
How to Fix Your Faulty Spigot
- Turn off the Water Supply. Before you do anything, turn off your water supply. ...
- Let out any Excess or Accumulated Water or Pressure. You’ll likely have water or pressure left in the pipes after you have turned off the mains/water meter.
- Loosen the Packing Nut. The packing nut is located underneath the handle. ...
- Remove the Spigot’s Valve. Once you loosen the packing nut, remove the tap’s valve stem from the metal housing. ...
- Restore the Washer. Once you pull out the valve, the washer is located at the bottom of the stem. You should remove it using a flat screwdriver.
- Change the Packing Nut. If you notice water dripping from the spigot’s handle, change the packing nut. ...
- Put the Valve Back. Now, it’s time to put the valve stem back into the faucet housing. ...
- Turn on the Water Mains. You are one. Turn on the water mains or your water meter to let water back into the pipes. ...
- Double-check for Leaks. It’s always good to double-check your work. ...
How to repair an outside spigot?
How To Repair Outside Spigot.The valve stem will look similar to the one in the picture (it may be shorter) If the problem is only a small amount of water dripping from the handle, you might be able to fix it by tightening the packing nut.
How to replace spigot?
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How to replace exterior spigot?
- Three-quarter inch (minimum) inside diameter supply pipes to each sill cock. ...
- Either an approved vacuum breaker that permanently attaches to standard sill cocks (step 11) or a sill cock with the feature built in (step 7) to prevent siphoning.
- A shutoff valve, also called a “stop” valve, to serve each sill cock. ...
How to repair a leaking water spigot?
Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Removing the Screws from the Faucet
- Turn off the main water supply. This will stop water from gushing out of your faucet when you unscrew it later.
- Turn on the faucet you are fixing. This will allow the water in the pipes to run out. ...
- Pull or lever off the decorative cap. ...
- Unscrew the headgear nut using a spanner. ...
- Apply penetrating oil to the screw if it is not turning easily. ...

How do you fix an outside water spigot?
0:312:35How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the old washer to a plumbing supply store to make sure you're replacing it with the right oneMoreTake the old washer to a plumbing supply store to make sure you're replacing it with the right one put the new washer back inside the packing nut and retighten.
Do you need a plumber to replace outdoor spigot?
Replacing and installing an outdoor faucet is not just a quick handyperson job. It's a good idea to hire a licensed, bonded and insured plumber for the work, which should only take a few hours unless there are unseen problems.
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 you take apart an outdoor spigot?
2:278:11How to Rebuild a Hose Spigot | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're going to see just what's going on inside. So let's see if we can get this apart with someMoreAnd we're going to see just what's going on inside. So let's see if we can get this apart with some water pump pliers. For good measure i'm going to hold back with a wrench.
What are the parts of an outdoor faucet called?
The 9 Parts of an Outdoor FaucetSupply Pipe. Although the supply pipe isn't a direct component of the outdoor faucet itself, you can't get water without it. ... Wall Mount. ... Faucet Housing and Spigot. ... Valve Seat. ... Stem Washer. ... Spindle (Stem) ... Packing Washer. ... Packing (Bonnet) Nut.More items...•
How do you replace a valve stem on an outside faucet?
0:172:54How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet that has a Frost-Free Valve StemYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow remove the handle by unscrewing the screw that holds it in place behind the handle you'll find aMoreNow remove the handle by unscrewing the screw that holds it in place behind the handle you'll find a packing nut turning counterclockwise use a wrench to undo the packing nut.
What is the difference between a faucet and spigot?
Faucet is the most common term in the US, similar in use to "tap" in British English, e.g. "water faucet" (although the term "tap" is also used in the US). Spigot is used by professionals in the trade (such as plumbers), and typically refers to an outdoor fixture.
Why does my outside spigot leak?
Outside spigots leaking are typically caused by a malfunction, that arises over time or is due to damage of some sort. Causes of outside spigots leaking include: Loose packing nut. Worn-out washers in the spigot assemblies.
How to Fix a Leaky Hose Spigot - This Old House
Fix Leaks at the Garden Hose Spigot (DIY) - Family Handyman
How to get water back into a spigot?
You are one. Turn on the water mains or your water meter to let water back into the pipes. Next, turn on the spigot and let it run for a couple of minutes. This releases any air pressure that built up while you were fixing the spigot.
What to do if water dripping from spigot?
