How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet - DON'T Replace It - Cheap & Easy

Leaky Outdoor Spigots & Faucets can cost you $1,000 a year in water! Fix it in minutes yourself for less than $1 See how fix a leaky faucet & hose bib step by steps for all the most popular types of outdoor faucets, frost free & regular models.
This video, description and comments contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Silver Cymbal assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Silver Cymbal recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Silver Cymbal, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Silver Cymbal.

[@SilverCymbal]

Thanks for watching please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE - Sealing Caps: amzn.to/3ajnN9b Washer Kit: amzn.to/3wZJe97

[@mdawn1984]

Any good tips on where to by stem replacements? I have a leaking faucet and the screw that retains the rubber washer is broken off. I have been unable to locate the stem replacement.

[@4277BOYCE]

Awesome video! And very informative and detailed! Great job!

[@elneneeserio]

@@mdawn1984 check on Google like what size is your faucet and you could buy a faucet repair kit you'll get many sizes!

[@elneneeserio]

@My Pets true

[@RICDirector]

Can you address the splitter or shutoff valves? You know the brass ones where you turn the little nib to open? I have a bunch which aren't opening or closing completely....help!

[@larrypleaseeatapplesnewton8641]

The only time I make $100 an hour tax free is when I do home and auto repairs myself

[@StephenDix]

I love the no-nonsense style here, even editing out the breaths. This man respects my time. I also love the super quick repair at the very beginning and the four variants at the end. Quite the information sandwich.

[@camilleengle2508]

I had a leak on an outside faucet which I foolishly ignored because I was ti cheap to call a plumber but to scared to do it myself. I wasted so much water that my water company alerted me. I followed your video, although I just replaced the whole thing and bam! I fixed the leak. I’m pretty proud of myself!!

[@itsgoocifer]

Thanks dad. I'm nervous but feel much more confident after watching.

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad it was helpful

[@repealsection230forbigtech4]

@@SilverCymbal subscribed, thumbs up.

[@Crkins]

Fixes leaking washing machine hookups in a rental. Took less than 1 hr, including the trip to the HW store. THANKS!

[@arakwar]

Upvoted because the first thing you showed is a way for anyone to fix the issue quickly with no effort.

[@SilverCymbal]

I appreciate that, even I use that method when I have an issue, then I can take time to figure out what to do. Those caps are like gold when you need them

[@lancesay]

you covered so much here, other KZbinrs would of milk it into a series of sitcom videos. great job saves me a lot of money by doing research and buy parts and did it myself. TY

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad you liked it!

[@lancesay]

@@SilverCymbalthank you, you know that outer nut also has a washer and I never know where to get that washer because the hole of that washer is much bigger than the washer kit (which i also got).

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

Thanks for posting! Outdoor faucet leak stopped. I just happened to have the exact size washer needed to replace the old worn out one. Saved my $$ on buying a new faucet.

[@fglend73]

My faucet is actually leaking and I’ve been putting off calling a plumber. What amazing timing. Thank you!

[@rickstrack1946]

This is an excellent “help” video! I have watched many many “how to fix” videos but I have never seen and listened to one that was presented so great! Well done! The voice was very easy to understand (even for us southern boys :) and the video moved at an easy to follow pace! Very well done and thank you, Rick

[@praisejesusrepentorlikewis6218]

Repent to Jesus Christ ! ““There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭2:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ U

[@billhandymanbill2775]

Nice step-by-step video. However, I would think twice about using WD40 as it is a petroleum based product that can degrade rubber and some types of plastics. In my opinion, I would suggest using silicone spray as it should not affect negatively affect rubber and plastic.

[@ruiforcada9780]

Outstanding video with very clear, concise explanations. I was able to fix my faucet in minutes with this. Many thanks

[@zzzzz2875]

Thank you so much for posting these videos. I was able to repair one of my outdoor faucets. I could not have done it without your great videos. Now I have the confidence to repair the other one.

[@OldSaltyBear]

Go get it bud! To quote Ron Swanson on DIY... "The sense of accomplishment and pride. Dammit... I just love it so much!".

