How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Spigot

Simple DIY Steps
Parts available at local hardware stores
Fix it yourself and prevent damage to your home

A dripping outdoor spigot may seem like a minor annoyance, but it can lead to major problems if ignored. Not only does it waste water and increase your utility bill, but it also creates damp soil around your home’s foundation, which can contribute to structural issues over time.

Avoiding Water Damage

If left unchecked, the constant moisture can cause:

Mold and mildew growth near your home’s exterior.
Soil expansion under the foundation, potentially shifting pipes.
Pipe cracks or slab leaks if a pressurized pipe pushes against the foundation.

FYI, these terms are often used interchangeably. They mean the same thing: spigot, hose bibb, outdoor faucet, tap.

Fixing a leaky outdoor spigot isn't just about stopping an annoying drip—it’s about preventing serious water damage that can threaten your home’s structure over time. Constant moisture near the foundation can lead to mold growth, shifting soil, and even cracked pipes, all of which are expensive to repair if left unaddressed. By tackling the problem early, you can save water, lower your utility bills, and avoid bigger headaches down the line.

Tools Needed

Adjustable Wrench – For tightening/loosening the packing nut.
Channel Lock Pliers – To hold the spigot body steady while working.
Screwdriver (Flathead or Phillips) – To remove the washer screw.
Water Meter Key – To lift the meter lid and turn the shutoff valve.

Helpful Extras (Not Always Necessary but Useful)

Valve Seat Dresser Tool – If the faucet seat is corroded, this tool smooths it out.

If the Spigot is Stuck or Rusted

Pipe Wrench (for stubborn spigots) – Provides extra grip if the packing nut won’t budge.
Penetrating Oil (e.g., WD-40, PB Blaster) – Helps loosen corroded nuts.

Repairing a leaky outdoor spigot requires the right set of plumbing hand tools to safely disassemble components and restore a watertight seal. Tasks like loosening the packing nut or extracting the valve stem demand tools that provide both grip and control to avoid damaging the faucet housing or connecting pipe. In many cases, water shutoff access is required, especially when replacing internal parts like washers or valve stems, making a water meter key essential. For aging fixtures, corrosion and mineral buildup can create resistance at threaded joints, requiring additional torque and lubrication to break loose rusted fittings. Specialized tools like a valve seat dresser can restore the sealing surface inside the faucet, extending the life of the fixture and improving leak prevention. Proper tool selection not only ensures a smoother repair process but also reduces the risk of stripping threads, over-tightening, or cracking brittle components during maintenance.

Repair Options

Option	When to Use	Estimated Cost	Time & DIY Difficulty
Tighten Packing Nut	Leak around valve stem (handle area)	$0	5 min – Very Easy
Replace Washer	Drips when turned off; handle turns easily	$1 – $5	10–20 min – Easy
Replace Valve Stem	Washer fix failed or stem is worn	$20 – $30	15–30 min – Moderate
Full Spigot Replacement	Recurring leaks, visible rust, base leaks, or frost-free upgrade	$30 – $70	30–60 min – Moderate to Hard
Hire a Plumber	Pipes are corroded, damaged, or difficult to access	$125–$300+	1–2 hrs – Not DIY

Outdoor Spigot Repair Options: Quick Fix or Full Replacement?

A dripping spigot can often be fixed with a simple washer or stem replacement – cheap and DIY-friendly. But if leaks persist, corrosion is visible, or the faucet is old and stiff, replacing the entire unit may be the smarter long-term solution. Here’s how to decide which repair approach fits your situation.

Tighten the Packing Nut

Before replacing any parts, try this zero-cost solution:

Symptom: Leak around the valve stem (where the handle meets the spigot).
Fix: Use an adjustable wrench to gently tighten the packing nut (just behind the handle) 1/8 to 1/4 turn clockwise. Hold the spigot body steady with channel locks to avoid twisting pipes.
Why it works: Over time, the nut loosens, letting water seep past the stem. Snugging it restores the seal.
If it fails: Still leaking? Then move on to washer or stem replacement.

Pro tip: Don’t overtighten—you could crack the nut or damage the stem!

Channel lock pliers are a critical tool for stabilizing the spigot body during repair, especially when applying torque to parts like the packing nut or valve assembly. Their adjustable jaws provide a firm, non-slip grip on the faucet’s exterior, helping prevent unwanted movement that could stress or crack connected pipes inside the wall. By holding the spigot steady with channel locks, you can safely tighten or loosen fittings without twisting the supply line—a common cause of leaks or pipe damage during DIY repairs. Proper use of this tool ensures both control and protection while working on exterior plumbing fixtures.

