How To Repair Dripping Outdoor Hose Faucet

Using her master's in sustainable development, Susette helps Southern California h2o agencies conduct out their water conservation projects.

If you have a leaking water spigot, it might be easier to just replace it rather than try to fix it. — If you have a leaking water spigot, it might be easier to just replace it rather than try to fix information technology.

Outdoor faucets (also known as water spigots or hose bibbs) are subject to a lot of wear and tear that cause them to leak over time. However, they can be easier to gear up than yous might recollect. If yous are the do-it-yourself type who welcomes challenges effectually the business firm, this is the commodity for you lot.

Earlier You Start, Encounter if Y'all Can Fix the Spigot

You've probably noticed that your spigot is leaking, but does information technology just require a minor repair, like replacing a washer, or practice you need a completely new one?

Examine it for any visible signs of damage to the handle, stem, or supply pipe. Is it leaking from the handle, spout, or where it joins the primary supply pipe?

If information technology's leaking from the handle, try tightening the packing nut or replacing the washer(s) first (encounter the photo beneath).
If it'due south leaking from the joint to the supply piping, remove the spigot, inspect the threads for damage, clean the threads, and wrap them with Teflon tape.
If it's leaking from the spout, the inner mechanism may be damaged, and it'southward probably easier and cheaper to just replace the unabridged thing.

Hose bibbs usually cost anywhere from $5–x, but a plumber may accuse y'all upwards of $150 for the replacement service. Save some money and do it yourself. Equally you'll see, they're actually quite uncomplicated to replace.

Hose bibb handle parts unpacked and labeled

To make the task easy and avert frustration, assemble all your tools and supplies first.

Replacement spigot
Ii pipe wrenches
Spray lubricant (penetrating oil)—to help loosen the threads
Potent-bristled castor—to remove corrosion and other droppings
One-time rags—to wipe your hands and the pipe later on scrubbing
Teflon tape (plumber's tape)—to seal the threads and prevent futurity leaks

What Type of Spigot Should I Get?

I recommend removing the old spigot and taking it to the hardware store to find a straight replacement. At that place are two things you or the store clerk should exist looking for:

Thread size: They ordinarily come in ane/2-inch or iii/4-inch. Make certain you get a replacement that's the same size.
Male or female: Is your spigot male (the threads are on the outside) or female (the threads are on the inside)?

How to Replace an Outdoor Water Spigot

Locate the h2o close-off valve.
Shut off the water supply by turning the water shut-off valve clockwise.
Open the spigot to drain the remaining water.
Remove the spigot by firmly grasping both the spigot and the supplying pipe and twisting the spigot counterclockwise.
Castor the threads to make clean the corrosion.
Seal the threads with Teflon tape.
Install the new spigot by paw before tightening it with a wrench.
Check for leaks.

Each of these steps is explained in detail in the sections that follow, and photos are provided to help guide yous through the process.

Outdoor faucets often have their own shutoff valves, which can be located near the spigot or inside the house on the wall where the faucet is. If yours doesn't, you'll have to look for the main shutoff valve. — Outdoor faucets oft have their own shutoff valves, which can be located well-nigh the spigot or inside the business firm on the wall where the faucet is. If yours doesn't, you'll take to wait for the main shutoff valve.

i. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve

In nigh houses, the primary h2o shutoff valve is located nearly the h2o meter. If yous alive in a cold region, the meter is likely in your house or garage. If yous live in warmer climates, the meter is probably exterior on the forepart or side of your house.

Ringlet to Continue

2. Shut Off the Water Supply

If you're unsure which shutoff valve volition cut supply to the faucet you're trying to replace, turn the faucet on slightly, locate a shutoff valve, and close information technology. The water should stop running inside a infinitesimal or two. If it doesn't, go dorsum to the meter and look for another shutoff valve.

A business firm with a big property tin take up to three main shutoff valves––one from the street that shuts off all water on the property, one to the irrigation organization solitary, and another that controls the house water supply.

Shutoff valves with levers usually plough only 90 degrees. Wheel handles turn until they are seated (usually within 1 or ii full revolutions).

Drain leftover water to avoid making a mess. — Drain leftover water to avert making a mess.

