Leaky Outdoor Faucet Repair

If an outdoor water faucet won't shut off or if it leaks from the spout, it's easy to fix. If an outside water tap keeps running, often the flat washer on the end of the valve stem needs to be replaced.
This video shows how to remove the valve stem from an outdoor faucet, replace the bib screw and the flat washer.
Check out my other videos, bookmark this channel by subscribing, it’s free! / @know-how-now
Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of Know How Now, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Know How Now 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. Know How Now recommends safe practices when working and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Know How Now, 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 Know How Now.

[@Know-How-Now]

There are Know How Now videos about garden hose repair that you may find helpful kzbin.info/aero/PLvce66kQTjJQs5OaugYwhCSudtOG_vmbU There are hundreds of videos at Know How Now, subscribe so you can always find the channel…. It’s free. I always respect your time and do my best to keep the videos brief, but informative. Check out the channel with this link: www.youtube.com/@Know-How-Now/videos

[@davidbrown9390]

The perfect video! No nonsense. No goofy music. Just straight to the point and easy to understand.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment, David. That's exactly what I am trying to do. We all have a lot to do. There are now over 200 how to/repair videos, organized by playlist on the channel. If you find a few extra moments, please check out the channel.

[@nancypoore4405]

Excellent detail, emphsis on "don't muscle the work!!"

[@sorene6832]

Had a leaky faucet for months maybe years, watched this video and showed my husband step by step how to fix it. It's been over a week, and the leak is gone!!! Thsnkyou So Much!!!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome! Way to go on the successful repair!

[@user-ec6oi7cx6m]

Thanks for this..your instructions were easy and in order for me to understand and actually fix my outside faucet perfect..your the best! Thank you...

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help.

[@brianlaakso1117]

this video is far superior to some of the other videos i tried watching about this same repair. thanks for being clear step by step

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Brian. I do my best to make quality videos.

[@danyonlomax3352]

I’m about to try this. I was successful at turning off the water supply😂. Now we’ll see how the rest goes!🤞🏾🤞🏾

[@Know-How-Now]

Best wishes for the repair, Danyon.

[@acidburn2080]

thank you! i've had a muddy yard for a while now. finally figured out all of the standing water wasnt just because of terrible soil- it was from a leaky spigot! just put a new washer in the spigot and its as good as new. very helpful video

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Way to go on the successful repair!

[@437bonnie]

Thank for you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. You are a shining example of how we can all work together to make the world better.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. I try to keep my little corner of the world a good place.

[@Instantphojo]

Discovered a leaky faucet today. You video is going to help me look like a champ!!!

[@Know-How-Now]

Best wishes for the repair, Joseph.

[@erikmerksamer6649]

Thank you so much! Your directions are so easy to follow, and at just the right pace to isolate my issue.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Erik! Way to go on the successful repair.

[@DiegoGarcia-ip7pr]

Just finished changing the washer on the outside tap, per your excellent video. Thanks. Works great now.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help.

[@spiritclue]

Have to cheer for this video! 🎊🎉❣️ the only video that is short, sweet, and effective. Thank you so much.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. It's always a pleasure to hear that the video was helpful. Thanks for the compliment. I do my best to make the videos short to the point & helpful.

[@margaretcerminara5302]

Haven't done it yet, but I'm pretty sure you saved me a plumber's visit. THANK YOU !!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Margaret. If you have problems getting anything apart, treat it with PB blaster penetrating oil. Have a coffee and try loosening again. PB blaster smells really bad, ventilate the area.

[@YouTubeStalker]

THANK YOU.. i tried watching other videos but they were so hard to follow and irritating to watch. Yours was perfect. I subscribed to your channel.. keep making awesome content

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to comment and for subscribing to the channel. I do my best to post good quality videos.

[@Jenn-sy5qh]

Thank you for the video. I'm going to try this before nonchalantly looking the other direction from the outside facet refusing to stop spewing water, lol. Of course the house I'm in is going up for sale in a few months when the facet took a turn for the worst 💧 I am now "Subscribed"

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for taking the time to comment and subscribing. Best wishes for the repair and your upcoming "move".

[@MichelLe-xz3lz]

Wow this is one of the best video out there. You may have saved me a trip ti Lowes and lots of hassle The pace of the viseo was perfect. Explainations crystal clear. Every step was well documented and explained. Bravo. I will subscribe to your chanel. Thank you!!!

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment and supporting the channel Michel. It always makes my day to hear the video was helpful.

[@gabyd5662]

Good 👍 job 👌 well done 👍✅

[@janepytel6673]

Excellent!! Thanks for straight, useful information.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Jane. It's my pleasure to help.

[@donaldgmurray273]

Just what I needed to see to fix a leak I have for 5 years. Thank you.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Donald.

[@FlawlessPearl1]

Thanks so much, you helped save me so much money with this helpful video. I appreciate you! ❤

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help.

