Regain Control of Your Outdoor Water with a Spigot Repair

Having an outdoor faucet that won't shut off completely can be incredibly frustrating. You turn the handle expecting the water to stop flowing, but it continues leaking out no matter how hard you crank it closed. A spinning spigot handle that lacks control over the flow of water is a common issue many homeowners face. Thankfully, with a bit of handywork and replacement parts, you can often restore a faulty outdoor spigot to full working order.

With the right knowledge and a few basic tools, you can regain complete control over your outdoor faucet and finally stop those stubborn leaks.

Signs Your Outdoor Faucet Needs Repair

Here are some of the most common signs that the valve inside your outdoor spigot is failing and allowing the handle to freely turn:

• The handle spins freely but water continues flowing out
• Water leaks from the spigot even when the handle is turned to the off position
• The handle is completely stuck and impossible to turn on/off
• There is visible corrosion or damage around valve components

Issues like these indicate it's time to take a closer look at the inner workings of your outdoor faucet and make any necessary repairs.

Causes of a Faulty Outdoor Spigot

When your outdoor spigot handle refuses to control the flow of water properly, the underlying issue is almost always located inside the faucet valve itself. Here are some of the most common causes of a defective outdoor spigot.

Worn Threads

The valve stem is threaded into the faucet housing, and these threads are what hold everything in place. Over many seasons of use and exposure to the elements, these threads can become worn and compromised. With enough thread wear, the connection loosens, preventing the valve stem from sealing off the water supply completely when closed.

Leaky Washers and Packing

Rubber or plastic washers and packing material inside the faucet body help seal off water within the valve when it's shut. If these components are cracked, warped, or have otherwise deteriorated, water can leak through the compromised areas. This allows water to flow out even with the valve technically closed.

Frozen or Damaged Valve

In climates where winter temperatures dip below freezing, any water trapped within the faucet can freeze and expand. This tremendous internal force can distort the valve seat and damage other internal components. A frozen valve may become stuck, or once thawed, it may fail to seal correctly due to damage.

How to Repair a Faulty Outdoor Spigot

Repairing a malfunctioning outdoor spigot valve to stop water from flowing out of control involves a few key steps:

Turn Off Water Supply

Before taking anything apart, locate the shutoff valve inside your home that controls water flow to your outdoor faucets. Turning this main valve off is crucial - otherwise, you'll have a major leak on your hands!

Remove Handle and Inspect Valve

With the water off, remove any decorative handles, escutcheons, and the retaining nut around the valve stem. This allows you to fully access the valve components. Inspect for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.

Replace Worn Parts

If the valve body itself appears intact, you may be able to simply replace worn washers, stem packing, or the entire valve stem to restore normal operation. Use plumbing-grade grease during reassembly to lubricate parts and prevent future freezing.

Consider Full Spigot Replacement

For frost-free sillcocks or valves that are too damaged to repair, replacing the entire outdoor faucet may be the best solution. This often requires soldering to install new copper pipes. In such cases, hiring a professional plumber is advisable.

Turn Water Back On and Test

Once any necessary repairs are complete, slowly turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. Verify that the handle once again fully controls water flow as intended.

Prevent Future Spigot Issues

With proper ongoing maintenance and care, you can avoid many of the most common outdoor spigot issues:

• Lubricate o-rings and seals regularly to prevent drying/cracking
• Insulate pipes and use heat tape in cold climates to avoid freezing
• Act quickly when problems occur to limit further damage

Replacing washers and valves before they fail completely will maximize the lifespan of your outdoor faucet.

An outdoor spigot with a freely spinning handle can often be repaired with some basic maintenance. Start by identifying the underlying cause, like worn threads, damaged seals, or a stuck valve. Replace any deteriorated rubber or plastic washers, packing, or valve stems as needed to restore watertight integrity. For more severely damaged valves, a full faucet replacement may be required. With the proper parts and knowledge, most homeowners can tackle outdoor spigot repairs themselves.

Stopping those uncontrolled and annoying leaks from a stubborn outdoor faucet is very satisfying. Follow the steps outlined above, take it slow, and be methodical during disassembly to properly diagnose and fix the problem. A fully functioning outdoor spigot will make watering your lawn, washing down patio furniture, or detailing your car much easier this coming spring and summer.