3. Bleed the Excess Water

Open the spigot to let any remaining water drain out. You may have stopped the water flow, only there is probable nevertheless some h2o in the portion of the pipe from the shutoff valve to the spigot. Recollect to shut it once more when you're done.

Make sure the supply pipe is secured to prevent any damage from the twisting force. — Make sure the supply pipe is secured to prevent any harm from the twisting force.

iv. Remove the Old Spigot

Firmly grasp the supply piping at the hex nut with one pipage wrench. Keeping the supply pipe steady to avert damaging the entire organization, plough the spigot counterclockwise with the 2nd piping wrench.

Tip: If it doesn't plough, stop. Don't strength annihilation, as this can crusade additional harm. Spray some lubricant in and effectually the articulation and leave information technology on for a few minutes to loosen the threads.

A few quick taps tin also assistance loosen up the corrosion. Only remember to stabilize the supply pipe before doing so.

Use a brass or nylon brush rather than a steel brush to avoid scoring and damaging the threads. — Apply a brass or nylon brush rather than a steel castor to avoid scoring and damaging the threads.

5. Brush the Threads to Clean the Corrosion

Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove corrosion, left-over plumber's tape, and other debris. This prevents damage when installing the new spigot and ensures a water-tight seal.

Start from the base and overlap by 1/2–3/4 the width of the tape. — Start from the base and overlap by 1/2–iii/4 the width of the tape.

half dozen. Seal the Threads With Teflon Record

Wrap the exposed threads with Teflon tape, starting at the base of operations and overlapping about one-half the width of the tape until you accomplish the tip. Teflon record fills in the tiny gaps between the threads to ensure that no h2o can leak out.

Hand-tighten first to make sure you don't accidentally cross the threads. — Hand-tighten first to make sure yous don't accidentally cross the threads.

7. Install the New Spigot

Carefully spiral on the new spigot past hand until it is seated. Tighten it the rest of the way using a pipe wrench. To prevent damage to the protective finish, wrap a towel around the spigot before grasping it with the wrench.

8. Check for Leaks

One time it's installed, check for any leaks from the articulation, stem, and spout. Make certain the spigot is turned off before turning the water supply back on. Then, open the spigot and make sure that water is merely coming out of the spout.

Video: How to Replace a Leaky Spigot Outside

Common Questions About Water Spigots

In this department, we'll go over some of the virtually ofttimes asked questions about outdoor faucets.

What's the Difference Between a Tap, a Faucet, a Spigot, and a Hose Bib?

All of them tin can refer to a valve that controls the menstruation of water, merely there are some differences in their usage. For example, a tap in British English language refers to the h2o control valve in sinks and bathtubs—what would be considered a faucet in American English.

Spigot is a more technical term for a tap or faucet used by plumbers and other people in the industry, and information technology unremarkably refers to outdoor faucets. Hose bibb (or hose bib) is some other term for a spigot and is so named because it is where you would normally attach a hose.

How Does a Spigot Work?

In a regular spigot, h2o supply is controlled by a valve—either a brawl, globe, or gate valve—that tin be opened or closed by a screw-downward mechanism. The diagram below depicts a gate valve. As you plough the handle, the mechanism either opens or closes the valve.

Leaks from the spout generally occur due to article of clothing and tear in this inner mechanism. Y'all may choose to supersede the individual components, but it is unremarkably cheaper and easier to just replace the entire spigot.

How Can I Prevent an Outdoor Faucet From Freezing?

If you live in a region that is prone to frost, leaks can be caused past water expansion within the pipage and/or spigot. To prevent frost damage, follow these steps:

Shut the main water shutoff valve and drain the water from the spigot(s).
Wrap the spigot and any exposed pipes with pipe insulation (commonly cylindrical cream pieces). Duct tape them for a tight and secure seal.
Install a frost-proof faucet.

Note that wrapping with insulation only slows rut loss. It does not prevent it, nor does it generate heat. With continuous exposure to freezing temperatures, the insulation volition get ineffective. This is why draining the h2o out or installing a frost-proof faucet are the best ways to preclude frost damage.

How Does a Frost-Proof Faucet or Spigot Work?

