How To Fix A Leaking Outdoor Faucet! Cheap and Easy!

In this video I show you how to easily fix any leaking outdoor hose bibb, spigot, faucet, or what ever else you might refer to it as! This is an incredibly common problem that can be easily fixed by the homeowner in about 15 minutes!
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Adjustable Wrench Set: amzn.to/3NUJdh1
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Metal Brushes: amzn.to/3JEeNNy
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Blessings,
Adam
How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. Our content is for entertainment purposes only. No information contained in this video shall create any express 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 the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Do you have or have you ever had this issue? What did you do to fix it? As always, links for everything in the video are in the description!

[@michellewalker8240]

Very helpful. I need to fix a hose bib. Thanks.

[@kayeruss7313]

Have put a splitter valve on the spigot which prevents leaking and also allows multiple connections for the garden hose and for the watering system. Planning on a better fix when I have all my plumbing problems figured out for the plumber to deal with in one visit if possible.

[@GailUrge-vq6qn]

It's not plumber's tape but thread tape or Teflon tape.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@GailUrge-vq6qn again, can be called any of those things including plumbers tape. Very commonly known as that.

[@GailUrge-vq6qn]

@@HowToHomeDIY it can be called that if you're the younger generation and you want to be ignorant about it

[@linsqopiring6816]

As someone who has two left hands when it comes to this kind of thing I have to say I really appreciate the very clear and easy to understand style in which the information is presented.

[@arnoldsales6685]

You and me both brother, I'm going to finally fix that leak!!

[@slaffkas]

Those videos help turning one of the left hands into the right one. I no time you will be able to build a house :)

[@linsqopiring6816]

@@slaffkas I have two left hands and did I forget to mention, I'm also all thumbs.

[@jackliu6027]

Very clear instructions. Exceptionally well described.

[@ES-zw8cb]

I could not for the life of me get the bonnet off but saw your double wrench technique and was able to loosen it that way, it saved me from a ton of frustration trying to get it off.

[@Onlooker71]

Very helpful video! We fixed the leaking faucet so easily we went ahead and pro-actively replaced the washer on the other faucets! Only spent about 20-30 minutes doing this.

[@gizmo7877]

As always a great job explaining how to fix anything. You made it look so easy even I, a 77 yr old woman can do it. That’s why I subscribed and stay.

[@kauaireed9006]

U go girl!!

[@benjaminmcclelland4773]

Quick, simple, to the point. Thanks for the informational video

[@leejenkinson5521]

Thank you for your informative Videos, this was handy for me, I live alone, currently out of work due to ill health so money is tight right now! Whilst good at DiY, I am not that good on plumbing. Managed to replace both washers on an old outdoor tap, cleaned the threads, then added PTFE tape. Hopefully the outdoor Tap will not leak for a few more years now. Thank you.

[@SilverLobo1974]

Gosh this video is perfect. You explain everything step by step and it is easy to understand. Thank you so much. You have a great teacher :)

[@davidb1975a]

Found this super helpful. Thanks! One of my outdoor faucets started dripping yesterday.

[@sonjasssggg4575]

Great video. I really appreciate that you explain the specifics such as how to hold the bib and which way to wrap the tape. Great details!

[@jeffbarnette469]

Just tightening worked for my basement spigot. Tyvm!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! You’re very welcome. Really glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback Jeff!

[@vickygreen5693]

Found the instructions helpful. I will be looking at it with a whole new pair of eyes now. Thanks so much 😊

[@tesswagner895]

I love your channel! I've learned a lot from your experience. Thank you for sharing!!!!!❤

[@bon4545]

Thanks for the great video. I've never, seriously never, successfully completed a plumbing project. Something always defeats me...usually involving the first thing I have to loosen....it never loosens. Anyway, this project went exactly as you demonstrated. I feel like maybe there's hope for the new bathroom faucet that's been sitting in its box for over three years. (Couldn't get the old one's bolt loose.) Thanks again!

[@aaronmatheny695]

Have the exact same hose Bibb - got the washers but I think it soldered together (or some type of cement paste was used - not sure) - used exact same wrenches, etc, but worried I was going to break it of at the pipe I was putting too much torque to turn it. Back to Lowes to get a replacement Bibb. I will keep the pack of rubber washers though ($3 for a dozen may come in handy later). Great video and instruction!!!