[@chrisgraham2904]

A lot of people are having outdoor faucets replaced on a regular basis, whether they are the traditional brass type or newer frost free or other premium faucets. My two outdoor faucets were installed in 1926 when the house was built. In Canada and other cold climates it's important to turn off outdoor faucets and drain them of water before they freeze in winter and split the castings. Other than that, I replace washers about every five years and sometimes have replaced or bumped up the packing material that's in the bonnet to prevent a stem leak. A little simple maintenance goes a long way and I don't expect to be replacing any outdoor faucets in my lifetime.

[@jameslifetimelearner]

Manufacturing and design was better 100 years ago, kudos for maintaining things!

[@gavinward5448]

It's also possible that the washer has increased diameter through being compressed for many years so the new washer you need may be a slightly smaller diameter than the old one.

[@confusedcynic9073]

Great video, concise. You should do one on leaking out of the stem when the faucet is turned on.

[@rmcguire-pg6io]

The stem packing is the next point of leakage. 😊

[@roselucht4583]

Thank you!!! This is the best video on this, now I know we can fix our leaky faucet and not pay a big fee to have someone else do it!

[@saifuddinlakdawala8988]

Nice crisp video. You could also use the old washer's back side if the rubber is not cracked up.

[@quantumenergy3334]

I just watched a ton of videos about this issue and your tutorial is hands down the most informative! Thank you ❤

[@jeil5676]

This just popped into my feed and I would like to know how the heck youtube knew I had a leaky spiggot?.......scary amazing.

[@surgechana3757]

Thanks for this - simple to follow video saved me a lot of pain - didn't realize such a small washer could cause so much trouble. Bought a little package so that if it happens in the future, I can fix it in literally minutes!

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

Good video. Always turn the stem all the way out when removing and reinstalling.

[@a-LeeLopez76]

Hands 🙌🏼 down... BEST HOW TO VIDEO ON KZbin!!! Thank you!! 🙏🏼

[@SilverCymbal]

Wow, thanks!

[@erinbork5190]

@@SilverCymbal I agree!! Amazing camera, zoom, lighting, very clean work areas, and I luv your speech style!! And of course, most importantly, I learned soooooo much from it!! This is after I watched at least 3 other videos on fixing a leaky spigot, So thank you very much!!! And yes, hands down El Cherlee Lopez!!

[@1ronhall]

Thanks SC ….. you have a lot of home repairs and projects! Thanks!

[@rileym2678]

Used this video to repair a faucet on my house that has been an issue for YEARS. Greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@SilverCymbal]

Glad it helped

[@leslieringstad8744]

Thank you for showing me how to fix my leaking faucet. It was definitely a job I wouldn't have tackled without watching your video and now I feel so empowered.

[@TheSanityInspector]

Wow, glad I stumbled upon this clip! I had replaced an outdoor faucet recently and was feeling pretty proud of myself. My thrifty wife didn't want to throw the old one away, and now I learn that I can probably reuse it!

[@paulhai7493]

Thanks for your instruction it's saving money for calling a plumber, God bless you and your family..

[@claudebrischoux5637]

As always, you cover so many things. I have an outdoor faucet leaking, as usual, I check your channel before starting a project, and here's the fix. Thank you.

[@mr1pearl]

This was a great help because I have that same problem and now I am going to do the job myself ! Thanks once again Sir !

[@andrewluchsinger]

I work at an Ace Hardware store We see issues like this constantly. Many times a rubber washer is all you need. Once in a while we recommend changing out the faucet. Most customer that I see are able to do the job once you show them how easy it is.

[@douglas1557]

Nice video. clear and efficient. I did notice that the toothbrush left a bristle that got stuck in the seat. The cloth did not remove it. Suggest checking inside with a flashlight to verify cleanliness before re-assembly.

[@inglouriousmofo]

It'll come out eventually with the water flow

[@daveclark6324]

Very timely for me 😉 I've got one faucet that needs attention. Thanks for another great video! 👍

[@SilverCymbal]

Much appreciated, glad it was helpful

[@sjackson9264]

Same! I was looking at a slow drip outside yesterday

[@patk5829]

Much like D.C. just found out I need to service one. I have, in a pinch, flipped the washer over putting the groove on the back side and the fresh flat side of the rubber towards the seat. Returns the faucet to leak free service until you can get to the hardware store.

