No Water Coming Out of Your Outdoor Faucet? Fix it in 3 Easy Steps
Having an outdoor faucet that doesn't work can be incredibly frustrating. You go to water your garden or wash your car, only to find no water comes out when you turn the handle. Don't worry - in most cases, it's an easy DIY fix. By following three simple troubleshooting steps, you can quickly get your outdoor faucet working again.
There are a few common reasons an outdoor spigot may stop flowing. Debris like rust flakes or mineral buildup could be clogging the faucet. The shut-off valve inside your house leading to the outdoor faucet may be closed. Or if you left a hose attached over winter, frozen water in the pipes could be blocking flow. Pinpointing the cause is half the battle - and it only takes a few easy tests to diagnose the problem.
Step 1: Check for Debris in the Faucet
The first thing to check is if debris inside the faucet itself is blocking water flow. Start by turning off the water supply to the outdoor spigot using the indoor shut-off valve. Then, unscrew the faucet handle and remove the bonnet nut to access the faucet's inner workings.
Examine the rubber washers and the valve seat inside the faucet for any debris. You may find hard water mineral deposits, rust flakes from old pipes, or fragments of an old washer stuck in the valve preventing proper water flow. Run some water through the valve while brushing it with a small wire brush or pipe cleaner to dislodge any stuck debris and flush it out.
Preventing Debris Buildup
To help prevent debris issues, make sure washers are installed properly and replace them at the first sign of wear. Regularly flush outdoor faucets by running the water for a few minutes, especially after periods of disuse. This can clear sediment before it has a chance to accumulate.
Step 2: Check the Shut-Off Valve
If the faucet components appear clear, the next thing to check is whether the shut-off valve inside your house is closed. This valve controls water supply to the outdoor spigot. Locate it wherever your main water lines enter the house - usually the basement, garage, or a utility closet.
Confirm the valve is turned fully counter-clockwise to the open position. Try gently turning the valve off and back on again to ensure it isn't stuck. Also check that water is flowing properly to other fixtures. If outdoor faucet flow improves after opening the shut-off valve, you've found the culprit.
Replacing Faulty Shut-Off Valves
If the indoor shut-off valve is very stiff and difficult to turn, the valve mechanism is likely worn out and needs replacement. Hardware stores sell replacement valves for about $10-15. Installing a new valve requires turning off main water supply and cutting out the old valve before soldering in the new one.
Step 3: Check for Frozen Pipes
In cold climates, leaving a hose connected to an outdoor faucet during winter can cause pipes to freeze. This blocks water flow even when the faucet is turned on. Check for icy buildup on exposed pipes near the outdoor spigot, which indicates they may be frozen.
Trying to turn the faucet handle when pipes are frozen will feel stiff and resistant. Thaw frozen pipes by warming the area, insulating pipes to prevent re-freezing, and gradually restoring water flow. If pipes have burst, call a plumber to inspect and replace damaged sections.
Prevent pipes from freezing again by detaching any hoses before winter and insulating vulnerable spots. Installing a frost-proof sillcock faucet with the valve in the heated interior of your home is ideal for cold climates.
In most cases, a non-working outdoor faucet just requires following these simple troubleshooting steps to get your water flowing again. But if you've tried these DIY fixes and the problem persists, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Fixing an outdoor spigot yourself is gratifying - and avoids the hassle of waiting and paying for repairs.