[@hernandezknives]

Thanks for the video. Helped me get my trickling faucet down to slow drops until I can go get that washer.

[@professionaltraveler2043]

Such a great do-it-yourself instructional video. Thank you for providing only the information needed with good to know explanations, but without all the fluff and extraneous comments.. Great job!

[@yolandawright789]

The best and easiest instructions ever thank you 😊

[@leegurl915]

Great video. Simple to understand Thank you I will be doing this

[@frrapp2366]

a good trick on tight fittings is to set your wrenches up next to each other close enough to Squeeze the two together that way you dont have to worry about twisting the back pipe or fitting. harbor freight has a pipe cleaning wire brush for 4 bucks i keep several around for battery cleanups and general round fittings that need cleaned up. i personally dont like teflon tape But lots of people do i like the teflon paste or a product called true blue. good concise video to the point and well presented have fun

[@michelemarch8270]

Yes, this was very helpful. So thorough and clear! Thank You So Much!

[@hillvolfan]

Thank you for these videos. They are VERY helpful !!!

[@michikomartin7624]

Your video and instructions were perfect-thank you!

[@rajanketell9545]

Great stuff man! You convinced me that I can do this. Thanks man! U truly are the best!

[@bobb8738]

Like tge video showed, make sure that the main body of the faucet (the one with the bigger wrench on it) does not turn when you loosen or tighten the body or you will cause a pipe to be broken inside that wall. If that happens you will have a big mess and probably need a plumber to fix that problem!!!

[@Geppetto04]

Perfect, just what I needed.

[@lomagibson664]

Thanks so much! I have been wondering how to fix mine!!❤

[@user-fv5ms4sz8e]

I learned a lot. I'm amazed at how much there is to learn.

[@brandonbell5357]

Called school

[@moonmagnolia7]

The more I learn, the dumber I get (relatively speaking) because I realize how much more there is to learn, hahaha.

[@1cradle2]

It worked. Thank you and if needed I can replace the hose bib for $10.

[@ctc6960]

Amazing detail! Thank you very much.

[@googlesucks662]

Great instructional. Thanks.

[@Aaron.Dharma]

Very helpful. I actually saved it for future reference. Thanks

[@rangerthederpgoat2326]

Thanks man for posting this

[@MaldoseWife]

Super grateful 🙏🏼 you exist. Thank u so much!

[@starlasweda1350]

Good directions and correct video angle.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@joshg8026]

Great as always. Thanks!

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheritrix5733]

Worked great. Thanks

[@marthahansen6123]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@ldr4278]

Excellent

[@davidbray7084]

Thanks for the video, I appreciate it

[@peterbathum2775]

on a well here too. heard it running the other evening, sowalked out and tightened my already tight frost free yard spigot. I'm hoping these fixes solve it

[@user-of1qn3cl7b]

Thanks for the video.

[@visualartist0910]

🎯Your complete and truly thorough explanations throughout this video compelled me to leave this brief comment. I have not read any other comments and have yet to follow through with your instructions, although i am completely confident that when the time allows, i will be able to follow this task at hand to its full fruition. Also i will be sure to peep the full scope of your other instructive videos in hopes of feeling the same positivity as this video about tackling the next hiccup our home has. Thank You.👏

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it! Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@ajworkshop7689]

Thank you for sharing

[@jeffreyhenning9994]

great info!

[@chewbacca7856]

I would put some silicone valve grease on the washer screw threads and the valve stem. Good job.

[@Badrei]

very useful

[@MahmoodHiderzada]

Thank you millions times

[@jameskrivitsky9715]

For a cheap / temporary fix, I have just flipped the rubber washer over and reattached with the screw into the shaft. Sometimes , water leaks out around the knob SHAFT. Using an adjustable or box wrench, just tighten the packing nut slightly to squeeze the sealing material enough to stop the leak but not too tight that would make the knob difficult to turn. Hardware stores do sell small quantities of rubber washers or re-build kits, so make sure to bring the old parts with you as a reference.