The basic machinery of a frost-proof or freeze-proof faucet is like to a regular faucet; a valve is opened or closed to control the menses of h2o. The difference is where the valve is located.

In a frost-proof spigot, the stalk (the portion that houses the valve command mechanism) extends up to 2 feet into the house. This prevents the water from being exposed to freezing temperatures since the valve (the point where the water supply stops) is now located in the house.

This content is accurate and true to the all-time of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized communication from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: What exercise yous exercise when the supply piping is non accessible to hold while removing the faucet?

Answer: How far away is it? If it'southward just inside the wall in a hole that's likewise narrow to fit your hand in, you could probably use a long-handled pipage wrench. Otherwise, endeavor using a faucet handle puller. They don't cost much—just $15 or so on Amazon.—and they requite you actress reach.

https://smile.amazon.com/Plumbers-Deluxe-Faucet-Ha...

Question: My exterior faucet has an anti-siphon affair at the top which is where I have my leak? How do I set that? And my spigot is welded to a pipage (maybe half dozen"). I was able to unscrew that pipe.

Reply: That'due south a practiced question. The anti-siphon role is there to stop h2o from the hose backing up into your firm water supply. If information technology's leaking, there's a good chance of some dirt or little rocks bottleneck information technology upward and stopping the fiddling piston inside from moving up and downward. It's an easy gear up, so that'southward the starting time thing I would try. Here'southward a video that volition bear witness yous how:

https://world wide web.youtube.com/watch?v=M9NQFo4-OeU

Question: What practise y'all do when the supply pipe is in the wall and no way to hold it in identify to stabilize/steady it when removing the faucet? ie. the faucet is right confronting the brick wall.

Reply: Something or somebody had to be holding that piping, while the faucet was screwed on initially. That ways in that location's probably access inside the firm (basement?) to the other side of the pipe. I would recruit an assistant to push the pipe frontwards from the inside, so y'all can insert a pipage wrench on the outside, equally soon as there'southward room.

Question: How do I replace an outside water spigot, if I have a PVC pipe for the feed?

Answer: It depends on why you're replacing it. Start past acquiring a combination PVC/metal fitting and some CPVC gum. And then plow off the firm water. If the spigot is the problem, you'll take off the old one, clean the PVC pipe, spiral the new spigot onto the fitting, then gum the fitting onto the PVC pipe. If the problem is a interruption in the PVC pipage, but the spigot is ok, y'all'll accept to saw off the broken pipe, clean out the pipe left in the wall, screw the old spigot onto the new fitting, and glue the new fitting onto the PVC pipage. Here is a video that shows how to install a new plumbing fixtures and spigot onto the PVC piping.

https://www.youtube.com/sentinel?v=WctT8AGsaBs

Question: How practice I supervene upon an outside water spigot if I accept copper pipes?

Answer: It depends on if the copper pipe is threaded or not. If it is (I'm bold you're replacing the faucet), you will supersede the old faucet with a new one in the same way you lot would with any other kind of piping.

If it isn't threaded, and the leak is where the piping joins the faucet, you'd have to cut off the stop that inserts into the faucet, and employ either solder or a pinch fitting to put a new terminate on.

https://www.youtube.com/spotter?v=t7T-MtE3FL0

Here'southward how to solder it on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thousand-BlJBJIUdQ

If you apply a compression plumbing equipment, watch out that you don't tighten it too much:

https://world wide web.youtube.com/lookout man?five=KR9cQwnnHXw

If yous're connecting copper pipes to plastic, you lot'll want to insert a liner in the plastic pipe to go along information technology potent and non leak nether the compression fitting:

https://www.youtube.com/lookout man?5=aUeyjugrdDM

Question: What to do when the outside faucet is on and water leaks into basement?

Answer: You lot'll need to trace the leak from the basement back to the source. It could be that the faucet will take to be replaced, or it could be that the pipage has frozen at some indicate and cracked inside the wall, which is a much bigger job. There are different means to test information technology. The following forum is an excellent resources, with the questioner asking the same question y'all are—perhaps with a different outcome, just information technology will assist you lot empathize some of the possibilities. https://www.doityourself.com/forum/plumbing-pipe...

