
- Tighten retaining nut. If you're lucky, you can fix your leaking faucet by simply tightening the nut under the handle. Don't crank it hard, though.
- Remove the stem. Next, remove the faucet stem. It's easier if you reinstall the handle temporarily so you'll have something to grip.
- Replace washer assembly. Keep track of the parts as you disassemble the faucet so you can install the new ones in the same order.
- Remove the vacuum breaker cap. Pop off the vacuum breaker cap to access the parts underneath. Pry from both sides with a pair of screwdrivers.
- Vacuum breaker parts. Unscrew the retainer and pull out the vacuum breaker. You may be able to fix the leak by simply cleaning the parts and reinstalling them.
How do you fix a leaky outdoor faucet?
- First, start by tightening the retainer nut to see if that fixes the problem. ...
- Once the retaining nut is gone, remove the pipe stem and inspect the material for any cracks or deformities. ...
- If the faucet stem seems to have integrity, inspect the washer assembly unit on the end of the stem. ...
How to fix a leaky [indoor] faucet?
Tools Required
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Slip joint pliers
How do you repair an outdoor faucet?
To replace an outdoor faucet washer:
- Turn the water off to the faucet.
- Unscrew the packing nut by turning it counterclockwise.
- Pull the handle and stem out of the faucet housing.
- Remove the screw on the end of the stem that holds the rubber washer.
- Replace the rubber washer on the stem with one of the same size.
- Tighten the screw holding the washer back up.
How to fix an outdoor faucet?
Outdoor faucets can develop leaks over time. Repairing or replacing the faulty parts will require a few standard tools.Shut off the water supply to the fauce...

Can you replace just the handle on an outdoor faucet?
Things You'll Need Remove the old handle and screw on a new one. If you want a bulkier handle for an outdoor faucet, or would like to replace a broken plastic handle with a more durable metal one, you'll be glad to know the job doesn't require a plumber.
Why is my faucet leaking under the handle?
Answer: The most common reason for a faucet to leak under the handle or knob is because of a worn rubber o-ring or seat washer. Replacing the rubber o-ring or seat washer will fix the leak.
How do you replace a rubber seal on an outdoor faucet?
0:522:47How To Fix A Leaky Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou just unscrew the handle. Slide the top off. And then there you can see there's a rubber gasketMoreYou just unscrew the handle. Slide the top off. And then there you can see there's a rubber gasket right there and also a little metal washer underneath it.
What causes an outdoor faucet to leak?
Causes of outside spigots leaking include: Loose packing nut in faucet stem. Worn washer in the spigot assemblies. Frost damage from pipe freezes.
How do you fix a faucet handle?
0:402:02Stop Faucet Handle Leaking - How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet ValveYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the new valve in place reinstall the mounting nut until it is hand tight. Then give it anotherMoreWith the new valve in place reinstall the mounting nut until it is hand tight. Then give it another quarter to half turn with the lock jaw pliers. Next replace the bonnet. Fit on the handle.
How do I fix a single handle faucet?
0:402:56How to Repair a Leaky Single Handle Cartridge Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next you willMoreFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next you will need to remove the single lever handle. This may require using an allen wrench to loosen the handle.
How much does a plumber charge to replace an outdoor spigot?
Plumber Cost to Install a New Outdoor Water Spigot For most small jobs, plumbers charge a flat rate of $100 to $300 which includes both materials and labor. For larger projects that require new pipes, demolition or that might exceed an hour and a half, expect to pay $45 to $65 per hour.
How do I change a water spigot handle?
Here's how:Find the screw holding the handle to the faucet and unscrew it.Take the broken handle into a local hardware store so you can match the size.Screw the new handle onto the faucet.Test the handle to ensure your new faucet handle is working properly.
How do you replace an outdoor faucet stem?
0:073:59Repair Outdoor Faucet - traditional style - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe same you take out that lower nut and the entire stem. And handle will unscrew with it and on theMoreThe same you take out that lower nut and the entire stem. And handle will unscrew with it and on the bottom you can see the two nuts here yep. You've got a washer held in with the screw.
What is a packing nut?
The packing nut is the part of the valve that provides a watertight seal around the valve stem, and usually, a leaking shut-off valve is the fault of a problem with the packing nut.
Why is my bathroom faucet leaking at the base?
When it becomes worn or cracked, water can seep down along the faucet body and out the bottom when the valve is turned on. Less commonly, leaks in this area can be caused by an inner cartridge that has become worn. If fixing the O-ring doesn't help, you may need to replace the valve cartridge, as well.
Why does my tap leak at the base?
One of the most common causes of a dripping tap is a worn-out washer, the small ring in your tap that helps stop the water flow. Another is a damaged O-ring that can cause water to leak around the spout base. The best way to deal with a leaking tap is to fix it immediately.
How do you fix a leaky faucet stem?
0:001:48How to Repair a Leaky Faucet Stem - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need aMoreMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need a crescent wrench or a pair of pliers. Once. You have the stem removed.
Why is my kitchen faucet handle leaking?
Continuous leak when faucet is off: When the faucet is off, water leaks from under the handle area. With this issue, dirt and debris have collected in the valve/cartridge which prevents the valve from properly controlling the flow of water. The valve/cartridge is located under the handle.
How do I fix a leaking faucet handle?
First, turn off your water supply at the valve under the sink and open the faucet to drain any water from the pipe. When the water’s stopped, remove the faucet handle.
What does it mean when a faucet leaks under the handle?
If you notice a leak under the handle of your faucet, you may have a faulty seat washer. Purchase a leak repair kit for your particular type or brand of faucet, follow the instructions, and use the included parts to take care of this type of leak.
What is the O ring on a faucet?
The “O” ring is a piece of rubber that sits under the headgear nut. A damaged “O” ring is the cause of a leaky faucet handle. Stretch the ring off the spout and pull it out of the faucet. Keep the “O” ring in case you need it to identify what size replacement ring you will need. [7]
Why does my faucet make a dripping noise?
The annoying drip of a leaky faucet handle can cause higher water bills and make an irritating dripping noise. Luckily, it's quite an easy problem to fix yourself. A leaking handle is normally caused by a damaged “O” ring inside the faucet.
How to stop water from gushing out of faucet?
This will stop water from gushing out of your faucet when you unscrew it later. Press the off switch on your water main box to turn off the water. Alternatively, look under your sink for a small valve.
How to put an O ring on a spout?
The new “O” ring needs to go in the same place that the original was sitting. Place the “O” ring on top of the spout and use your fingers to push the “O” ring down onto the spout. "O" rings can stretch if they've been in use for a long time.
How to stop O ring from leaking?
Spray plumbers grease over the “O” ring and spout. Plumbers grease will help to stop the “O” ring from being damaged. Make sure to spray the grease over all the surfaces on the “O” ring as well as the spout. Plumbers grease can be purchased from a hardware store.
How to Repair a Leaky Frost-Proof Faucet
Here are step-by-step instructions for how to repair a frost-proof faucet that’s leaking from a worn-out O-ring or washer.
Final Thoughts
Trust us, repairing a frost-free faucet looks much more complicated than it actually is.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help repairing or installing a frost-proof outdoor faucet.
