Leaky Outdoor Faucet? Take Control With A Shut Off Valve (DIY Guide)
Is your outdoor faucet dripping constantly, even when turned off? Do you cringe each time you see water pooling below it, knowing your water bill is rising? Don't despair - that leak can be stopped with the use of a shut off valve.
A shut off valve allows you to take control of the water supply to an outdoor faucet. Locating and turning off the valve is an essential first step before repairing a leaky outdoor tap. With the water supply off, you can then inspect the faucet, replace any worn washers or gaskets, and stop the leak for good. Here's a DIY guide to finding and using your outdoor faucet's shut off valve.
Locating the Mysterious Shut Off Valve
The first challenge is actually tracking down where the shut off valve is hiding. These valves can be tucked away in a few potential spots:
- Right next to the outdoor faucet itself
- In the garage or basement, near the main water lines
- Close to the exterior wall where the outdoor faucet is mounted
Start your search by tracing the water lines back from the outdoor faucet. In some cases you may be able to follow the pipe as it leads into the basement or garage wall. The shut off valve is often installed directly on the main water supply line that branches off to your various outdoor spigots.
Identifying the Valve
Once you've located the general area, you need to spot the valve itself. Shut off valves come in a few common types:
- Gate valve: A round handle that lifts up to turn on/off
- Ball valve: A lever or knob that rotates 90 degrees
- Globe valve: A round handle on the top of the valve body
Scan nearby pipes for these valve shapes, and look for one positioned on the pipe leading closest to the outdoor faucet exhibiting the leak. The shut off valve may even be helpfully labelled with a tag saying "Water Shut Off".
Turning Off the Tricky Valve
Once you've identified the water shut off valve, it's go time. First, ensure the outdoor faucet is turned on fully. Then give the valve a turn clockwise until it stops and won't turn any further. This closes the valve and stops water from flowing through. If you have an old-style valve without a knob or handle, grab it with pliers and grip the square shaft tightly to turn clockwise.
Test Shut Off and Check for Leaks
After closing the shut off valve, go back to the outdoor faucet and turn it on to verify water is no longer flowing. At the same time, check around the valve itself to make sure no water is leaking out from around the stem. If the valve is dripping, tighten it a bit more to stop the leak. A faulty shut off valve may need to be replaced.
Repair the Dripping Faucet
Now that you've shut off the water supply, you can safely take apart the leaky outdoor faucet and inspect its inner parts. Look for any washers that are cracked or worn down, corroded valve seats, damaged pipe threads, and mineral buildup. Replace any gaskets or washers that are worn out. Scrub away any grit, corrosion, or scale on the faucet components. Assemble the faucet again, tightening all parts gently but firmly.
Restore the Water Flow
After successfully completing the faucet repair, you can gradually turn the water back on. Slowly turn the shut off valve counterclockwise to let water start flowing in the pipes again. Initially, some sputtering may occur as air is purged from the lines. Once the water is on, check the outdoor faucet and valves one more time for any additional leaks. Let the water run for a few minutes to flush out any loose sediment.
With some periodic maintenance and cold weather preparation, you can avoid future leaks:
- In climates with freezing winters, shut off and drain the outdoor plumbing before the cold hits.
- Replace internal washers and gaskets regularly as part of routine upkeep.
- Insulate exposed exterior pipes and faucets from temperature extremes.
- Install frost-proof faucets that allow water to drain out easily.
Armed with the knowledge of where to find the shut off valve and how to use it, you'll be prepared next time your outdoor faucet starts drizzling. Shutting off the water supply yourself lets you control the situation and make timely repairs.