How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Faucet
Image by Everyday Home Repairs via YouTube
Have you noticed that your outdoor faucet always leaks no matter how much you turn the handle? You are not alone – many homeowners have the same problem. While some people hire plumbers to get the job done, it’s actually a simple problem to solve. Everyday Home Repairs has an easy DIY fix for you. It will only take a few minutes and a few dollars to stop a leaking outdoor faucet.
RELATED: How To Fix A Leaky Kitchen Faucet
This tutorial will teach you how to fix a leaking outdoor spigot with a 12-inch stem. Leaks are often caused by a damaged or wrong washer. The step-by-step instructions below will help you how to get it replaced using simple tools. You can do it by yourself and save money. Watch the video below for full instructions.
For more tips and tricks, check these out: 37 DIY Home Repair Hacks To Try Today
What You Need to Fix a Leaking Faucet
- channel locks or slip lock pliers
- crescent wrench
- WD-40
- utility knife
- phillips head screwdriver
- washer
- teflon tape
How to Fix a Leaking Faucet
Step 1:
Make sure you turn the main water to the off position.
Step 2:
Use the slip lock pliers to hold onto the body of the spigot with your left hand. Using a crescent wrench, loosen the bonnet nut with your right hand. By doing so you won’t rotate and apply pressure inside, which can cause damage to your pipes.
As you loosen up your bonnet, it will unseat your seal, and will open your valve. Drain the water. While waiting for the water to drain, spray WD-40 to the threads. Let it penetrate for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3:
Come back and try to loosen the bonnet nut again. You might find a plastic gasket inside. Pull your stem all the way out.
Step 4:
Look at the flat washer at the end of the stem. Inspect for damage. That may be the source of leak. Hold the stem with your channel locks, then undo the screw with phillips head screwdriver.
Step 5:
Using a utility knife carefully remove the washer. Find a washer with the same size and shape as the one you removed. Sometimes, it can be the wrong size, so check if it’s correct. You can bring the stem and the washer to the store to get the right size.
Step 6:
Put the new washer and screw it in place. Remove any debris inside the faucet. Reinstall your stem. You can place teflon tape on the threads to avoid any issues.
Step 7:
Hold the body again with the pliers, then using the crescent wrench tighten it. Turn the water on and check if it still leaking. You have about 30 to 60 seconds of drip especially when you have that 12 inch frost proof.
