How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Spigot in 15 Minutes

The Simple Fix for a Costly Drip

An outdoor spigot (also called a hose bibb) that constantly drips or sprays water from the handle is more than just an annoyance—it can spike your water bill and cause moisture damage to your home's foundation. Fortunately, you do not need to call a plumber or replace the entire faucet. In 90% of cases, the leak is caused by a degraded rubber washer or a loose packing nut, both of which can be fixed in under 15 minutes with a few basic tools.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Adjustable wrench (or slip-joint pliers)
• Multi-bit screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
• Assorted faucet washer kit (containing various sizes of rubber washers and screws)
• Teflon tape or graphite packing string (optional, for handle leaks)
• Rag

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

Before you touch any plumbing fixture, you must cut off the water. Look inside your basement, crawlspace, or utility closet directly behind where the outdoor spigot is located. You should find an indoor shut-off valve. Turn it clockwise to close it. If your home doesn't have an individual shut-off valve for the outdoor spigots, you will need to temporarily shut off your home's main water valve.

Step 2: Drain the Remaining Water

Once the water is shut off, turn the outdoor spigot handle fully counterclockwise. Let any trapped water drain out completely. This relieves pressure in the pipe and ensures you won't get sprayed when you disassemble the valve.

Step 3: Remove the Handle and Valve Stem

Use your screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the spigot's handle. Pull the handle straight off and set it aside. Next, fit your adjustable wrench onto the large hex nut (the packing nut) right behind where the handle was. Turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen it. Once it is loose, unscrew it fully and pull the entire valve stem assembly straight out of the spigot body.

Step 4: Replace the Worn Washer

Look at the very end of the valve stem you just removed. You will see a small, black rubber washer held in place by a brass screw. This washer creates the seal that stops water flow. Over time, it flattens and cracks. Use your screwdriver to remove the brass screw (if it is corroded, replace it with a new one from your kit). Pry off the old washer, find a matching size from your faucet washer kit, slide it onto the stem, and screw it firmly in place.

Step 5: Address Handle Leaks (Optional)

If your spigot was leaking from the handle itself when turned on, the issue lies with the packing. Wrap a few layers of graphite packing string or Teflon tape around the threads of the valve stem directly beneath the packing nut. This creates a fresh, watertight barrier around the rotating stem.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test Your Handiwork

Slide the valve stem back into the spigot body. Hand-tighten the packing nut clockwise, then use your adjustable wrench to snug it up—do not overtighten, as this can crack the internal components. Push the handle back onto the stem and secure it with its center screw. Turn your indoor water supply back on, then test the outdoor spigot by turning it on and off a few times. Your leak is now fully resolved!