An adjustable wrench is essential for loosening or tightening hex-shaped components on a spigot, particularly the packing nut that seals the valve stem. Its movable jaws allow a precise fit on various nut sizes, reducing the risk of slippage and rounded edges. When adjusting the packing nut, the wrench provides controlled torque to restore a tight seal without over-compressing the internal components. This tool plays a key role in fine-tuning the spigot’s function - tight enough to stop leaks, but gentle enough to avoid damaging the stem threads or cracking older brass fittings

When to Just Replace the Washer

A worn-out rubber washer is the most common cause of a dripping spigot—and the next easiest and cheapest fix. Opt for a washer replacement if:

The leak only happens when the spigot is turned off (drips from the spout).
The handle turns smoothly (no stiffness or grinding).
The spigot body looks intact (no cracks or heavy rust).
You want a quick, under $10 fix (takes 15 minutes with basic tools).

This simple repair works best on newer or well-maintained spigots. If tightening the packing nut doesn’t stop the leak, swapping the washer usually does the trick.

Replacing a worn-out rubber washer is one of the most straightforward and cost-effective ways to stop a dripping outdoor faucet. Over time, washers become compressed, brittle, or cracked, preventing them from forming a tight seal against the valve seat when the handle is turned off. This results in a slow, consistent drip from the spout, even though the water is shut off. A fresh washer restores the internal seal, halting the leak without the need for major disassembly or full replacement. This repair is ideal for spigots in otherwise good condition - especially when the handle operates smoothly and there’s no visible corrosion on the body.

When to Replace the Entire Outdoor Spigot (Stem + Washer + Sillcock Body)

While replacing just the washer or stem can fix minor leaks, there are times when a full spigot replacement is the better long-term solution. Here’s when you should consider swapping out the entire unit:

1. Frequent Leaks After Repairs

If you’ve replaced the washer or stem multiple times and the spigot still drips, the internal seat (where the washer seals) may be worn or corroded.
A new spigot ensures a fresh sealing surface.

2. Visible Corrosion or Cracks

If the body of the spigot is rusted, cracked, or damaged, temporary fixes won’t last.
Corrosion inside the valve can cause slow leaks even with new washers.

3. Upgrading to Frost-Free or Anti-Siphon

Older spigots may lack frost protection (leading to burst pipes in winter) or backflow prevention (required by code in many areas).
Replacing the whole unit ensures compliance and better durability.

4. Difficulty Turning the Handle

If the stem is stiff even after lubrication, internal threads may be worn or calcified.
A new spigot will operate smoothly.

5. Leaks from the Spigot’s Base (Where It Meets the Wall)

If water drips from the connection point, the pipe threads or internal seals may be failing.
A full replacement prevents hidden water damage inside the wall.

How To Fix A Dripping Water Spigot: Step by Step Instructions

Sometimes, the spigot just needs to be tightened up to properly seal from water leaks.

If the spigot is leaking around the valve stem when the water is turned on, it can usually be fixed by tightening the packing nut behind the handle 1/8 to 1/4 turn.

If the faucet still leaks after tightening the packing nut, the washer on the end of the valve stem needs to be replaced. Here’s how to go about it:

Turn the water off at the water meter using a cut-off key.
- Open the water meter cover.
- You may need a meter key to open the meter cover.
- The water meter is usually located close to the road. The lid is made of metal.
- With your cut off key, slowly turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply. It should turn about 180 degrees.
Back at the wall of your home, open the spigot by turning the handle anti-clockwise to release any air or water pressure.
Unscrew the packing nut beneath the handle of the spigot. Use a pair of channel locks to hold the body of the spigot still while using an adjustable wrench to loosen up the packing nut.
Once loosened, hold the faucet handle, and pull the valve stem out of the spigot. The valve stem will look similar to the one in the picture (it may be shorter)
Remove the screw on the valve stem holding the faucet washer.
Replace the washer with one of the same size. ( obviously, the new one will be thicker)
Push the valve stem back into the spigot housing.
Tighten the packing nut on the spigot with an adjustable wrench until snug.
Turn the faucet handle clockwise to close it off.
Use the cut-off key to turn the water back on at the meter. Turn it slowly about 180 degrees anti-clockwise to turn the water supply back on.
Turn the spigot back on to remove any air from the line and let it run for several seconds.
Check for leaks around the packing nut on the valve stem.
Turn it back off and check for any leaks. Note, you may see drips for several seconds once the water has been turned off. This is normal. The remaining water in the spigot chamber is just draining out.

How To Replace A Water Spigot: Instructional Video

This video from the Dallas water utilities conservation department shows you step by step instructions for replacing the washer on the spigot stem. A slow drip from a faucet is usually caused by a worn out washer like the one shown above.