[@kennethpineda169]

Tank you very much

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@pamboatwright8281]

Thank you for this video. Ladies version is much more detailed than a man's, and that is exactly what I needed!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Pam. I do my best to make quality videos. Thanks for taking the time to comment, it's nice to hear from you.

[@bobbiesavitz3134]

I grew up listening to accents just like this. She has the greatest Philly/Baltimore/Atlantic City accent. If I'm wrong, let me know. I love being corrected---unlike most people--especially the goon in the WH.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are correct, I live about 50 miles from Philadelphia.

[@johnc3601]

EXCELLENT clear fix-it demo ✔️

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment, John.

[@clarkgriswald9909]

Thanks much, with this cold snap, I think a lot of us are doing this right now!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Agreed, the past few weeks in the northeast have been brutal.

[@mypointofblue5260]

Nice video! Thanks! I'm excited to try and fix mine that's not been used for at least 10 years (funny, not funny)! :)

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Under our current COVID circumstances, I think a lot of us are getting a lot of chores around the house done.

[@mypointofblue5260]

Know How Now lol. Very true! I completed this chore, but ultimately had to replace the entire sillcock (sharkbite), which wasn’t complicated at all!

[@tonym6920]

Very well done, your videos are ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thanks!

[@Know-How-Now]

I put a lot of work into the videos to make them accurate, short as possible and helpful. Thanks for watching them and taking the time to write a note of appreciation.

[@Beth359]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Beth. Thank you for the compliment.

[@jalynefidler5613]

THANK YOU!!!! EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@cazm360]

Great video will fix mine this weekend

[@Know-How-Now]

Best wishes for the repair.

[@pasta0328]

Thanks, that fixed my warder right up

[@Know-How-Now]

Great to hear your warder is fixed. lol.

[@pasta0328]

Know How Now 😉

[@binhminh417]

Thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You're welcome!

[@genoc6366]

Very good job of explaining toe process.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment, Geno. Sadly, KZbin has recently stopped promoting a lot of my videos. I suspect they are too short in length, apparently, having you watch longer is better than quality. Please support the channel and subscribe, pass it along to friends. I'll need help from viewers who think the videos are good.

[@lynniep1905]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@MortuaryManor]

Right on thanks so much. You just saved me a ton of cash!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help.

[@lisad476]

Ty

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Lisa.

[@RB-cp6vm]

This worked awesome! Thanks so much!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@JuanMorales-ks4ll]

how we can order de screw for that

[@ismaelhernandez4945]

Hmm, I'll have to try this. My outside faucet is leaking from the handle and has low water pressure now. Maybe I'll replace the whole thing if I can't find the fitting.

[@Know-How-Now]

Hi Ismael, if it's leaking at the handle the problem is likely with the packing material. I have a video for this type of valve, though it might be a little different that yours, it's the same concept. Here's a link to the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foq2kGmVmdCej6c

[@rethellwilliams6917]

Thanks very explicit 👍

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@leeb.7188]

Does it matter which direction the washer faces? There is a smooth side and a side with a ridge. Which side of the washer should face the screw? Thank you!!

[@Know-How-Now]

Face the smooth side towards the screw.

[@leeb.7188]

@@Know-How-Now Thanks! It’s roasting hot here, so I’ll get out first thing in the morning and get this done. Then water my roses.

[@carinawebber2148]

Super helpful video! Fixed my spigot with no problems whatsoever! Thank you!🚰

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@TappPlumbing]

Great job !

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks!

[@wesleymoreland2061]

thanks for easy replace

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Wesley.

[@Nitzee05]

I fixed it. Thanks so much.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Way to go on the successful repair.

[@thesethandryanshow]

I have an old spigot like this and I can’t find a washer for it anywhere. The screw also broke off. Where can I find old parts for this?

[@Know-How-Now]

If you still have a plumbing supply house in your area, you might try there. They should have an assortment of washers & screws.

[@thesethandryanshow]

@@Know-How-Now After going to three places I was able to find something that worked. Thanks!

[@Know-How-Now]

That's great news. You are welcome!

[@coreyrushton7850]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Corey!

[@michaelmcguire8028]

Thanks lady, i was about to sweat the valve off, yadda yadds cuss cuss...! your way is better.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Michael, it's my pleasure to help.

[@ronaldcrockett8929]

Thanks that was great, you rock! Taught by a girl again ! I have to step up my game. 😂,LOL

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Ronald. It's my pleasure to help!

[@J3AD]

thanks, and like the if you see this go to this video, always helps with all possible scenarios, especially for some of us DIY challenged lol

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to write the note, it's always a pleasure to hear from viewers. Please check out the channel, and support it by subscribing. I try to keep the DIY challenged folks out of trouble. lol.

[@Redeemed427]

Thank-you.....

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@carlmay9532]

How do you know what size washer? Is it 1/4”, 1/2”, or 3/4” ?

[@Know-How-Now]

I don't know of any way except to compare the size of the existing washer with a replacement. I buy a box of washers with various sizes and keep it on hand.

