Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

To repair an outdoor faucet, you shut off the water supply, remove the handle and stem, replace the worn washer or packing, and reassemble the valve. Most dripping and leaking outdoor faucets come down to one or two worn rubber parts, and the fix usually takes under an hour with basic hand tools. This guide walks through how to repair an outdoor faucet step by step, including how to tell which part has failed.

Shut Off the Water and Diagnose the Leak

Start by closing the shutoff valve inside your home, usually in the basement, crawlspace or near the water heater. Then open the outdoor faucet to drain the remaining water in the line. If the faucet still drips after the water is off, the problem is likely a worn washer or seat. If water leaks from around the handle, the packing nut or O-ring is the probable cause.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Outdoor Faucet Valve Repair Kits for Leaks and Drips (2026).

Remove the Stem and Replace the Worn Parts

Most outdoor faucets are compression-style valves. Remove the handle screw, lift off the handle, and unscrew the packing nut with an adjustable wrench. Pull out the stem assembly and check the rubber washer at its base. A washer that is flattened, cracked or pitted needs replacing. Take the old washer to the hardware store so you can match the size and shape, because a mismatched washer will leak right away.

If the faucet leaks from the handle, replace the packing washer or O-ring wrapped around the stem. Wrap new plumber’s tape or apply a light coat of plumber’s grease before reinstalling. Tighten the packing nut just until the leak stops; overtightening can crush the new seal and make the handle hard to turn.

Reassemble and Test the Faucet

Reinstall the stem, hand-tighten the packing nut, and then give it a quarter turn with a wrench. Put the handle back on and tighten the screw. Slowly turn the water supply back on at the shutoff valve, then open and close the outdoor faucet a few times while watching for drips. A slow leak from the spout after closing usually means the washer is not seated squarely; take the stem apart and check the washer position.

Tools and Parts Checklist

  1. Adjustable wrench and a slip-joint pliers
  2. Flat-head screwdriver or Phillips driver for the handle screw
  3. Replacement washer or packing kit that matches your faucet brand
  4. Plumber’s tape or plumber’s grease
  5. Bucket and old towel to catch drips

Repair Frost-Free and Other Outdoor Faucet Types

Frost-free outdoor faucets, sometimes called sillcocks, have a long stem that carries the valve seal deep inside the wall. Their repair is different because the seal sits at the far end of the stem, where the water is shut off, not in the handle. If the faucet drips from the spout after you have shut it off, the stem seal is usually the cause. Replacing the entire stem assembly is often easier than repairing the seal in place, and many owners find the stem sold as a complete replacement part simpler to install.

Manufacturers specify that frost-free faucets must be installed with a slight downward slope so water drains out of the wall section after each use. If the faucet has been dripping since it was installed, check that slope before replacing parts, since a misaligned line can keep the seal from fully closing.

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping the shutoff valve and getting soaked when the handle comes off.
  • Overtightening the packing nut, which crushes the seal and stiffens the handle.
  • Buying a generic washer without measuring the old one first.
  • Forgetting to drain the line before removing parts.
  • Reinstalling the washer upside down or off-center, which causes a slow drip.

A basic adjustable wrench makes it easier to loosen a stiff packing nut without rounding the edges. View on Amazon

Plumber’s tape and a small tube of silicone plumber’s grease help seal threads and keep new washers from tearing during reinstallation. View on Amazon

An outdoor faucet washer assortment lets you match the old part quickly if you are not sure of the size. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do I need to turn off the water before repairing an outdoor faucet?

Yes. Close the shutoff valve inside the home and open the outdoor faucet to drain the line before removing any parts. Skipping this step can cause water to spray when the stem comes out.

How long does it take to repair an outdoor faucet?

Most washer or packing replacements take under an hour once you have the right parts. Stem replacements on frost-free faucets can take longer, especially if the old stem is corroded.

When should I replace the whole faucet instead of repairing it?

Replace the faucet if the body is cracked, the threads are stripped, or the valve leaks even after new washers and stems are installed. Consult a licensed plumber if you are unsure whether the leak is coming from the supply line inside the wall.

Conclusion

Repairing an outdoor faucet usually means shutting off the water, replacing a worn washer or packing, and reassembling with care. Work slowly, check the washer position, and test the faucet before closing up the wall or the handle. With a few basic tools, most leaks can be stopped in a single afternoon.

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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.