[@phugemawl]

Strange, this was one of the basic repairs taught from father to son >>> Long before KZbin !!!

[@ronrealtor888]

Excellent precise and super clear instructions and tips. A big thank you

[@creekhousecache9563]

This is the fourth video I've watched and it is superior.

[@jp360ford2]

Fantastic video! I’ve been plumbing for 16 years now and you’ve covered nearly all of the great tips! I’ve started another channel devoted to plumbing repairs and some appliance repair too. I really appreciate how your commentary is ongoing throughout.

[@legendleo8561]

Explained nicely, clearly and quickly. Very good video thank you.

[@fuyu5979]

Awesome video. Replaced my washers from faucets before. But learned some valuable info. Kudos. Looking forward to your next one.

[@brenttharp4672]

You’re the man!!! Easy to follow instructions. Thought this was going to be a task, but including running to the store to buy supplies, done in under a hour. Plus it fixed it… so I guess that’s good too.

[@SilverCymbal]

Much appreciated thank you so much!

[@trevormcmanis]

My hat is off to you… you know a ton of stuff... 💪🏼. Thanks for making these videos. 👍🏻. Troy

[@kevina7828]

Just had this exact problem. Solution worked like a charm. Thanks for sharing this video

[@rcschmidt668]

PERFECT timing! I have a faucet to repair this weekend. Thank you!

[@georgejones5301]

⁷uh kip juli hip

[@0552steve]

Thank you sir. I didn't know the washer on the frost free could be repaired. You save from a ton of work.

[@Relic67]

I've got a couple of outdoor valves that need this tune up. My father left me a nice assortment of washers. I'm gonna replace them after watching your tutorial. Thank you very much.

[@kristinebrady3668]

To imagine 'standing with the heroes of the faith... with one voice'!!! So awesome to think of that day!!!

[@brucemarmy8500]

Very well done video. Clear, comprehensive, easy to understand. Thank you.

[@unknownuser2737]

Whoever did the electrical or the plumbing needs to do it the right way never have an electrical plug below a water source. That electrical outlet is not even a GFI. I would sure hate to be in that garage if that water line sprays water into that electrical outlet. Always make sure the electrical is above the water source and away from it the rule of thumb if you can touch the electrical outlet and a water source at the same time you need to have a GFI. Thanks for a great video it was very informative

[@SilverCymbal]

My guess is they installed the plumbing after the electrical was done, but yes I completely agree it either needs t be changed out or the breaker changed to a GFCI

[@RookieMistakeYT]

I somehow stripped out one of the ancient valves in my shop which is very old and had to replace it but it also had a slight leak and it was definitely that washer. Replacing the washer and handle today as a temp fix thanks for the vid and wish me luck! 🙌🏼

[@mlnags2829]

Thanks for the basics. It’s appreciated greatly.

[@d.vanwinkle9482]

Show repacking around the shaft and your video is complete. I sent your video to a friend to help him out. I didn’t know what the frost free looked like on the inside. Thanks.

[@isaacsumner]

Reseating tool was great in my bathroom. You need it when the washer replacement doesn't work. We have lots of minerals in our lines and there were grooves and deposits that needed smoothed.

[@SilverCymbal]

That's a great tip and for an indoor valve it's definitely worth the effort since that can get very expensive fast.

[@hollygiefer4961]

Appreciate all of the faucet examples

[@metallitech]

Don't forget that the tap has to be open while doing this. I crushed the seat once while tightening it back together.

[@you2449]

Good Tip. Great Video

[@annejordan-baker5990]

Thank you for this. I fixed my spigot today in less than an hour with about $2 in parts.

[@johnree6106]

You know what I already knew about how to fix the leaks and strange enough the screw cap you showed at the beginning is what I found interesting as I have not seen it before.

[@louisa.poulin5026]

That's exactly the information I needed. A million thanks!!!

[@FrugalFarmerChannel]

Thanks for sharing. This is on my weekend "to do" list.

