How to Repair a Leaky Exterior Faucet

Prolonged use and age will eventually cause exterior faucets to develop drips. Cracked, damaged or deteriorated washers typically cause leaky faucets. Repair leaks in order to prevent water waste and elevated water bills. With a few basic tools, a faucet can be easily disassembled for replacing the washer.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Replacement packing washer
• Replacement compression washer

Instructions

1. Try tightening the packet nut first to stop the drip. The packing nut is directly behind the faucet handle, and if this is loose, it can cause dripping. Tighten the packing nut with a wrench. If this does not solve the drip, continue with disassembly.

2. Shut off the main water supply valve and open the faucet all the way to drain any standing water.

3. Loosen and unscrew the cap nut. The cap nut is located behind the packing nut and is screwed into the end of the main faucet body. Pull off the entire valve assembly, including the handle, packing nut and cap nut.

4. Loosen and unscrew the fastener at the front, center of the faucet handle. If the fastener is a nut, remove it with a wrench or ratchet. Use a screwdriver if it is a screw. Pull the handle off of the valve stem.

5. Unscrew the packing nut. Pull the nut off of the valve stem and turn it upside down to reveal the old packing washer.

6. Inspect the old packing washer and replace if it is damaged. Pry out the old washer with a flat-head screwdriver and snap in a replacement washer.

7. Inspect the compression washer on the other end of the valve stem. Replace the compression washer if it is damaged. The compression washer is held in place with a screw. Remove the screw, pull out the old washer, affix the new washer and insert and tighten the screw.

8. Place the packing nut back over valve stem and tighten. Replace the faucet handle and reattach the valve assembly to the faucet body. Hold the faucet body steady with one hand while you tighten the cap nut.

References

• video.bobvila.com: How to Repair a Dripping Outdoor Faucet