[@brandonbell5357]

Ghetto fix flip the washer lmfao

[@elizzievb]

Such a perfect video! Liked and subbed - thank you!! 🥰

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you found value in it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@843Mixin-mn5vm]

Thank you!

[@fuzzresponder2225]

Thank for sharing!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. Glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@luispalomino5514]

Muchas gracias! 👍

[@donf3739]

I used to build thousands of similar valves, and noticed one mistake you were making. You should always have the stem backed out away from the seat when loosening or tightening the bonnet. Otherwise, if the seat washer sticks to the seat while loosening the bonnet, the coarse drive threads on the stem will tighten the valve as you try to loosen the bonnet, and it won't come loose at all; just keep getting tighter against the seat. Same with reassembling, do that with the stem backed out away from the seat so it doesn't interfere. Also, like pipe dope, Teflon tape is only effective for sealing tapered threads. It does not do anything for straight threads, other than making them slicker, which is not necessary, or even a good idea. Great video though.

[@alanjbuddendeck186]

Extremely helpful, and so clearly communicated. Again! Thank you!

[@MrLachupakabra]

I didn't know you could replace the gasket inside of the faucet.... you just turned a $15 problem into a 0.30 cent problem!

[@lakernation4725]

very nice instructions and video

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thank you. Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@lakernation4725]

@@HowToHomeDIY mine started a steady stream but i can't get to it until Monday so i just put the nozzle on it

[@stevepettersen3283]

What do you think of the idea of any extra washers you buy for future use you store in a freezer Zip-Loc bag to keep them from drying out so fast?

[@roller9158]

Thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback and Super Thanks!

[@sergeyefremov355]

Thank you for the informative video! I have a quick question: what is the name of the part you unscrewed in this video? I need to replace the entire part, not just the rubber washers. Thanks for your help, and best regards to you.

[@stefanw7138]

Thank you. What maintenance does the antsiphon device on the faucet require?

[@ablebaker1275]

I replaced my valve with a 90 and a 1/4 turn valve. Previous owner removed the anti siphon fittings. When you remove the anti siphon fittings the threads on the valve causes a leak at the hose connection because it’s designed that way. I didn’t replace the anti siphons….

[@illskillz05]

Very helpful video. Thank you. I have a 10in stem with a cup like gasket towards the back of the stem that is slightly wrinkled. My back washer looks new as it's about 1yr old. I tried looking for a replacement for the gasket on the stem but couldn't find anything. Do you think it's the back washer only that needs replaced as I'm waiting for an order to ship? I still have a constant drip, but not sure if I need to replace the whole hose bib as I can't find the cup like gasket replacement.

[@incub8]

If you observe the washer is quite mutilated, and it still leaks after replacing, the brass seat might be damaged and require replacing. There will be instructional videos on KZbin on how to remove and replace that.

[@philipstaite4775]

The tape or sealant on the threads is important. You mentioned it is a relatively low pressure area - and it is, when the water is flowing. But if you put a hose on there with a nozzle, and stop the flow with the nozzle, then the hose and that part of the valve housing comes up to line pressure. So don't skimp on the tape folks! ;-)

[@BeckVMH]

3:30 My faucet is identical to the example. That bonnet nut will not budge. I sprayed a lubricant, but no help. I’m using the backup counter wrench for support, but I’m concerned about using too much torque and risk damaging the interior pipe. Any suggestions?

[@1uplink169]

