What to Do When Your Outside Faucet Leaks with Water Off

Turning off your outside faucet should stop the flow of water, but sometimes a persistent drip remains. This leaky outdoor spigot is aggravating, wastes water, and could cause foundation damage over time. Identifying the source of the leak and making a few DIY repairs can often fix the drip for good.

Outdoor faucets, also called hose bibbs, can leak for a variety of reasons. Worn-out washers allow water to seep through the valve even when it's closed. Mineral deposits prevent the valve from fully sealing. Internal parts like springs and seals wear out over time. Understanding why your outdoor faucet drips with the water off points you toward the right solution.

Reasons an Outdoor Faucet Leaks When Turned Off

The most common reasons an outdoor spigot, spout or bibb continues dripping after it's shut off include:

• Old, cracked, or flattened washers. These rubber seals harden and flatten out over time, preventing a watertight seal.
• Mineral buildup. Hard water deposits on the valve seat keep it from fully closing.
• Damaged parts. Internal gaskets, O-rings, springs, and seals wear out and cause drips.
• Loose handle. If the faucet handle attachment is loose, water can leak through.
• Freezing damage. Pipes that freeze and thaw create cracks that leak.

To find the cause, you'll need to disassemble the faucet and inspect it. Drips coming from the spout indicate worn washers or valve seals. Leaks around the handle or stem mean loose internal parts. Corrosion or scale buildup prevent a tight seal. Once you know the issue, you can target the necessary repair.

Diagnosing the Source of the Leak

Finding where the water is coming from helps identify which faucet part is the culprit. Follow these troubleshooting tips:

• Check where drips form - at the spout or around the handle?
• Remove the handle and inspect for worn rubber washers.
• Look for cracks, corrosion, or scale on the valve seat.
• Test if the leak stops when you fully close the valve.
• Try tightening the packing nut behind the handle.

Turn off the water supply to the faucet before taking it apart. Use a flashlight to examine the faucet interior for issues. Test components by turning the water back on and closing the valve.

Fixing Common Causes of Leaky Outdoor Faucets

Many outdoor faucet leaks stem from quick DIY repairs. Here are solutions to common problems:

Replace Old Rubber Washers

Stiff, cracked washers allow water to drip even when the valve is closed. Replacing these O-rings or seals restores a tight seal. Purchase a replacement washer kit with all the sizes and materials you'll need. Turn off the water supply and disassemble the faucet to access the washers. Pull out the old, worn ones and insert new rubber or neoprene seals of the correct size and shape.

Clean Mineral Deposits

Hard water can leave calcium and limescale deposits on faucet parts. These minerals prevent the valve from fully closing. To remove them, dismantle the faucet and scrub deposits off the valve seat using vinegar or a scale remover. A pocket knife can also scrape off stubborn buildup. Finish by wiping all parts down with a cloth.

Tighten the Packing Nut

If the faucet handle connection is loose, tightening the packing nut can stop leaks. This nut threads onto the valve stem behind the handle. Tighten it with adjustable pliers or a wrench, but take care not to overtighten. Test the drip after tightening and remove the handle to check if washers or seals need replacing.

Replace Internal Components

For a more thorough faucet repair, replace the springs, seals, O-rings, and valve seats. You'll need to fully disassemble the faucet using a screwdriver. A repair kit provides all the small but vital replacement parts. Carefully follow kit instructions to position parts correctly and avoid new leaks.

Preventing Outdoor Faucet Leaks

Proper maintenance keeps your outdoor spigots and bibbs leak-free. Try these prevention tips:

• Install frost-proof faucets if you live in cold climates susceptible to freezing.
• Disconnect hoses and drain pipes before winter to avoid burst pipes from freezing.
• Lubricate the faucet's stem and O-rings yearly to prevent sticking.
• Drain any remaining water from pipes as winter approaches.
• Insulate pipes or install heat tape for added freeze protection.

Checking for leaks and drips regularly allows you to fix minor issues before they become major. Replace washers every few years, clean away mineral deposits, and keep the valve operating smoothly.

When You Need a Professional Plumber

Some instances of a leaky outdoor faucet require a licensed plumber's expertise. Call a professional if:

• The leak persists after you've replaced washers and seals.
• The valve seat is too corroded or damaged to create a seal.
• Internal parts are beyond DIY repair.
• You have galvanized pipes that are corroded and need replacement.
• The problem requires soldering copper pipes.

A severe leak, steady drip, or water spraying from your outdoor faucet indicates professional help is needed. The complexity of some repairs and potential to make leaks worse makes this a job for a knowledgeable plumber.

With regular maintenance and prompt repairs, your outdoor spigots and hose bibbs should operate smoothly for years. Follow these tips:

• Inspect washers and O-rings yearly for cracks or wear.
• Lubricate rubber gaskets and the valve stem to prevent sticking.
• Make sure the faucet handle fully closes the valve.
• Replace outdated or damaged fixtures.
• Shut off and drain water lines before extended freezes.
• Check for leaks and drips regularly, making repairs as needed.

Catching small drips early on keeps them from becoming big headaches later. With the proper DIY troubleshooting and repairs, you can stop that annoying leak from your outdoor faucet for good.