How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Spigot

Dripping outdoor spigots are more than just an annoyance; they are a direct drain on your water bill and a potential source of long-term damage to your home's exterior. Whether it's a steady stream or a slow weep, the culprit is almost always a compressed or calcified internal seal that has lost its ability to hold back the pressure of your main water line. Fixing this is a rite of passage for every homeowner. By replacing the internal packing or the seat washer, you restore a watertight seal that keeps your plumbing system efficient. A well-repaired faucet should operate with a smooth, firm turn and zero discharge when fully closed. This is a task that relies more on patience and the right size wrench than on complex plumbing knowledge.

1. Find and Close the Valve. Locate the interior shut-off valve for your outdoor spigot, usually found in the basement or crawl space. Close it completely, then open the outdoor faucet to bleed out any remaining pressure.
2. Expose the Packing Nut. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw at the center of the faucet handle. Pull the handle straight off the stem to expose the packing nut underneath.
3. Unscrew the Stem. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut, which holds the stem in place. Once loosened, unscrew the stem assembly from the faucet body by turning the handle shaft.
4. Swap the Rubber Washer. At the end of the stem, you will find a small rubber washer held by a screw. Remove the screw, swap the old washer for a new one of the exact same size, and secure it.
5. Upgrade the Packing String. If the leak is coming from the handle area, pull out the old packing string or compression ring under the packing nut. Install a new graphite-infused packing string or O-ring.
6. Turn Water Back On. Thread the stem back into the faucet body, tighten the packing nut, and reattach the handle. Slowly turn your water supply back on and check for drips.