[@reyperez3424]

After purchasing a few from Home Depot and changing them Every year from cheap to expensive Went across the border and purchased 1 in Mexico just to try it out and still working great after 3 years and no leaks, bought 4 more and replaced the ones from Home Depot eventually

[@nicknorthable]

6:13 I went thru all my faucets, drain assemblies, fixtures including a new main floor toilet .All my stop values were fine after nearly 25 years but I had plastic stem repair kits just in case.This washer bib 6:13 will be the last one I've been putting off because I managed to be able to do all the replacements/repairs without turning off the main shutoff. I had been doing a annual turn on/off exercise on both of my shutoffs but started skipping the procedure & wish I hadn't. I have a well pump house so you don't just run out to the street if you have a problem.You turn the power off to the pump quickly. Thanks for this video cause this will help me finish all of my repairs.......for now.

[@tonyg1179]

thank you for the clear, how-to presentation

[@abates7555]

Just found your channel. Really like your presentation. Thank you for clear, concise information!

[@nikitak9628]

Your channel is fantastic. Thanks for making such high quality DIY videos.

[@SilverCymbal]

Thank you very much! Very nice of you

[@modela4096]

Great video. Very detailed & complete.

[@nicholassuriano6957]

My new favorite channel. Thank you so much!!!!

[@oldz70]

you left a bristle in there!

[@jenniferreid7652]

Thanks for posting. I turned on a hot water tap in our garage yesterday to do some cleaning in our garage, and turned off the faucet when I was finished. Unfortunately we woke up this morning to see a stream of water on our floor coming from a constant drip from this same faucet. I'm hoping we can fix it ourselves after watching this, and not have to pay a plumber. The house we bought was built in 1994, and it seems like there's one thing or another going on it these past 3 years lol.

[@April8989]

Outstanding, great general repair hints!

[@drasco61084]

It's important to replace that washer before you start over-tightening the valve desperately trying to get it to seal, if you've never replaced it and it's not leaking after all these years might as well take a look at it next time you make some time for home maintenance. Once the washer wears away you're gonna be damaging the threading inside and the part where the washer sits and you'll have to replace the whole faucet. Also don't use just any screw you need the right type of screws because this is going to constantly be in contact with metal and water. Now that you've fixed it make sure everyone in the house understands it's no longer necessary to tighten the heck out of that faucet! Bad. Stop it. It feels different, hello. Replacing the faucet is also fairly easy and inexpensive if it's threaded on and not too corroded, but a good bit more involved if it's soldered on or other types of connections you don't have the tools or knowledge for, or if your pipes are very old and rusty proceed with caution. This is why it's preferable to not mess up your faucet and replace the washers. And yes the method used here with two wrenches is also very important you don't want to break anything if there's no threaded connection to loosen (or if it's just really stuck in there) the turning motion can cause something to bend and break. If you don't have the strength in each hand separately get a helper to hold the other part steady in its place.

[@praisejesusrepentorlikewis6218]

Repent to Jesus Christ! ““There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭2:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ K

[@CaptCrunch71]

Precise..thorough..and a huge help...thanks.

[@Mrkouman]

Nice vid, I have that frost free type that was leaking and I went out t find the whole shaft but home depo only had an assortment kit that had a combination of each gasket possible for those types, just not my kind, I used one that was close but still leaking. I was about to replace the whole thing but now I know it’s just that gasket. Thanks

[@starshipgus8578]

That’s great information,thanks,that’s one item that requires maintenance sooner or later,and with as many faucets in a house,it’s good the have a replacement kit.👍

[@MrMikeChain]

Appreciate what you do here...very informative! Thank you

[@CaptK-py8rq]

Some good advice for everyone, and one saves lots of money, and, it's fun, thank you. Just a FYI... I noticed you were using your (adjustable wrench) backwards. An adjustable wrench is designed to be used by transferring all the initial force to the thick part, not the weak part that moves, you can break it right off. After you break the nut loose, then you can use it in any fashion you want due to not much force on the weak side. I understand, many times we can only get the wrench in a tight spot the wrong way, that should be the only exception, otherwise, a good quality wrench will last for generations. Additionally, that goes for the combination wrench you used as well, the thick part takes the breaking force, then use it any way you might need to. Thanks again for a great video!

