How to Repair a Leaking Outdoor Spigot

Drips from an outdoor spigot are more than just a waste of water; they are a sign of internal components wearing down under pressure and temperature shifts. Left unchecked, a minor leak can lead to internal pipe damage or rot if water tracks back along the spigot housing into the exterior wall. Fixing this is a straightforward task that relies on replacing the rubber parts that handle the compression. When done well, the handle will turn smoothly, and the water will stop completely the moment you tighten the valve. You aren't just stopping a drip; you are reclaiming the integrity of your home's exterior plumbing.

1. Kill the Water Supply. Locate the dedicated shut-off valve inside your home that feeds the outdoor spigot and turn it clockwise until closed. Open the spigot fully to drain any remaining water from the line.
2. Expose the Packing Nut. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw located in the center of the spigot handle. Pull the handle straight off the stem to expose the packing nut underneath.
3. Extract the Stem. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut by turning it counter-clockwise. Once loose, pull the entire stem assembly out of the spigot body.
4. Replace the Rubber Washer. Locate the small rubber washer at the very end of the stem held in place by a brass screw. Remove the screw, pull off the old washer, and replace it with an exact size match.
5. Refresh Packing Material. Remove the old packing material from under the packing nut if it looks frayed or dried out. Wrap new valve stem packing or Teflon tape around the stem shaft before reassembling.
6. Test and Verify Seal. Slide the stem back into the spigot, tighten the packing nut, and reattach the handle. Turn the indoor water supply back on and check for leaks.