How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet

Determine the Source of the Leak

To fix a leaky outdoor faucet first find the source of the leak by examining the spigot carefully. Check the vacuum cap that sits on top of the frost-free spigot to see if it is the source of the leak.

If it is, try tightening it with your hand. Often this cap can become loose over time due to the constant expansion and contraction that occur with changing outdoor ambient temperatures.

If there is no leak around the vacuum cap, then check the faucet spout. If you see water dripping out of it, then most likely there is a failed washer inside the faucet handle and you will need to replace it.

Getting Access to Faucet Washer To get access to the washer first turn the water supply off to the outdoor faucet. Typically there is a shutoff valve to it inside the house or basement, and it is normally located near where the outdoor faucet exits the house. The shut-off valve could also be located in a utility room. With the water turned off to the outdoor spigot, open the valve to the full on position to drain any residual water from the spigot.

Next, using your screwdriver remove the small screw that holds the spigot handle to the faucet assembly.

Now remove the handle from the faucet.

Then, use a crescent wrench to loosen and remove the faucet nut that sits behind the handle location. As you remove the faucet nut, you should see a washer just behind it. Often it is this washer that is the culprit in causing the leaky outdoor faucet. You may have to use your screwdriver to remove the washer from the faucet assembly. Carefully inspect the washer and if it looks damaged, distorted, or severely compressed replace it with a new one. You should be able to find a replacement washer at any hardware store. If the faucet nut is simply coated in grime then rinse it off with water and re-install it.

Re-Assembling Outdoor Faucet

After you’ve found a replacement washer, insert it into the outdoor faucet assembly and re-attach the faucet nut. Hand-tighten the nut at first to make sure you don’t cross-thread it, and then use your crescent wrench to tighten it up.

Next, re-attach the handle to the outdoor faucet with your screwdriver.

Finally, turn the water supply back on and confirm that water runs freely out of the frost-free spigot. Assuming it does, turn the outdoor spigot handle to stop the flow of water from the spout. With any luck the leaky outdoor faucet is a thing of the past.

As a result of the valve being located 6 to 8 inches back inside the spigot assembly, it can take a little time for the residual water inside the pipe and spout to drain out.