[@sheri023]

I just replaced a rubber washer, but my handle is different, sort of the wing nut type, and when I put the stem back into the body I turn the handle clockwise and it attaches the first set of threads and closes the valve. The stem is not independent of the handle. The faucet is a little hard to turn on and off but the washer is from a box 3 yrs. old. Am I crushing the washer if the valve is closed when I tighten the nut? I don't see any other way to put in the first set of threads without closing the valve.

[@Know-How-Now]

I think my other faucet is similar to your description. I'm very visual though, so words to image is really difficult for me. It's been several years since I've had to change the washer on that one, but I kind of remember encountering what you describe. I think you just screw it in as you describe. Sorry that my memory isn't better. My valve is 1950's vintage and sort of looks like the one in the link below. www.zoro.com/legend-valve-34-t-532-plain-end-hose-bibb-107-171/i/G1841475/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwldKmBhCCARIsAP-0rfzt3s6Y3jxRovhJULqRazSO5IbtVNGbIhji6XBixAgyQHUr8f460KYaAm5xEALw_wcB#specifications

[@sheri023]

@@Know-How-Now thank you, yes that picture is like my faucet. Thank you for the advice. The faucet is a little easier to turn now. Thanks for answering from an older video. Most you tube channel owners don't, and only answer comments from their recent posts. I appreciate your channel. 🚰

[@Know-How-Now]

I try to read and reply to comments. I do my best to have only high quality/accurate content on the channel, though unfortunately, the videos don't always make it to the top of the search page. It's very competitive and I suspect many of the high view channels are buying comments and likes.... just google that and you will find many opportunities to boost views with a fake audience. Next time I have to replace the washer in that faucet, I'll try to find the time to make a video. It often takes 2-3 days to shoot, edit, upload them. Best wishes for the repair, please let us know how it works out. Have a great day.

[@sheri023]

@@Know-How-Now thanks for the explanation. For videos I know I will want to see again to repair stuff I 'share' them in my email to keep. I then search for "know how" to find them again I imagine that fake likes is a problem for genuine interesting/useful videos like yours. So far the faucet is working well, though I may want to replace the vacuum breaker. From all the sand that came from the bottom of my well tank from having to turn it off for the repair I will need to get it (fine sand) out of one of the a faucet handle/cartridge in the house and also clean the toilet pump mechanism in the toilet tank that fills that tank since it is clogged with sand too. Ultimately I will have to fix the handle shut-off on the main line that doesn't work so I don't have to deal with this every time I need to shut off water to the house. Busy day. Thanks again. Take care.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the update. For sure the sand could keep you busy with plumbing repairs. I understand lots to do. I am going to start working on putting new siding up on the house. Have a great day.

[@theanswerisinthebackofyourhead]

I HAVE A LEAK FROM UNDER MY DISHWASHER BUT IT DOES NOT LEAK WHEN THE DISHWASHER RUNS BUT INSTEAD IT LEAKS FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WALL WHEN I TURN THE FAUCET ON OUTSIDE, DOES ANYBODY KNOWS THE REASON FOR THIS LEAK??

[@ngoldenheartMichaelJohnHall]

Thank you for this simple to understand video!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Michael. Thanks for the compliment.

[@carlthornton3076]

Good!!!

[@cindytiemeyer4933]

Thumbs up!! Thanks!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Cindy!

[@JoeDoeOutdoors]

Hii sweet page ☺ Keep it up!

[@usernamemykel]

Terrific. Can you cook too?

[@Know-How-Now]

Yes. lol.

[@usernamemykel]

Know How Now I’ll be right there...

[@feedyourfaith7392]

What if the water supply is off and it’s still dripping?Does that mean the valve in the house need to be replaced also?

[@Know-How-Now]

Depending upon where the spigot is located, it could take a while for all of the water to drain out of the system, it could drip slowly for a while (with the spigot open). If the main shut off valve is closed and you open a faucet and there is running water, then you have a problem with the main shut off.

[@feedyourfaith7392]

Know How Now ok thank you

[@davidlang4442]

Nothing said about a corroded seat the washer sets on causing most leaks. You know you have that by having to turn the faucet off harder over time. There is a reamer tool to clean up the seat on the body of the valve. Look inside of the valve after disassembly to check for pits in the seat. If the seat has corroded, use a reamer to regrind a new surface for the washer to set on when valve is closed. If you don't do this, you will chew up the new washer and be right back to more keaking.

[@Know-How-Now]

Hi Brian, thanks for mentioning the reamer option and explaining about the symptoms of that problem. I'm sure your note will be helpful to others, thanks again for sharing. If I come across a damaged seat, I'll make a video for that repair. Have a great day.

[@timothyriley4209]

thank you. Saved me a call to a plumber.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Timothy. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Please consider supporting the channel and subscribe, it's free, and it will allow me to continue to add more videos.

[@EllenFaucett]

You went too fast.

[@Know-How-Now]

There is a gear symbol on KZbin that allows you to adjust the speed.

[@carlthornton3076]

Good!!!

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment, Carl!