Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

Learning how to repair a outside faucet usually comes down to shutting off the water supply, pulling the valve stem, and replacing the worn washer or O-ring that’s causing the drip. Most outdoor hose bibs use simple parts, so a basic repair takes under an hour with a few hand tools. This guide walks through the process from start to finish.

Before You Start: Shut Off the Water

Locate the shutoff valve that feeds the outside faucet. It is often inside the basement, crawl space or utility closet near where the pipe enters the house. Turn it clockwise until it stops, then open the outside faucet to drain residual water. If the faucet still runs after you have closed the valve, the shutoff may be faulty, so you may need a plumber to address it.

How to Disassemble the Faucet

  1. Remove the handle screw, usually at the top or center of the handle, and lift the handle off.
  2. Unscrew the packing nut or bonnet nut with an adjustable wrench. Turn counterclockwise.
  3. Pull out the stem assembly. Hold it steady as it comes free.
  4. Inspect the rubber washer at the stem tip. A cracked, flattened or hardened washer is the most common cause of dripping.

How to Replace the Washer or Stem

Remove the old washer by unscrewing the brass screw at the tip of the stem. Take the worn washer to a hardware store so you can match the diameter and thickness. Install the new washer, tighten the screw, then reinsert the stem into the body. Thread the packing nut back on by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then snug it with a wrench. Do not overtighten, since this can crack the body or damage the threads.

Replacing the O-Ring and Packing

Some outside faucets leak around the handle rather than at the spout. In that case, the packing washer or O-ring around the stem is the likely culprit. Wrap new packing string or replace the O-ring, then reassemble. Check the manufacturer’s diagram if your model has a different layout.

Reassemble, Test and Check for Leaks

Reattach the handle, then slowly turn the water supply back on at the shutoff valve. Open the outside faucet partway and let the air escape. Close it fully and watch for drips for at least a minute. If it still leaks, the washer may be seated incorrectly or the seat inside the body may be damaged.

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Forgetting to shut off the water before disassembling, which causes a sudden spray.
  • Using too much force on the packing nut, which can crack the valve body.
  • Buying a washer by guesswork. Bring the old one to the store.
  • Skipping the drain step, which leaves water trapped in the line.
  • Ignoring a loose or corroded hose connection, which can mimic a faucet leak.
  • Adjustable wrench lets you loosen the packing nut without rounding its corners. View on Amazon
  • Faucet washer assortment gives you several sizes so you can match the one that fits your faucet. View on Amazon
  • Plumber’s packing string seals the stem when leaks come from the handle area. View on Amazon

If you want a complete set of replacement parts, compare kits before you buy individual pieces. Our guide 7 Best Outside Water Faucet Repair Kits and Parts for 2026 covers the options. For a dripping faucet specifically, Dripping Outside Faucet Repair: 5 Best Kits Compared (2026) is a helpful companion. You can also read Outdoor Faucet Leak Repair: 7 Best Kits and Parts Compared (2026) if the leak is around the handle.

FAQ

How do I repair an outside faucet that keeps dripping?

Shut off the water, remove the stem and replace the worn washer at its tip. Most drips stop after this single swap.

How do you repair an outside faucet without replacing the whole unit?

Replace the internal parts only, such as the washer, packing and O-ring. This is faster and cheaper than swapping the faucet body.

How do I know if the valve is too damaged to repair?

If the valve seat is pitted, cracked or the threads are stripped, the body likely needs replacement. A licensed plumber can confirm this and handle the job safely.

Conclusion

Repairing an outside faucet is usually a matter of shutting off the water, replacing the worn washer or packing, and reassembling carefully. Take the old parts with you to match them accurately. If the valve body is damaged, consult a professional plumber for a safe fix.

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Caleb Morgan

About Caleb Morgan

Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen faucets & sinks guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.