Why Your Outdoor Spigot May Keep Dripping After You Turn It Off
You turn off the outdoor faucet, put away the hose, and notice something isn't quite right -- the spigot keeps dripping.
A leaking outdoor faucet may seem like a minor plumbing issue, but it shouldn't be ignored. Depending on the cause, the repair could be as simple as replacing a worn component or may require replacing the hose bib or frost-free hose bib altogether.
As homeowners begin preparing their homes for fall, it's a good time to take a closer look at outdoor faucets and address leaks before freezing temperatures arrive.
Why Does an Outdoor Faucet Keep Dripping?
There isn't one single cause. Where the water is leaking from and when it occurs can provide useful clues about what's happening inside the fixture.
Here are several common possibilities.
- Worn Washers or Internal Components
Traditional hose bibs contain internal components that help create a watertight seal when the handle is turned off. Over time, washers and other components can wear, harden, crack, or deteriorate. When they no longer create a proper seal, you may notice water continuing to drip from the end of the spigot even though the handle is fully closed. Depending on the age and condition of the fixture, replacing the worn component may solve the problem.
2. Worn Cartridge or Stem Components
Not every outdoor faucet uses the same internal design. Certain models, including some frost-free hose bibs, use cartridges, stems, or other internal assemblies to control water flow. These components can wear out or become damaged over time. If replacement parts are available and the rest of the fixture is in good condition, the faucet may be repairable. With older or heavily deteriorated fixtures, replacement may make more sense.
3. Leaking Around the Handle
If water appears around the handle while the faucet is running, the problem may be related to the stem packing or packing nut rather than the seal at the end of the faucet. In some situations, the packing can be adjusted or replaced. However, corrosion, age, or damage to the fixture may make complete replacement the better long-term option.
4. A Loose or Leaking Vacuum Breaker
Some outdoor faucets are equipped with a vacuum breaker or backflow prevention device. If water is leaking or spraying from this portion of the faucet, the vacuum breaker may be loose, worn, damaged, or in need of replacement. Because these devices serve an important plumbing safety function, they shouldn't simply be removed to stop a leak.
5. Freeze Damage
This is one of the more important problems to water for. When water freezes inside an outdoor faucet or connected piping, it expands. That expansion can damage the fixture or split the piping. A frost-free hose bibs is designed so that the actual shutoff point is farther inside the building, where temperatures are warmer. However, being frost-free doesn't mean it's impossible for the fixture to freeze. One common problem occurs when a garden hose remains attached during freezing weather. Water may remain trapped inside the hose bib instead of draining properly, increasing the possibility of freeze damage.
Watch for Leaks Inside the House, Too
A damaged frost-free hose bib can sometimes create a problem that isn't immediately visible from outside. If the fixture or piping has split, water may leak inside the wall, basement, or crawlspace when the outdoor faucet is turned on. If you suspect freeze damage, notice water inside the home when using an exterior faucet, or see signs of moisture near where the water line enters the wall, stop using the fixture and have it inspected.
Should You Repair or Replace a Leaking Outdoor Faucet?
Not every leaking hose bib needs to be replaced. A repair may make sense when:
• The fixture is otherwise in good condition
• The problem is limited to a replaceable washer, packing, cartridge, or vacuum breaker
• Replacement parts are readily available
• There is no evidence of freeze damage or significant corrosion
Replacement may be the better choice when:
• The faucet is heavily corroded
• The body or stem is damaged
• Freeze damage is suspected
• Internal components are no longer serviceable
• Repairs have already been attempted
• The existing fixture is older and a frost-free hose bib would be a worthwhile upgrade
A plumber can inspect the existing fixture and determine which option makes the most sense.
Add Outdoor Faucets to Your Fall Plumbing Checklist
Late summer and early fall are good times to inspect the plumbing outside your home. Before freezing weather arrives:
• Check outdoor faucets for dripping or leaking
• Look for leaks around the handle and vacuum breaker
• Make sure exterior faucets shut off properly
• Disconnect garden hoses before freezing temperatures
• Address damaged or questionable hose bibs before winter
Taking care of a small outdoor faucet problem now can help prevent a much more inconvenient plumbing issue when temperatures drop.
Need an Outdoor Faucet Repaired or Replaced?
If you have a leaking outdoor faucet, damaged hose bib, or frost-free hose bib that isn't working properly, Aqua Plumbing & Heating, LLC., can inspect the fixture and recommend whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
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Contact Aqua Plumbing & Heating, LLC., to schedule service and get your home's plumbing ready for the colder months ahead.
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