Question: The spigot broke off from a brass pipage. How exercise I know that I can supersede my new spigot to my onetime pipe?

Reply: The all-time affair to practice is have a photo of the pipe and take it, forth with the new spigot, to your local hardware store—non a chain store, if y'all can aid it. Family hardware stores are commonly run by people who actually know what they're doing. They'll likewise need to know how big the pipe is, and so before you accept the photo yous can clean up the old pipe, measure to see if it's a 1/ii" or three/four" opening (or other), and write the measurement on a little note you tin can hold adjacent to the piping. Then accept a photo. Ameliorate yet, have the photo before buying a spigot, so purchase whatever your local hardware shop rep recommends.

Question: Should I add grease to replacement washers?

Answer: It depends on the type of water you lot have flowing through. If information technology leaves calcium deposits behind, making your faucet stiff to turn, then applying plumber's grease might exist a good idea. Or if your faucet squeaks a lot, grease tin can assist remove the squeaking. You're non applying the grease to the washer, though. You lot're applying it to the handle where it turns.

Susette Horspool (writer) from Pasadena CA on July 29, 2022:

Aah. Hoses come in dissimilar sizes. You might want to measure out your faucet at the point where the water comes out. Virtually likely it will be either 1/2" or iii/iv" across. Then yous'll need to buy a hose that'due south the same size.

Dawn Miller on July 29, 2022:

I don't accept a leaky faucet, just I demand my faucet replaced (I think). The water hose does not fit on the faucet, so I can't use the h2o as needed. I don't know what happened to it, the h2o works. I bought a new hose, and it's not the hose.

Davana on September 11, 2022:

I simply got ripped off past plumber who just replaced the head on a yard hydrant after arguing with him about having to dig up the stand up piping. I was informed that if it wasn't bent froze or otherwise damaged at that place was no need to dig upward just to replace faucet head. Simply unsrew and replace ! Of form, close off water and becareful not to damage twist or turn stand pipe suit water for valve and voila. I am 70 yr old woman and can't use a big wrench or would have done it myself . I ordered the 50.+ Part and asked a plumber to install... 735.00 dollars. I complained but to no avail! I am very upset to say the to the lowest degree. I even called manufacturer of the part and they said 1 in 100 times do ever take to dig upward a stand pipage the sent instructions and everything 3 step process with pictures! Still argued only said he'd try it merely he e'er dug them up. That would have cost 1200.00 dollars OMG!!! Am I basics or what?

wathman on August 26, 2022:

I just repaired the hose bib in a house I just bought and information technology might be beneficial to add some insights for frost gratis hose bibs. Here is what I encountered. My first thought was to endeavour to replace the whole assembly with something newer, but the threaded coupling for this blazon of hose bib is typically viii-12 inches deep into the wall. Figuring out how to uncouple the onetime ane and thread on and seal a new one with side by side to no access from my basement was not happening. A plumber might be able to do information technology, but definitely not cheaply.

Equivalent new hardware was about $30 if I did accept a mode to install it equally a DIY project.

What I concluded up doing is disassemble the frost free hose bib and examined the stem associates. Was more often than not in good shape, merely the gasket and washer had some kind of oxidation caked on and were pretty stiff and compacted. Institute a "Wall Hydrant Repair Kit" for $xx that had a new washer and a new handle that I also needed (about $eight for that part alone). Later on cleaning out the rest of the stalk assembly and swapping in parts, the frost gratuitous outdoor hose bib that has probably been driveling for the past 25 years is leak free once again.

Susette Horspool (author) from Pasadena CA on September 04, 2022:

@Patricia - The toll is going to vary depending on the difficulty of the project, i.e. how long it's likely to have for the repair. From what you say below it sounds like the plumber volition have to break into the stucco to access the pipage inside the wall. He won't know where the leak is relative to the nearest bring together (where two pipes connect), so he'll need to be able to actually come across the pipes to decide how much needs replacing. He'll also want to run across if the pipe is breaking down considering information technology'southward old, in which instance at that place may exist leaks in connected pipes too.

Breaking into the stucco, checking for leaks further in, repairing each one, and then closing up the stucco afterwards makes the cost higher than the rough figure I gave below. Looking at it in terms of time, $900/$55 per hour = sixteen hours for the i repair, assuming they charge what most plumbers do.

