Outdoor Faucet Leaking When Turned Off? Tips To Diagnose and Repair It
Finding water dripping from your outdoor faucet even after you've shut it off can be incredibly frustrating. A leaky outdoor spigot that continues flowing after it's been turned off is usually indicative of an underlying issue that requires repair. Identifying the specific cause and properly fixing it is crucial to stopping the leak and preventing further problems down the road.
Read on to finally stop the maddening drip-drip-drip coming from your exterior spigot after you've closed the valve.
What Causes Outdoor Faucets to Leak When Turned Off?
There are a few typical culprits behind outdoor faucets that won't stop dripping after being shut off:
- Worn out internal washers or seats
- Damaged supply lines
- Loose packing nut
- Frost damage and frozen pipes
Let's look at each of these common causes in more detail.
Worn Out Internal Washers or Seats
Faucet washers and seats are rubber gaskets inside the faucet assembly that help create a watertight seal when the valve is closed. Over time, these components become compressed and no longer seal properly, allowing water to continue dripping out the spout after shutting off the faucet.
Signs that the internal washers or seats need replacing include water leaking from the spout when turned off, difficulty fully shutting off the water flow, and the faucet handle feeling loose and not operating smoothly.
Damaged Supply Lines
The pipes supplying water to your outdoor faucet can become cracked or damaged over years of exposure to weather and temperature fluctuations. This allows water to leak out even with the faucet handle in the off position.
You may notice persistent wet spots around the faucet foundation, leaking near where the supply line connects, or other signs of water escaping from damaged supply pipes. Freezing temperatures that can cause pipes to burst are often the culprit.
Loose Packing Nut
The packing nut is a threaded ring around the faucet stem that holds the washer in place inside the faucet body. If this nut becomes loose, water can leak out around the stem while the faucet is closed.
A loose packing nut should be suspected if water drips from the spout and handle area when the faucet is off. You may be able to give the nut an extra tightening with pliers to stop the drip if it's just mildly loose.
Frost Damage and Frozen Pipes
In cold climates, failing to winterize outdoor faucets can lead to frozen pipes and cracked or burst supply lines. The resultant damage means water will leak out regardless of whether the faucet is open or closed.
Preventing freeze damage by insulating vulnerable pipes and valves for winter is key. But freezing temperatures can still take their toll over time, eventually causing leaks.
How to Diagnose the Source of the Leak
Figuring out why your outdoor faucet is still dripping after it's shut off involves a process of elimination:
- Inspect washers and seats for wear and age.
- Check supply lines for cracks or damage.
- Test tightness of packing nut.
- Determine if frozen pipes may be an issue.
Start by shutting off the water supply to the faucet and disassembling it to examine the internal washers and seats. Look for cracks, wear, deformation, or deterioration. Replace any faulty-looking components.
Next, inspect the supply pipes for potential cracks or damages, especially near joints and connections. Also check for signs of water stains or moisture near the foundation.
Try giving the packing nut an extra tightening with pliers. If the leak persists, the nut may need replacing.
Finally, if you live where frozen pipes are prevalent, check for signs of frost damage. Thaw any suspected frozen sections and examine thoroughly before replacing damaged portions.
Fixing Common Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Once you've diagnosed the problem, it's time to stop the leak. Here are tips for repairing some of the most common causes of dripping exterior faucets:
Replacing Internal Washers and Seats
Replacing worn internal washers and seats is straightforward with basic tools. Start by shutting off the water supply and opening the faucet to drain any remaining water. Then disassemble the faucet to access the internal components.
Look for washers and seats that are cracked, warped, or misshapen. Use pliers to remove the old pieces and insert new replacements of the correct size and shape. Make sure the new washers seat properly into place before reassembling.
Tightening Packing Nut
Try tightening the packing nut first before attempting a full replacement. Use pliers or a wrench to give it several turns clockwise to create a tighter seal around the faucet stem.
Be careful not to overtighten, which can damage the faucet. If tightening doesn't solve the leak, the packing nut may need replacing.
Fixing Damaged Supply Lines
For minor cracks and leaks in supply pipes, you can often temporarily stop the drip using leak repair tape. Thoroughly clean and dry the area, then wrap tape around the crack in the direction of the flow. This can buy some time before fully replacing the damaged section.
For more significant pipe damage, it's best to replace the affected portion of supply line. Measure and cut out the damaged section before installing a compatible new pipe piece using compression fittings.
Repairing Freeze Damage
Repairing a leak caused by frozen pipes starts with thawing the affected pipes using a hair dryer or heating pad. Then inspect for cracks or bursts. Replace any visibly damaged sections of pipe.
Prevention is also key. In cold climates, always winterize outdoor faucets by shutting off valves, opening spigots to drain remaining water, and insulating vulnerable pipes and valves.
When to Call a Plumber
While many outdoor faucet leaks can be repaired DIY, it's best to contact a professional plumber if:
- The leak persists after multiple repair attempts
- There are signs of extensive pipe damage
- You're unable to locate the property's shutoff valve
- The leak is in a hard-to-access location
A licensed plumber has the skills and experience to fully diagnose and fix stubborn faucet leaks you may be unable to handle on your own.
Preventing Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Regular maintenance and preventative measures go a long way towards avoiding problematic leaks from exterior faucets. Here are some tips:
- Inspect washers and seats annually before winter.
- Always disconnect hoses and drain pipes before freezing temps.
- Insulate vulnerable pipes and valves.
- Install a freeze-proof faucet model.
- Replace washers/packing nuts every 3-5 years.
- Immediately repair any minor drips or cracks noticed.
Catching small leaks early and performing preventative winterizing steps can help your outdoor faucets remain drip-free season after season.
While dealing with an outdoor faucet that drips after being turned off can be a headache, identifying the source of the problem and repairing it using the proper methods is usually within a homeowner's DIY capabilities. Paying attention to routine faucet maintenance and winterizing your exterior water fixtures can also help avoid the issue in the first place.
You can keep your outdoor faucet leak-free with some plumbing know-how.