How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Spigot

Spigots, also known as hose bibbs, are the workhorses of your home's exterior, yet they rarely get attention until they begin to drip or spray water across the siding. A constant leak is more than just a nuisance; it is a waste of treated water and, if left unchecked, can lead to foundation moisture or frozen pipes during a cold snap. Fixing this is a classic Saturday morning task that requires only basic tools and a few dollars in parts. By breaking down the handle and replacing the internal washer, you reset the valve's ability to seat properly against the pipe. It is a straightforward repair that saves a significant service call fee and keeps your outdoor water system reliable for the season ahead.

Stop the water first. Locate the interior water shut-off valve that controls the supply to your outdoor spigot and turn it to the closed position. Once closed, open the outdoor spigot completely to drain any remaining water from the line.
Expose the stem. Use a screwdriver to remove the small screw located in the center of the spigot handle. Pull the handle firmly toward you to slide it off the stem, exposing the packing nut underneath.
Extract the valve stem. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the packing nut counter-clockwise to loosen it. Once it is loose, pull the entire stem assembly out from the spigot body.
Swap the critical washer. Locate the rubber washer at the very end of the valve stem, held in place by a brass screw. Remove the screw, swap the old, compressed washer for a new one of the exact same diameter, and tighten the screw back down.
Put it back together. Slide the stem assembly back into the spigot body and tighten the packing nut firmly with your wrench. Reattach the handle and tighten the center screw until secure.
Verify the seal holds. Ensure the spigot is in the closed position, then head inside to slowly turn the water supply back on. Return outside and check the handle and spout for any signs of dripping.