Have you recently discovered a leaky hose bib in your home? Whether it’s caused by corrosion, a clogged pipe, or faulty plumbing components, fixing a pipe leak can be a lengthy process — one that can cost thousands of dollars.

If you have a hose bib on your property, leaky outdoor faucets can lead to major problems. If left untreated, small leaks can turn into giant vulnerabilities for outside faucets. In extreme cases, these leaks can open the door for outside contaminants, such as animals or bugs, to come into your home!

But fear not! We’ve created this easy-to-follow guide to teach you how to identify, fix, and prevent leaking hose bib. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.

Identify the Problem Area

To fix a hose bib leaking, first identify the problem area. If the leak is coming from the body of the faucet, then the problem is likely a faulty washer. If the leak is coming from the handle, then the problem is most likely a worn-out O-ring.

If the problem still persists, ask yourself, who is the best plumber near me for faucet repair?

Turn off the Water

To fix a leaky hose spigot, the first thing you need to do is locate the shut-off valve. This is usually located near the hose bib itself. Once you have found the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.

Remove the Handle

Next, remove the handle from the hose bib by unscrewing it. After you remove the handle, you’ll see the packing nut.

Check the Packing Nut

The packing nut is what holds the packing material in place, it may be loose or damaged. To fix this, simply tighten the packing nut with a wrench. If the packing nut is already tight and there is still a leak, then the problem may be with the washer.

If the packing material is old and brittle, you will need to replace it. To do this, remove the old packing material and replace it with new packing material.

Replace the Stem Washer

Once you removed the packing nut, you can pull the stem out of the bib. Using a wrench, unscrew the stem. You may need to replace the stem if it is damaged.

Inspect the washer if it is deformed, cracked, or hardened. If so, then remove the washer or O-ring and replace it with a new one.

Be sure to put the new washer in the same orientation as the old one so that it seals properly. If you are unsure how to do this, consult a plumbing professional.

Reassemble the Hose Bib

Once you have the new O-rings and washers in place, you can reassemble the faucet. Just reverse the process above. Be sure to tighten everything securely so that there are no more leaks.

Leaking Hose Bib: Call a Plumber

This article has shown you how to fix a leaking hose bib. Check the washer, if it is damaged, you can replace it with a new one.

Sometimes the problem is the valve seat. If it is damaged, you can either replace it or sand it down so that it is smooth again.

If the leak persists, call a plumber. To prevent future leaks, make sure to regularly check your hose bibs for any signs of damage and repair or replace them as needed.

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