If you notice water dripping from the spigot’s handle, change the packing nut. It’s also wise to replace the nut if you haven’t adequately serviced the tap in a while.
Why does my outdoor spigot leak?
Outdoor spigots typically start leaking when the packing or seat washers wear out. These washers are located around the spigot’s handle. You’ll need to remove the faulty washer and replace it with a new one. Here’s an easy 9-stey by step guide to fixing your faulty spigot:
How much water is wasted from leaking spigots?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), water leaks lead to over 1 trillion gallons of water wasted annually nationwide . Consider how much leaking spigots contribute to this statistic, and you know you have a problem to deal with right away.
How to remove a tap stem?
To remove the stem, you’ll need to hold the spigot and water pipe that supplies water and turn both counterclockwise. In some taps, all you need to do is pull the valve firmly.
Steps for fixing a leaky hose spigot
1. Richard explains that in most circumstances, a leaky hose spigot will leak from one of two places: the bonnet, or the spout.
Resources
The spare washer kit, teflon tape, and spigot repair tools can all be found at home centers and plumbing supply houses.
Where does a spigot fail?
Richard explains that there are two places a spigot usually fails—the bonnet and the stem— and shows how to easily stop the leak and extend the life of your spigot.
Can a washer spigot freeze?
With your average spigot, the washer sits on the outside of the house, so in the winter, water is prone to freezing if it is not shut off and drained. Instead, Richard advises using a frostproof spigot.
What is an Anti-Siphon Spigot and How to Identify
Anti siphon spigots are commonly used in locations where temperatures stay below freezing during the winter months. They are more than just the spigot that you see from the exterior of the home and actually have a tube with a rod inside that goes into your house and extends beyond the insulation.
What is an Inline Spigot and How to Identify
Inline spigots have water that flows right to the handle itself and and can freeze and crack your pipes in the winter if you don’t winterize your lines.
How to fix a spigot that won't turn?
Spray more lubricant if you still can't turn it. Hold the spigot steady with a pair of adjustable pliers if you have to bear down on a problem nut frozen by corrosion.
What is spigot valve?
Spigots have a basic compression valve that tightens a washer onto the valve seat when you turn the handle . Leaks happen when the washer or the packing around the handle wears out. To replace either of these worn components, you have to remove the packing nut.
How long is a spigot?
The spigot that rests on the outside of your building is actually a pipe that's between eight and 16 inches long. On the end of the pipe is a “male” threaded connection. Using a pipe wrench, turn your spigot counterclockwise to unthread the connection to the water line (Image 2).
What type of plastic is used for spigots?
A Word on Water Supply Lines. The pipes running to your spigot are either copper, PVC plastic (white or yellow) or PEX plastic (blue and red). Copper pipes are rigid. They'll make unscrewing your spigot relatively easy because they won't move while you’re unscrewing a fixture.
What to do when disconnecting a pipe?
Shut Off Water. The first thing you need to do when disconnecting a pipe is to shut off the water to the house. Water is constantly flowing from the municipal pipe at the street to your house; stopping that flow of water will keep things dry while you work on your plumbing project.
Can you cut PEX line above a spigot?
If you’re replacing a spigot and your house water lines are PEX, you may want to simply cut the PEX line just above the spigot. Once the line is cut, add a “female” threaded shark-bit fitting and twist on your new spigot. At one point or another, you are going to have to replace an outside hose spigot.
What to do if spigot is leaking from handle?
The solution for this is tightening the loose nut or replacing the worn out washer.
What does it mean when a spigot leaks?
If you spigot is leaking all the time (through the spigot spout), it is a sign that the valve seat washer is worn out. This washer is usually located at the front of the spigot stem, connected to it using a Philips screw.

How Do You Keep Outdoor Spigots from Freezing in Winter?
Steps For Replacing A Spigot
- Shut off the water supply.
- Go inside and find the line that goes to the spigot.
- Cut the pipe in an accessible place. Use a bucket to catch any remaining water.
- Remove the spigot and pull the pipe out.
Resources
- Richard replaced the existing spigot with a ½” x 12” Brass MPT x SWT Heavy Duty Frost Free Anti-Siphon Outdoor Faucet Hydrant, which is manufactured by Prier Productsand can be found at most home centers. The other tools and materials Richard needed, both for soldering the new valve and repairing the old one, can all be found at home centers and plumbing supply stores.
Materials