The overnight temperatures have steadily been above freezing, leading several homeowners to begin their annual gardening and landscaping. If you are one of these individuals, then you too have likely brought out all your needed tools and supplies, such as gloves, shovels, trowels, pots, fertilizer, mulch, and of course watering jugs. Now, since it has been several months since you have last turned on your outdoor faucet, also known as a hose bibb, you may notice some perpetual dripping. This is common, and usually caused by freeze-thaw cycles, which can loosen the packing nut beneath the bibb.

Regardless of why your outdoor spigot is dripping, fixing it should be at the top of your springtime to-do list. Otherwise, you can face a long list of consequences, including additional plumbing damage, increase water bills, and more. Tightening the packing nut generally does the trick, but the dripping could be due to a faulty or defective washer, which would have to be replaced.

Continue reading for a quick, step-by-stop guide to stopping an outdoor faucet from dripping all season long.

What You Will Need:

☑ Pliers or an Adjustable Wrench
☑ A Replacement Rubber Washer

Step ➀:

Using your pliers or adjustable wrench, tighten the packing nut located underneath the faucet tap. Wait an hour to see if the dripping resides. If the bibb continues to drip, you will need to replace the rubber washer. See how to begin in the next step.

Step ➁:

Shut off your main water valve to the outdoor faucet.

Step ➂:

Turn the packing nut counterclockwise to loosen it from the bibb.

Step ➃:

Remove the handle and stem from the faucet housing.

Step ➄:

Remove the screw from the stem, on the side that has the rubber washer.

Step ➅:

Replace the rubber washer on the stem with a new one.

Step ➆:

Reattach the screw (the one removed in Step 5) on the stem that holds the rubber washer in place.

Step ➇:

Reinsert the stem into the faucet housing.

Step ➈:

Tighten the packing nut by turning it clockwise.

Step ➉:

Turn your main water valve back on and inspect your bibb for leaks.

If This Does Not Work…
Hire a State-Licensed Plumber for Help!

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for help with your plumbing repairs in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.