To verify whether the plumber'due south judge is reasonable for your expanse, I would advise you call your water supplier and tell them your situation. If they tin can't help you, ask who can. Or expect for a local nonprofit like Rebuilding Together to see what they recommend.

https://rebuildingtogether.org

Patricia Ludwig-Longello on September 04, 2022:

I have a spigot that is slightly leaking not certain where Not far downwards the line but withal- somewhere in the line close to the part that comes from the stucco- I had a company that came and gave me estatament from 900-1300 and so told me they could go every bit depression as 800 when I questioned cost merely no lower their reviews seem to be good except for that pricing i'm but trying to become an honest opinion nigh the toll

Susette Horspool (writer) from Pasadena CA on August 30, 2022:

That depends on what you mean past "cemented." If it'southward really cemented or glued, you'll probably have to supercede the piping backside it likewise. In that instance, don't even bother trying to pry it apart. Just unscrew the pipe behind it and accept information technology off equally one piece.

If what you mean is that it'due south seriously stuck, then yous'll need two 12" wrenches to unscrew information technology as follows:

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/ways-stuck-faucet-off...

Angela on August 27, 2022:

If the former faucet appears to exist cemented on to the pipe, how do you recommend getting it off?

Susette Horspool (author) from Pasadena CA on July xi, 2022:

@Nick - The cost depends on what's wrong, of course. In the U.S. the average replacement cost for the entire faucet volition be around $250, if a plumber does it (includes labor). If at that place's a leak in the pipe behind the faucet, information technology will cost more than to replace both. The minimum charge for a plumber is $55 per hour.

If you practice it yourself and it'due south just the faucet, it should cost a footling less than $100 for materials, plus the time you lot spend shopping and installing. If you live in a cold expanse, be sure to buy a frost free silcock (outdoor faucet). Good luck!

Nick Brown on July 10, 2022:

Neat web log, extremely helpful.

One question, tin you give me a berh rough guess on toll of materials needed to replace the spigot, replacing the entire spigot, faucet, and tap?

Parts price $125, $200, $300...?

But spent 40 minutes cutting up my hands trying to water my dead rose bushes. Fourth dimension for action!

Give thanks yous

Nick

Susette Horspool (author) from Pasadena CA on June 15, 2022:

@Carole - You hateful the nut that holds the spigot onto the pipage? Did you spray a lubricant on information technology first? If so, and it was still too hard, can you become some help to screw it off with the pipe wrenches?

Carole Brinkert on June 14, 2022:

l am still ane of many that cannot remove the screw in the handle...and then the rest of the info. is moot!

Kristi Sharp from Born in Missouri. Raised in Minnesota. on June 28, 2022:

Very useful and well explained. It seems equally though yous've detailed everything step by pace which is exactly what people need. Bully apply of videos. Nicely done. -K

Susette Horspool (author) from Pasadena CA on June 28, 2022:

Lindacee - We oasis't even started talking about outdoor plumbing issues yet. Now think about all the sprinkler leaks that don't get fixed, and then the potential irrigation pipe leaks underground! LOTS of water wasted!

Simone - I concord and that's why I wrote it the style I did. It helps me, also, to know how a thing works before I call in someone to prepare it for me.

Simone Haruko Smith from San Francisco on June 28, 2022:

This is and then helpful! While I even so have no intention of replacing an outdoor water faucet by myself, it really helps to know what to await for and which decisions I should exist making.

Linda Chechar from Arizona on June 28, 2022:

Thanks for clearing upward the tap, faucet and spigot defoliation, watergeek. I've always used the terms interchangeably -- and incorrectly! Proficient instructions for this DIY project. I wonder how much water is wasted each year because of faulty outdoor plumbing? Not to mention the damaged caused to foundations and basements!

Susette Horspool (writer) from Pasadena CA on June 27, 2022:

Aha! Plumbing is not your DIY field, eh? ;-)

Om Paramapoonya on June 27, 2022:

Thank you for the footstep-past-step instructions. You made information technology sound pretty simple, only still, it doesn't sound like fun. LOL Rated upwards and useful :)