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Why Is My Outside Faucet Leaking? Common Causes Explained
A leaking outside faucet might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water and drive up your utility bills. Worse, persistent leaks may point to hidden plumbing issues that can escalate over time if left unchecked.
Whether your outside faucet only leaks when it’s on or drips constantly, identifying the source of the problem is the first step toward fixing it.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons why outdoor faucet leaks happen, how to troubleshoot yourself, and when to call in the professionals at Eck Services for reliable plumbing repairs in Wichita and the surrounding areas of South Central Kansas.
10 Common Causes of Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Outdoor faucets, also known as spigots or hose bibs, are exposed to the elements year-round. Over time, weather and water pressure can wear down the faucet, leading to quicker deterioration and issues.
Here are the most common causes of a leaking outside faucet and what they might mean for your plumbing system:
1. Damaged Faucet Washers
Faucet washers are small rubber or silicone components that form a seal when the faucet is turned off. Over time, these washers can degrade due to water friction, hard mineral buildup, or general wear and tear. A worn-out washer often causes a leaking water spout, especially when the faucet is turned off.
Signs of a Damaged Washer
- Steady dripping from the faucet when off
- Water is pooling near the spout
- Squeaking sounds when turning the handle.
Quick Fix:
Replace the washer inside the faucet assembly. It's a simple, affordable DIY task that requires only basic tools.
2. Loose Packing Nuts
The packing nut is located just behind the faucet handle and helps seal water from leaking around the stem. Over time, it can loosen from use, temperature fluctuations, or vibration, allowing water to seep out around the handle.
Look Out For:
- Moisture or dripping near the handle
- Water is running down the wall when the faucet is on
- Handle wobbles slightly when turned
Quick Fix:
Turn off the water supply by locating the shut-off valve. Carefully remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver or wrench. Then, tighten the packing nut clockwise with a wrench, being careful not to over-tighten. Once tight, reattach the faucet handle and turn on the water.
3. Loose Connections
Leaks also occur at connection points, such as where the faucet threads onto the pipe or where a hose connects. These connections between the spigot and pipes can loosen over time due to ground settling or freezing temperature cycles. This creates gaps where water can escape and cause significant leaks.
Signs of Loose Connections:
- Water is spraying from the hose connection
- Dripping behind the faucet
- Mold or mildew near the connection point
Quick Fix:
Tighten the connections with a wrench, but avoid over-tightening, which can strip threads.
4. Worn-Out O-Ring
The O-ring is a rubber ring that helps create a watertight seal within the faucet. Like washers, O-rings can become brittle or cracked due to heat, cold, or aging, which makes it harder to keep water out.
Signs of a Worn-Out O-Ring:
- Leaks near the handle stem
- Irregular water flow
- The handle feels stiff or hard to turn
Quick Fix:
Replace the O-ring with one that matches your faucet model. This typically requires disassembling the handle assembly, which is best to contact a professional plumber for.
5. Inadequate Winterization
Kansas’ freezing winters and high winds require adequate winterization to protect your outdoor faucet from curious damage. Avoid leaving hoses or other attachments connected to faucets during freezing temperatures.
This causes water to be trapped in the pipe, which can freeze, expand, and crack the fittings or the faucet body itself, resulting in a leaky outside faucet.
Symptoms of Freeze Damage:
- Cracks in the faucet or pipe
- Sudden leak in spring when water is turned back on
- The faucet leaks even when shut off
Prevention Tip:
Always disconnect hoses before winter and shut off the indoor valve to outdoor faucets. Additionally, consider installing a frost-proof spigot.
6. High Water Pressure
Excessively high water pressure can strain your outdoor faucet and its internal components, especially over time. If the pressure regularly exceeds 80 PSI, it can cause washers, O-rings, and seals to fail prematurely.
Look Out For:
- Water sprays or sputters when turned on
- Dripping continues after shut-off
- Leaks appear intermittently
Prevention Tip:
Consider installing a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) if your home’s pressure is consistently high. It’s important to have a professional plumber test and adjust it to safe levels.
7. Pipe Corrosion
Metal pipes, especially galvanized steel or older copper lines common in older homes, can corrode over time. This corrosion weakens joints and fittings, eventually leading to an outside faucet leak behind the wall or near the faucet connection.
Signs of Corroded Pipes:
- Discoloration or rust around the faucet base
- Damp spots on walls or siding
- Visible flaking on pipe threads
Next Steps:
If corrosion is present, call a professional to inspect the plumbing system. You may need plumbing repair to replace damaged pipes before the issue worsens.
