How to Fix A Leaky Outdoor Faucet

Does anyone have a non-leaky outdoor faucet? It’s a common issue! Many homeowners have accepted that after watering their garden, they must go inside to turn off the water supply to stop the spigot from leaking. While there are several reasons for a leaky outdoor faucet, and you might fix some with the right tools, it’s often a job best left to a Handyside plumber, as we’ll explain.

How to fix a leaky outdoor faucet

When you turn on your outdoor faucet, if it’s leaking water close to the tap or knob, it might be an easy fix. Just under the knob, you’ll see the bonnet or packing nut. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten that nut and see if it stops the leak.

If tightening the nut doesn’t work, the packing under the bonnet (a rubber o-ring) or the washer at the bottom of the stem unit might need replacing. Here’s how you can do it:

• Shut off the water supply.
• Remove the knob and pull out the stem unit.
• Unscrew the packing nut to access and replace the packing or o-ring.
• Carefully remove the brass screw holding the washer in place, as it can easily strip or break.

Although these steps might sound straightforward, we actually don’t recommend attempting them if you’re not experienced. Click Here to watch the video and keep reading to find out why calling a Handyside plumber might be the best option!

Why it’s not a do-it-yourself job

As we mentioned earlier, removing the brass screw at the bottom of the stem unit can be tricky. It has likely been exposed to water for a long time and may break if you don’t use the correct screwdriver with slow, even pressure.

Additionally, finding the right washer and bonnet packing can be challenging. When replacing the washer, you should use a reseating tool to ensure the new washer seals properly.

Often, it’s better to replace the whole faucet since the inner parts of the stem unit wear down over time. Removing the old faucet involves using two pipe wrenches—one on the supply pipe and the other to remove the faucet. If not done correctly, you risk twisting or breaking the pipe.

Even if you manage to remove the old faucet without issues, installing the new faucet improperly could cause a slow leak inside your walls, potentially leading to significant damage over time.