Outside faucets are likely one of the easiest ways to access a source of water in a home. The convenience of being able to turn a spigot to fill a bucket or connect a hose to wash the car or clean the yard is invaluable. Unfortunately, when outside faucet leaks happen, they can quietly waste a lot of water, raise your utility bill and possibly harm the structure of your home.

Although many homeowners will simply ignore the small drips they see at their outside faucets since they do not appear to be causing any problems, those drips can add up quickly and cost you hundreds of gallons of water over time. In addition, while a slow leak may be a simple fix in some instances, in other cases, it could be a sign of a much larger problem with your plumbing that would need the assistance of a professional.

By learning about the common reasons for outside faucet leaks and what types of issues require a professional to assist, you will be saving yourself time, money and a whole lot of frustration in the long run.

Most Common Reasons For Outside Faucet Leaks

Since outdoor faucets (also referred to as hose bibs or spigots) are used daily and exposed to the elements, they tend to get worn out faster than indoor plumbing fixtures.

Worn-Out Washers

One of the most common reasons for outside faucet leaks is due to a worn-out rubber washer located within the faucet handle. There is a small rubber washer inside the handle of the faucet that assists in creating a watertight seal when the faucet is turned completely off. Over time, the rubber washer becomes brittle, cracked, or compressed and does not allow for a watertight seal to be created.

When the washer fails, water will continue to drip from the spout of the faucet, even when it has been turned completely off. While it is true that you cannot easily find the rubber washer without disassembling the faucet, you can generally purchase a new washer and install it yourself.

Damaged Valve Seat

The valve seat is the part of the faucet that connects the faucet to the spout and assists in regulating the flow of water through the faucet. Mineral buildup and/or corrosion of the valve seat can lead to a rough or damaged surface. As a result, the washer is unable to create a watertight seal when the faucet is turned off, leading to a continuous leak.

Your local plumber can assess the condition of the valve seat and determine whether it will need to be cleaned, resurfaced, or replaced.

Loose Packing Nut

If you observe that the water leak is occurring around the handle of the faucet rather than the spout, the packing nut may be loose. The packing nut creates a seal around the stem of the faucet to prevent water from leaking out. Tightening the packing nut with a wrench should stop the leak. However, if the leak continues, it is likely that the packing material inside the faucet will need to be replaced.

Cracked Faucet Body

As the temperature drops during the winter months, water within the pipes and faucet will freeze and expand. As a result, it is possible for cracks to form in the metal of the faucet. Once the faucet has developed a crack, it will continue to leak continuously even when the faucet is turned off.

Unfortunately, once a faucet develops a crack, it is typically necessary to replace the entire faucet. Your trusted plumber can ensure that the replacement is installed correctly.

Hidden Pipe Damage Behind the Wall

It is also possible that the leak is not originating from the actual faucet, but rather from a crack or loose connection within the pipe attached to the outdoor spigot behind the wall. Signs of this type of damage include:

• Water collecting near the base of the home.

• Dampness visible on interior walls.

• Reduced water pressure.

If you suspect that there is internal damage to your pipes, please contact a licensed plumber immediately so that you can avoid potential damage to the structure of your home.

Easy Repairs Homeowners May Be Able to Make Themselves

There are times when fixing an outside faucet leak will be a simple DIY task.

Replacing the Washer

If you notice that the faucet is dripping from the spout, you can first shut off the water supply to the faucet, remove the handle and stem assembly and then replace the washer.

Tightening the Packing Nut

If you notice that the water is leaking from around the handle of the faucet, you may want to tighten the packing nut slightly. Do not over-tighten the packing nut as this may damage the faucet.

Checking the Hose Connection

At times, the reason for the leak is simply a loose hose connection or a worn hose washer. First, disconnect the hose from the faucet, check the washer and replace it if needed.

Keep in mind that while these fixes can be helpful for minor leaks, more severe problems may require the tools and knowledge of a professional plumber.

Know When to Hire a Plumber

All leaks are not equal. If the leak persists after you have attempted to troubleshoot the problem, it is likely time to hire a plumber.

Here are the signs that you need to hire a professional:

• The faucet body is cracked.

• Water is leaking from behind the wall.

• The faucet requires complete replacement.

• The leak continually recurs.

• Moisture appears on the foundation of your home.

• Water damage exists.

An experienced plumber can evaluate the plumbing system, identify hidden problems, and perform the repair safely and effectively.

Help Prevent Future Leaks From Occurring

To minimize the likelihood of having repeated leaks from your outside faucets, follow these tips to maintain them:

• Remove garden hoses prior to winter.

• Install frost-proof hose bibs.

• Use faucet covers in cold weather.

• Check your faucets for leaks frequently.

• Schedule regular plumbing inspections.

For homeowners that remain proactive about maintaining their home systems, they will have fewer leaks and lower water bills over time.