8. Faulty Faucet Valve
The faucet valve controls water flow and relies on internal components like washers, springs, and seats. If any part of this valve mechanism fails, the outdoor faucet may leak when off or be difficult to shut tightly.
Signs of Valve Failure:
- Water drips slowly even when the handle is tight
- The faucet makes hissing or squealing sounds
- Water continues to run briefly after shutting off
Solution:
A worn valve usually needs a professional valve stem or full faucet replacement. Call Eck Services at (620) 220-1752 or use our convenient online scheduler to stop the leak and fix it right.
9. Damaged Valve Seat
The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout and helps create a watertight seal when the faucet is turned off. Over time, mineral buildup or corrosion can damage the seat, preventing a tight seal and causing persistent leaks. This is one of the most common causes of an outside faucet leaking.
Signs of a Damaged Valve Seat:
- Constant dripping from the spout
- Worn or pitted metal inside the faucet body
- Difficulty shutting off the faucet completely
Quick Fix:
It’s important to clean the valve regularly to avoid sediment buildup and corrosion. However, once the valve is damaged, the seat may need to be reground or replaced entirely by a professional plumber.
10. Improper Installation
If the outdoor faucet was installed incorrectly or incompatible fittings were used, it can cause persistent outdoor faucet leaks that won’t go away, even after replacing parts.
Common Installation Mistakes:
- Incorrect pipe slope leading to water pooling
- Improper thread sealing or no Teflon tape
- Using indoor-rated faucets outdoors
Next Steps:
If your faucet is newly installed and leaking, it’s time to call a certified plumber. Professional emergency plumbing services can control water damage before it spreads.
Simple DIY Steps to Troubleshoot Your Outdoor Faucet Leak
Outdoor faucet leaks can be fixed without professional help, as long as you follow careful safety precautions and use the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before you begin any repair work, it’s essential to stop the water flow to prevent flooding or further damage.
Locate your home’s main water shutoff valve or the valve dedicated to outdoor faucets. Turn it clockwise until it stops to shut off the water.
Then, open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water and relieve pressure in the pipes.
Step 2: Check Your Packing Nut
Next, inspect the packing nut, which seals water around the faucet’s stem and prevents leaks near the handle.
Using an adjustable wrench, gently tighten the packing nut located just behind the faucet handle.
If the leak slows or stops, a loose packing nut was likely the cause. However, if tightening doesn’t fix the leak, the packing material inside might need to be replaced.
Step 3: Replace the Faucet Washer
To replace it, first remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the screw holding it in place. Then, unscrew the packing nut and carefully pull out the stem assembly.
Locate the washer at the bottom of the stem and replace it with a new one of the same size. For a better seal, apply plumber’s grease to the new washer before reassembling.
Step 4: Reassemble the Faucet
Once you’ve replaced the washer and checked other components, it’s time to put everything back together.
Reinsert the stem assembly into the faucet body, and tighten the packing nut gently but securely. Replace the handle and tighten its screw.
Finally, turn the water supply back on and test your faucet to see if the leak has stopped.
If your faucet continues to leak after these steps, it might indicate a more serious issue like valve seat damage or pipe corrosion. In that case, it’s best to contact professionals to fix a leaky outdoor faucet.
Still Leaking? It Might Be Time to Call Our Professional Plumbers
If you’ve tried these DIY fixes and your outdoor faucet is still leaking, it could be a sign of a more complex plumbing issue. Issues such as worn valve seats, corroded pipes, or faulty faucet valves typically require the right tools and expertise to be fixed properly. Trying to tackle these without professional help can sometimes make things worse.
At Eck Services, we understand how frustrating leaks can be. Our licensed plumbers are here to provide expert outdoor faucet repairs, quickly pinpointing the cause and getting things back to normal. If your leak becomes an emergency, we offer fast and reliable emergency plumbing services to prevent further damage to your home.
If you’re dealing with multiple plumbing headaches, whether it’s leaks in your faucets, toilets, or showers, we’ve got the full range of repairs covered. For drainage problems caused by pipe corrosion or clogs, our drain cleaning service can help restore smooth water flow outside.
When you need dependable plumbing repair in Wichita, Hutchinson, Pratt, Anthony, Kingman, Medicine Lodge, or Salina, KS, you can trust the friendly experts at Eck Services to handle it right the first time.
