Leaking Outdoor Faucet: Causes, Fixes, and How to Stop Water Waste
An outdoor faucet, also known as a hose bib, makes watering your garden, washing your car, and cleaning the patio easy. But when it starts leaking — whether it’s dripping at the spout, spraying from the handle, or seeping from the wall — it can waste thousands of gallons of water every year.
A leaking outdoor faucet might seem minor, but it can lead to high water bills, foundation damage, and even mold growth around your home’s exterior.
At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, proudly serving Orange County and Los Angeles County, we specialize in residential and commercial plumbing, including leak detection, water line repairs, drain cleaning, and hydro jetting. This guide explains how to identify, troubleshoot, and fix a leaking outdoor faucet — and how to prevent it from happening again.
1. Why Outdoor Faucet Leaks Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Even a slow drip can waste more water than you realize.
- Water waste: A faucet leaking once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons per year.
- Foundation damage: Continuous leaks near your home can saturate soil and weaken the foundation.
- Mold and rot: Moisture buildup on siding or within walls encourages decay.
- Higher bills: You’ll pay for water you never used.
A simple repair today can prevent costly damage tomorrow.
2. Common Causes of Outdoor Faucet Leaks
1. Worn Washer or Packing Nut
The rubber washer inside the faucet wears down over time, causing drips at the spout. Similarly, a loose or damaged packing nut can cause leaks around the handle.
2. Loose or Corroded Pipe Connections
Water supply lines that feed the faucet can loosen or corrode, leading to leaks behind the wall or at the connection point.
3. Cracked Faucet Body
Cold weather can cause trapped water to freeze and expand, cracking the faucet’s metal housing.
4. Damaged Vacuum Breaker
Most modern hose bibs have a vacuum breaker at the top to prevent backflow. When it fails, water can spray from the cap area.
5. Burst or Split Pipe Inside the Wall
If the leak occurs when the faucet is on but the drip continues afterward, the pipe feeding the faucet may have split inside the wall — a serious issue that needs professional repair.
3. How to Troubleshoot a Leaking Outdoor Faucet
Step 1: Identify the Leak Location
Turn the faucet on and watch carefully:
- Leaking from the spout: Likely a worn washer or stem seat.
- Leaking from the handle: The packing nut or stem O-ring may be damaged.
- Leaking from the vacuum breaker: The internal valve or rubber seal could be cracked.
- Leaking from the wall: The supply pipe behind the wall may be damaged.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate your home’s main water shutoff valve (usually near the water meter or where the main line enters the house).
- Turn the valve clockwise to stop water flow.
- Open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water.
Step 3: Repair a Dripping Faucet Spout
- Remove the handle screw and pull off the handle.
- Use a wrench to unscrew the packing nut and pull out the valve stem.
- Examine the washer at the end of the stem. If worn or cracked, replace it.
- Reassemble and tighten securely.
- Turn water back on and test.
Pro Tip: Always use washers that match the exact size and type of your faucet brand.
Step 4: Fix a Leak Around the Handle
- Use a wrench to gently tighten the packing nut located just below the handle.
- If the leak continues, remove the nut and add new packing material (or plumber’s Teflon tape) around the stem.
- Reassemble and test.
Step 5: Replace a Faulty Vacuum Breaker
- Unscrew the plastic cap from the top of the faucet.
- Remove the old vacuum breaker assembly.
- Install a new one and tighten according to manufacturer instructions.
This repair prevents both leaks and backflow contamination.
Step 6: Check for Wall or Pipe Leaks
If water leaks from inside the wall or behind siding when you turn the faucet on, the issue may be more serious.
- Shut off the water supply immediately.
- Avoid using the faucet until a professional plumber inspects it.
- Hidden pipe leaks may require wall access and pipe replacement.
At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, we use non-invasive leak detection tools to locate leaks without unnecessary demolition.
4. Preventing Future Outdoor Faucet Leaks
- Disconnect hoses in winter: Even in mild California climates, trapped water can freeze overnight.
- Install frost-proof faucets: These extend the shutoff valve deeper into the wall where it’s warmer.
- Tighten connections annually: Inspect handles, washers, and fittings for looseness.
- Drain outdoor faucets before freezing weather: Use the interior shutoff valve to empty lines.
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections: Catch small leaks early before they become costly problems.
5. When to Call a Professional
While minor leaks can often be repaired with a wrench and washer, more complex issues require professional help.
Call a plumber if:
- The leak continues after replacing washers or seals.
- Water leaks from behind the wall or foundation.
- The faucet is cracked or corroded beyond repair.
- You suspect pipe damage or low water pressure connected to the leak.
At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, we provide full-service outdoor plumbing repairs, including hose bib replacement, water line repairs, and leak detection to restore safe and efficient water flow.
6. Commercial and Multi-Unit Properties
Businesses, apartment complexes, and HOA-managed properties often experience outdoor faucet leaks from constant use and age.
Common problems include:
- Broken vacuum breakers on shared irrigation lines.
- Leaking spigots in parking lots or exterior cleaning areas.
- Water pressure fluctuations causing backflow.
Our team offers preventive maintenance and high-efficiency replacements to reduce water waste and long-term costs for property managers.
Final Thoughts
A leaking outdoor faucet might seem like a small problem, but it can waste water, damage your property, and signal deeper plumbing issues. Whether the leak is at the handle, the spout, or behind the wall, quick action prevents costly repairs and preserves your home’s efficiency.
At Speedee Drains Plumbing Pros, we proudly serve Orange County and Los Angeles County with expert residential and commercial plumbing services, including outdoor faucet repair, leak detection, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and water line replacements. From small drips to hidden leaks, our skilled team provides fast, reliable solutions you can count on.