Well I used this video as a base... but there were some details I needed to figure out. When I went to turn the meter off, my water never completely stopped running. Turns out since I have a townhome, perhaps the other units could still be feeding me water. I turned off the neighbor water too that's connected to my house. (It's okay they are grandparents that live on the east coast, and use their place strictly for vacations). Still my water wasn't completely off. It crossed my mind to turn off all 4 units water, both the gentleman in the adjacent house were home and I didn't want to bother. I decided that the low water pressure was workable. I did go rub my kitchen sink to maybe help? (Side note, I heard my water heater making pinging noises, and turns out if you gonna turn your water off for extended periods of time, or if it gets cut off, you should turn off the water heater, or it might damage itself trying to heat a tanks that's not full). Back to the bib.. turns out I didn't even need a pipe wrench wince the base or the faucet is partially in the wall and covered with the outside building material. It's all good though because I have this spiffy new pipe wrench that is easy to use one handed and self adjusting. Now I went to turn counter clockwise behind the handle and it came off easily enough. But when the nut came loose and I could pull the handle out, in only came out like an inch and was stuck. I feared it was the water pressure still active that prevented me from taking it out. I contemplated calling the water company and asking them to replace the shut off valve by the meter, but I don't have all day. I smoked a bowl. I thought about watching episode 4 and 5 of the new Castlevania series on Netflix... but I resisted and looked at the set up again. That's when I noticed a really thin nut that was camouflaged, behind the bigger nut. Aha. I repeated my earlier steps and had the rod partially dislodged. Then I used my new crescent wrench to unscrew the other hidden nut and whoops there it is. Free at last, I was able to pull it all the way out. My rod was a little different, about 6 inches and with a small square base. And the washer was actually the smallest size of the kit I had gotten. I had to hold the square base firm while I unscrewed or it was just spinning the shaft. I ended up not using the plumbers tape, because didn't seem needed with how the thread area was designed. Thanks for the guidance, it at least gave me confidence and what tools to gather. It's funny tho, these dyis are never as straightforward as we hope.

[@richtrost2676]

You could also replacing the stem packing when water leeks out around the valve stem, as long as the valve is out it not much extra effort..

[@natesmom2244]

easier than i thought!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Great! Really glad to hear it!

[@dg-vg9di]

Another trick too, is if the brass nut won’t turn because of corrosion. Take a propane torch, like the ones they use for soldering and heat up the outside of the faucet a bit to get the metal to expand. Heat it for a few seconds. That’s all it takes. It’ll break up the corrosion between the threads and it’ll loosen it enough to unscrew them.

[@ginadancy-rw8es]

Great video 6:08

[@rebausa4867]

Our outside faucet failures are about not stopping water flow. We turned them off from the inside of our basement.

[@TJJS982]

Excellent video for a single chic!

[@richardharrison1493]

Should you not have opened the valve a bit before tightening it down?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes you want the valve to be open slightly once you really start to tighten it down as the new seal will probably be thicker than the one removed so if you go to turn it on it may get stuck and not open up the valve. Great point!

[@yvonnejackson1696]

I like your attention to details. I can’t begin to describe the grief I suffered before I finally figured out that the tape has to be wound CLOCKWISE several times. No one had mentioned this to me before.

[@Straycathollow]

I could not remove mine to replace the flat rubber washer on my laundry room valve. Any tips on how to remove a stuck valve body?

[@jamesmercer1400]

Glad I clicked this one first 👍

[@WalkingbytheSpiritAlways]

Hi, My threads on the faucet have been damaged with a notch so when the water is on and connected to the hose, it sprays up in the air from the notch. I just tried the tape, and maybe I didn't use enough, but is that what you recommend to fix this problem?

[@ok-ke8so]

Sir I enjoy your show a lot. Keep what you are doing. Can you tell me what the difference if any is between a GFCI and a AFCI outlet and can they be used interchangeably? Thank you in advance for any help that you can provide, Raines Hayes, El Paso, Texas,

[@jameskrivitsky9715]

In basic applications, GFCI ( GROUND Fault Circuit Interrupter ) tests for GROUND faults....as in wiring getting wet and causing electricity to find a path to earth ground. AFCI ( Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter ) senses a flow of electricity from one conductor to another causing a SHORT or low resistance path , such as in a faulty appliance, a pinched lamp cord or two wires accidentally touching, or broken / weak insulation. . Either a GFCI or AFCI may click off ( TRIP ) when a fault occurs within a matter of seconds...preventing a shock or fire hazard in most cases. If working with electricity , always wear protective gear and a good pair of CLEAN / DRY rubber gloves at a minimum Otherwise, refer to a professional / certified electrician. .

[@jpjp9111]

I'm on a strong artesian well without a well head. I'm the house is a pump but outside of just natural pressure. There's a metal yard faucet that needs replacement. How can I replace in this case since it can't turn off?

[@mumbulog]

No problem! Replace the faucet!

