How to Fix a Dripping Outdoor Faucet

A dripping outdoor faucet is an easy problem to ignore, but that constant drip wastes a surprising amount of water and, in cold weather, can lead to a frozen, burst pipe. The good news is that fixing a dripping outdoor faucet is one of the simplest plumbing repairs you can do, usually with just a wrench, a screwdriver, and a few inexpensive parts.

This guide walks you through exactly why your outdoor faucet drips and how to stop it for good, whether the leak is from the spout or around the handle.

Why Outdoor Faucets Drip

Outdoor faucets face heavy use and harsh weather, so they wear out in a few predictable ways:

• Worn washer: A hardened or cracked rubber washer is the number one cause of a drip from the spout.
• Damaged O-ring or packing: A worn seal around the stem lets water leak from the handle when the faucet is open.
• Corroded valve seat: Mineral buildup on the seat prevents the washer from forming a tight seal.
• Loose packing nut: The nut around the stem can loosen over time and weep water.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Replacement washers and O-rings
• Plumber’s grease
• White vinegar
• PTFE (plumber’s) tape
• Cloth

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Dripping Outdoor Faucet

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

Locate the shutoff valve that feeds the outdoor faucet, usually inside your home, and turn it off. Open the faucet to drain any remaining water and release pressure.

Step 2: Remove the Handle and Stem

Unscrew the handle screw and lift the handle off. Then loosen the packing nut and unscrew the stem assembly, holding the faucet body steady so you don’t strain the pipe.

Step 3: Replace the Washer

At the end of the stem you will find the rubber washer held by a screw. Remove it and fit an exact-match replacement. A worn washer is the cause of most spout drips.

Step 4: Replace the O-ring and Clean the Seat

Swap the O-ring around the stem if water leaks from the handle, and wipe the valve seat clean, soaking limescale in white vinegar so the new washer seals tightly.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Apply a little plumber’s grease to the new parts, wrap PTFE tape around the threads, reassemble in reverse, then turn the water back on slowly and check that the drip is gone.

Pro Tips to Prevent This Problem

• In cold climates, drain the outdoor faucet and fit an insulated cover before winter to prevent freeze damage.
• Take the old washer and O-ring to the store to match the exact size.
• Keep a few spare washers on hand, as they are the part that wears out most often.

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if the faucet body is cracked from frost, the connecting pipe is corroded, or you can’t locate or close the shutoff valve. A frost-damaged faucet or pipe in particular needs prompt professional repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my outdoor faucet keep dripping?

A worn rubber washer inside the faucet is almost always the cause. Replacing this cheap part usually stops the drip completely.

Water leaks from the handle, not the spout, why?

That points to a worn O-ring or packing around the stem. Replacing the seal and snugging the packing nut stops the leak.

How do I protect my outdoor faucet in winter?

Drain it before freezing weather arrives and fit an insulated faucet cover. An indoor shutoff valve makes it easy to isolate and drain the line.

Final Thoughts

A dripping outdoor faucet is usually fixed with nothing more than a fresh washer and O-ring, a little PTFE tape, and ten minutes of work. Shut off the water, swap the worn parts, clean the seat, and reassemble. Take a moment to protect the faucet before winter, too, and you will save water now and avoid a frozen, burst pipe later.