Fixing a Leaking Outdoor Tap
A leaking outdoor tap is more than just a small problem. It can waste a lot of water, raise your water bill, and even cause water damage around your home. If you’ve noticed your outdoor tap dripping or leaking, it’s important to fix it quickly. A leaking tap can lead to bigger problems like mold, foundation issues, or burst pipes if ignored. The good news is that most outdoor tap leaks can be fixed easily at home using just a few tools and small parts.
Common Causes of a Leaking Outdoor Tap
Before fixing a leaking outdoor tap, it helps to understand what might be causing it. In most cases, outdoor taps leak because small parts inside wear out over time. These parts include washers, O-rings, and packing nuts. These parts help seal the tap when you turn it off. If they get old or damaged, water can leak through.
Sometimes leaks happen after cold weather. If water freezes inside the pipe or tap, it can expand and crack the metal. This can cause leaks once things warm up again. Hard water (water with lots of minerals) can also damage taps over time by causing buildup and corrosion. Older outdoor taps are more likely to leak because they may not have frost protection built in.
To figure out what’s wrong, look closely at where the tap is leaking. If water is dripping from the spout when the tap is off, the washer is probably worn out. If water leaks around the handle when the tap is on, the O-ring or packing nut could be the problem. If water is leaking from the base of the tap or coming from the wall, the pipe connection might be loose, or the faucet body might be cracked.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Tap
Start by turning off the water supply to the outdoor tap. There’s usually a shut-off valve inside your house—often in the basement, laundry room, or utility area. Once the water is off, open the outdoor tap fully to drain any water left inside and release pressure.
Take a close look at where the leak is coming from. A drip from the spout means the washer is probably worn. Leaks from the handle could mean the O-ring is bad or the packing nut is loose. If water is leaking from the wall or behind the tap, the pipe may be cracked or not sealed properly.
Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove the handle. Be careful not to damage the parts. Once the handle is off, you’ll see a nut behind it—that’s the packing nut. Loosen and remove it using an adjustable wrench. After that, you can pull out the valve stem.
At the bottom of the valve stem is the washer. Check to see if it’s cracked, flattened, or hardened. If it is, it needs to be replaced. Take it to a hardware store to find the right match. While you’re at it, replace the O-ring too. It’s a small rubber ring higher up on the valve stem. O-rings can dry out or break over time, especially if the tap is used often or exposed to hot sun.
Once the new washer and O-ring are in place, slide the valve stem back into the tap and screw the packing nut on tightly. Be careful not to overtighten it. Put the handle back on and turn the water supply back on. Open the outdoor tap and see if it’s still leaking.
If the leak continues, the washer may not be seated correctly, or the valve seat (the metal part the washer pushes against) could be damaged. You can try smoothing the seat with a seat grinder tool. If that doesn’t work, you might need a seat repair kit or a new tap altogether.
If the leak is coming from where the tap connects to the wall, you can try removing the tap and applying plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) to the threads before putting it back on. This helps seal the connection and stop leaks.
Tips for Preventing Future Leaks
After fixing your outdoor tap, there are a few things you can do to stop it from leaking again. In colder climates, always winterize your outdoor taps before freezing weather. Turn off the water from inside your house and open the tap outside to drain it completely. You can also cover the tap with an insulated faucet cover to protect it from freezing temperatures.
If you don’t already have one, think about installing a frost-free hose bib. These taps are made to prevent water from staying inside the pipe where it can freeze. They have a long stem that reaches inside the warm part of your house, keeping the valve away from the cold. You can learn more about frost-proof outdoor faucets here.
During warmer months, try not to overtighten the handle when turning off the tap. Turning it too hard wears down the washer and O-ring faster. Instead, close the tap just until the water stops. You can also use a hose-end shut-off valve. This lets you leave the outdoor tap open and control water flow at the end of your hose. It helps take pressure off the tap and reduces wear.
It’s a good idea to check your tap every few months for leaks, rust, or hard water buildup. Cleaning it regularly and replacing cheap parts like washers once a year can help it last longer. If your water has a lot of minerals, you might want to install a water softener or clean your fixtures more often to stop buildup.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes a leaking outdoor tap needs more than a simple fix. If you’ve replaced the washer and O-ring and it still leaks, or if you see water dripping from behind the wall or under the house, it’s time to call a plumber.
Leaks inside the wall or underground could mean a broken pipe or joint. These leaks can cause serious damage, including mold, wood rot, and high water bills. A professional plumber has the right tools to find and fix these kinds of leaks safely. If your faucet is very old, rusty, or cracked, a plumber can also replace it with a newer, more reliable model.
If you’re not sure where the outdoor water shut-off valve is or if your plumbing is outdated, a plumber can help check your system. They can also install a frost-proof tap or one with anti-siphon protection, which stops dirty water from being pulled back into your home’s drinking water.
Fixing a Leaking Outdoor Tap
Fixing a leaking outdoor tap is something many homeowners can do on their own. Most of the time, all you need is a new washer or O-ring and a few tools. Replacing these small parts can stop the leak, save water, and protect your home from water damage.
Still, there are times when a professional plumber is the better choice—especially if the leak is hidden or the faucet is damaged. Taking care of the problem early can prevent bigger issues later and give you peace of mind knowing your plumbing is working properly.
So if you see your outdoor tap leaking, don’t wait. Whether you do it yourself or get help, fixing it now will save you money and prevent further problems in the future.
What’s Next?
Doug Herrell Plumbing is a trusted leader in Brevard County, Florida, specializing in slab leak detection and re-piping services. Call us today for a free estimate before a slab leak causes unnecessary damage to your property.
About Doug Herrell Plumbing – lic#CFC 048487
Doug Herrell Plumbing has been Brevard County’s source for plumbing services since 1980. We are a family owned and operated business and take tremendous pride in providing honest and reliable plumbing services at an affordable price.
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Serving Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Suntree, Titusville, Merritt Island, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Rockledge, West Melbourne, Cocoa, and Cocoa Beach.
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