[@DutchBart666]

Perfect timing, I have one in the back that leaks when it's on, but the one on the front of the house is stuck, what's your recommendation for a stuck faucet handle (won't turn on)

[@HowToHomeDIY]

There may be a buildup in it from the hard water. You could try a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water to try and loosen it up or I would probably try some WD-40 and then use a pipe wrench to steady it and then depending on what kind of have is on it use pliers or a screwdriver to try and turn it on. Might just need to be broken open. Hard to say for sure without being there though.

[@agustinsanchez5443]

Wow. I used to just change the whole thing. Now I know it may just need to be tightened . ( washer)

[@PrincessAlexisfuntime]

@HowToHomeDIY can you do a video on how to replace the connector on the bottom of your faucet in your video? My connector has a “feature” that when I have a hose connected to a handle or sprinkler, and turn off the water, the back pressure causes water to spray out of that connector and get me all wet. The guys at Home Depot say that is a feature but I can’t understand why this is a good idea to make me all wet each time I stand by the faucet and turn the water off!

[@johnnyb.2792]

Excellent. Now show how to change the other washer that keeps the faucet from leaking when its turned on.

[@robertmullins3824]

I attempted to change mine today however the screw is chipped and the threads are damaged. How can I buy the full assembly that you took out. I have the long stem. Thank you

[@jeffrok]

If I have a shutoff in my basement leading up to the outside faucet, do I need to shut off my main?

[@AcousticallyYours]

Just curious…why didn’t you mention about inspecting the valve seat for nicks or cracks? Another couple of stages of fixes could include relapping the valve seat with a lapping tool (not very expensive) or, the next stage of repair could be replacing the valve seat (if removable, many are removable). Valve seats are cheap too as are valve seat removal tools!

[@cityguyusa]

What about graphite packed?

[@kamleung3088]

Does anyone has advice on how to remove the gasket on Bent Nose Valve ? The gasket is bigger than the valve body opening and cannot get it out.

[@Skipbo000]

now do one to replace the pipe that the spigot screws onto.

[@jareou]

I have a slight drip, a drop maybe every 2 hours. I was wondering, can I just put a female cap on the end of it. Thanks

[@Blazini1980]

How do you repair it if water doesn't come out at all?

[@SalDog1]

Where can you buy replacement packing nuts? My nut on my bib broke. I can’t find a matching one from Home Depot. I’d like to avoid completely replacing entire hose bib

[@deadmanswife3625]

My frost-free hose bib is cracked it's the third one I've called the plumber each time this time I'm going to do it myself but it's cracked that doesn't sound right what's going on?

[@garys2765]

I have a hose bib that's leaking out of the stem opening, not through to to bib outlet. I tried tightening down on the nut but it didn't fix it. Some sort of packing, perhaps, just below the nut? I still have to add an isolation valve upstream of it so haven't opened it up yet, but if it does use packing what can I use to repair it? Thanks in advance, wonderful channel!

[@bobhart1155]

Excellent video, but another showing the replacement of stem packing would be most helpful as well.

[@jameskrivitsky9715]

Hardware stores may carry material which looks like grey / blackened TWINE which usually is cord impregnated with graphite type material. For a quick fix, just loosen the packing nut, place a couple layers of plumbers tape around the shaft and compress it back down with the shaft nut. Snug but don't over-tighten or the shaft / knob mat be too tight to turn.

[@g.borgia5100]

​@@jameskrivitsky9715st

[@sariahwilson7021]

What if this doesn’t fix it? I have replaced the washer but there is still a steady flow of water coming out. Does that mean something inside is broken?

[@anndolnick4766]

The screw that holds the washer has disolved. How do you remove the broken screw and them replace the screw. The faucet was installed in 1949 and I am unable to find replacement parts. I'm thinking of installing a shark bit facet but the other side of the wall is under the kitchen sink with no room to work.

[@thewolf5163]

I wish my outside hose faucets could just be threaded off like yours. All five of mine are soldered on.

[@kevinorr6880]

Had a heat pump motor go out today. Have you ever replaced one? Motors are $200 bid to put in, $1,500. 2008 unit. Better to replace the whole thing?

[@kevinorr6880]

I don't know if the AC guy was being honest, but he said...after replacing the fuse panel ($510) the motor was burned out. All this before the actual AC issue...