[@MrWayneJohn1]

The adjustable wrench was being used in the correct position. You need to put equal counter-force on the spigot in the clockwise direction while the open end wrench is turning the valve nut in the counter-clockwise direction. Watch the video again and you'll see it's being done properly. What isn't proper is failure to remove the packing nut (outer nut) to clean the corrosion from the stem. Once you tighten the packing nut, the rough corrosion on the stem will tear at the packing washer prematurely causing another leak.

[@jcanfixall1585]

He has no clue where or when he used the wrench's/channel lock backwards... He saw a KZbin video on how to do this and decided to make his own video...

[@seanh2390]

@@MrWayneJohn1the wrench is being used wrong at the 5:40 mark

[@davideurenius5272]

I do not even have any of the types, but watched until end. Great stuff!

[@SilverCymbal]

I really appreciate that

[@tikitaka8042]

I love your video. One faucet outside for gardening leaks. I will try tp replace a runner gasket. Great video. Thanks a lot!

[@jimbohnenkamp5082]

I have one like the first faucet demonstrated hooked up to my washing machine. It leaked last week when the water was running. I found the outer collar was loose. I tightened the collar nut with a wrench. I put it in brand new a year or two ago from Lowe's. So far it doesn't leak when the valve is turned off, but your video help me to understand how to fix it if it does.

[@SSHitMan]

If it still leaks after you tighten it unscrew that outer collar all the way off and re-pack it with oakum.

[@guedesfhp]

Excellent video, as usual!

[@jasneskis]

Really good video. Keep em coming.

[@meadowviewlawncarellc8079]

Good how to, I had to do this a few years back.

[@timklein3962]

You cover all the bases; good video !!!

[@drewolbrich]

Thank you. This video is extraordinarily helpful.

[@stateniland]

well done.. I just replaced 3 outside spigot's with frost free ones.. they were over 25yrs old and it was just for piece of mind to prevent future INSIDE home water damage from possible failure..

[@stateniland]

@Josue Gonzalez how does your plumbing work? Do you wait until there's a flood to correct the problem? SMH

[@stateniland]

@Josue Gonzalez WRONG smart ass.. the shut off for the water to spigot is INSIDE the home.. if any part of the extension tube from inside to outside the home fails they WILL be a water leak INSIDE the home. I know because it happened to me.. Keep bumping your gums and remove all doubt. SMH

[@pebbles9908]

I watched your video because my outside spigot was leaking. When I got to the hardware store with the steam they said that I would have to replace the entire outside faucet because they didn't sell just the stem. I needed to go underneath the house to see how it was installed. I almost didn't believe the guy at the hardware store because you made it look so simple.

[@TheKoolBoy1985]

Very nice and clear video - helped a lot - thank you

[@dinm65]

Your videos are the best!

[@territucker6005]

Excellent video, clear and to the point...thanks!!

[@bradleydavidgood9316]

love your videos thanks. Also, if you can't get the washer out, or the handle off, you can buy a whole new valve if you can find one the same, and just screw out the whole part with the handle and washer and all, and screw that into the old valve, and save having to replace the whole thing or call a plumber.

[@User-cc6cq]

This has my seal of approval👍

[@josephinewilbur3262]

Thank you for sharing. What a very helpful tip.👍

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

Ideally, you should get some Never-seize and take all of these style faucets apart and put some Never-seize on all of the threads before ever putting them into service. But late is better than never so if you do have to repair these style faucets after they have been in service, make certain you clean all of the threads and put Never-seize on them so they will be much easier to disassemble later.

[@squirrelnut]

Thanks! You just saved me a call to my local handyman

[@chrism9037]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@yellowdog762jb]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@EricBradenD]

Thank you. This was clear and helpful.

[@VanderOZ]

this helped me fix my leaky outdoor faucet. thanks!

[@TransportSimulatorNationTSN]

Thanks man I never knew how to do this. I thought I had to call a plumber to fix the leak

[@noahhancock1015]

My absolute favorite videos, what a great channel! So enjoyable to watch! Thanks!

[@teedtad2534]

Beautiful tips!