider replacing the entire fixture if:
- The body of the faucet is cracked or corroded
- You still see leaking from behind the siding or wall
- The faucet is more than 10–15 years old
- The leak worsens during freezing temperatures
In these cases, you may need a frost-proof hose bib installed—or even professional plumbing support if the leak is inside the wall.
How to Prevent Future Leaks
An ounce of prevention goes a long way, especially for outdoor fixtures exposed to the elements.
Here’s how to avoid leaks down the line:
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Disconnect hoses in winter: Leaving hoses attached can trap water inside the pipe and cause freezing damage.
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Install frost-free faucets: These shut off further inside the wall, where temperatures are warmer.
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Use insulated faucet covers in cold climates.
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Check for drips at the start and end of each season.
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Tighten packing nuts once a year to prevent slow leaks from developing.
Keeping up with these simple habits extends the life of your outdoor faucet and protects your plumbing system from more serious damage.
Don’t Let a Small Leak Become a Big Problem
Outdoor faucets are often overlooked, but when they leak, they can lead to real damage—inside and out. Fixing a leaky outdoor faucet isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s about protecting your home, conserving water, and avoiding costly repairs down the road.
With a few tools and a little know-how, most minor leaks are completely DIY-friendly. And with routine maintenance, you can keep your outdoor plumbing in top shape for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the fastest way to stop a dripping outdoor faucet?
If you’re in a rush, tightening the packing nut just behind the faucet handle can stop minor drips temporarily. Long-term, it’s best to shut off the water and replace worn washers.
Why does my outdoor faucet only leak when I use it?
This often means the leak is coming from the stem or inside the hose connection. Replacing the rubber washer and inspecting the vacuum breaker may solve the problem.
Can a leaking outdoor faucet increase my water bill?
Yes. Even a slow drip can waste over 3,000 gallons per year. If the leak goes unnoticed for weeks, it can cause a noticeable spike in utility costs.
How do I know if I need a frost-proof faucet?
If you live in a region with freezing winters and your faucet is not frost-proof, you’re at higher risk for burst pipes. Look for long-barrel faucets labeled "frost-free", which shut off water deep within the wall.
