Outdoor Spigot Leaking? How to Find the Problem and Fix It

A dripping hose spigot looks small, but it runs all day, every day. And in Arizona, the outdoor spigot is often right next to where your main water line comes into the house, so a leak there deserves a look.

Where is it leaking?

From the spout when it's off

The faucet is shut but water keeps dripping out of the spout. The washer or cartridge inside is worn, and hard water scale speeds that up. On most spigots this is a simple part replacement once the water is off.

Around the handle when it's on

Water seeps out around the handle stem while the faucet is running. The packing nut behind the handle may just be loose. Try snugging it a quarter turn with a wrench. If that doesn't stop it, the packing or washer behind it needs replacing.

From the top when a hose is attached

Many spigots have a vacuum breaker on top (a small cap) that stops dirty water from being sucked back into your drinking water. A short spurt when you shut it off can be normal. A steady leak means it has failed, and it should be replaced, not removed.

At the hose connection

A leak where the hose screws on is usually the hose washer, a cheap rubber ring in the end of the hose. Replace it first.

Behind the wall or under the spigot

Water running down the wall, wet stucco, or a damp spot below the spigot means the leak may be in the pipe behind the wall. Some spigots are a long "frost-free" style whose pipe runs into the wall, and a crack there leaks inside. Rare hard freezes in the Valley can split them, and a hose left connected during a freeze makes it more likely. This isn't a washer job: it needs to be opened up and repaired.

Before you start

1. Shut off the water to the spigot. Many have no separate valve, so you may need the main shutoff. See how to shut off your water.
2. Open the spigot to drain it.
3. Take the old part to the hardware store so you can match it.

Fix or replace?

Replacing a washer, packing or hose washer is an easy DIY job. Replace the whole spigot when it's corroded, the body is cracked, the handle won't shut it off, or it's leaking behind the wall.

When to call a plumber

• The leak is inside the wall or the stucco is wet.
• You can't shut the water off, or the main shutoff won't close.
• The spigot is on the same pipe as your main valve or pressure regulator.
• Your water bill jumped and you can't find a leak: there may be a hidden one, see leak detection.

OX Plumbing fixes outdoor spigots, valves and hidden leaks, and answers 24/7.