Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

To repair a leaky outdoor faucet, you shut off the water supply, drain the line, remove the handle and packing nut, and replace the worn washer or stem seal. Most leaks come from one of these small rubber or plastic parts, so the job is usually quick and needs only basic hand tools. This guide walks through the process so you can stop the drip and get the faucet working again.

Before You Start: Shut Off and Drain the Water

Find the shutoff valve that feeds the outdoor faucet. It is often inside the basement, crawlspace or near the exterior wall. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Then open the outdoor faucet to drain any water left in the line. If the faucet still runs, the shutoff is not closed fully, so check again before you touch anything.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Leaky Outdoor Faucet Repair: 7 Best Kits and Parts Compared (2026).

How to Repair a Leaky Outdoor Faucet Step by Step

Once the water is off and the line is empty, you can open the faucet. Work slowly so small parts do not get lost.

  1. Remove the handle screw, usually under a decorative cap, and lift off the handle.
  2. Unscrew the packing nut with an adjustable wrench. Turn it counterclockwise.
  3. Pull out the stem assembly. Note how the parts are arranged before removing them.
  4. Take out the old washer at the bottom of the stem. Check the brass screw that holds it and tighten it if loose.
  5. Press a new rubber washer of the same size into place. A washer that is even a few millimeters off will keep leaking.
  6. Reinstall the stem, tighten the packing nut snugly without forcing it, and replace the handle.

Turn the water back on slowly and test the faucet. If it still drips from the spout, the valve seat inside the faucet body may be pitted, which is covered in the next section.

Check the Valve Seat and Stem Packing

When the Seat Needs Attention

The valve seat is the metal ring the washer presses against. Over time, mineral buildup and wear leave grooves in it. A seat reseating tool, sold as a small brass tool with a grinding head, can smooth the surface. Work gently and stop once the seat looks even.

When Leaks Come from the Handle

If water leaks around the handle while the faucet is on, the packing around the stem has likely dried out. Wrap a few turns of plumber’s graphite or PTFE tape around the stem before reinstalling, or replace the packing washer if your model uses one.

A basic set of tools makes the job much easier. An adjustable wrench lets you turn the packing nut without damaging the finish. A seat wrench or valve seat tool gives you a clean grip on the stem and seat. Replacement washer kits matched to your faucet type save a return trip to the store.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the drain step, which leaves water in the line and makes the job messy.
  • Using the wrong washer size, which causes a leak even after the repair.
  • Overtightening the packing nut, which can crack the bonnet or strip threads.
  • Forgetting to check the shutoff valve, which may not close fully and can leak as well.
  • Reusing a worn washer because it looks fine from the outside.

Outdoor Faucet Leak Repair FAQ

Do I need to replace the whole faucet?

Usually not. Most leaks are fixed by replacing the washer, seat or packing. A full replacement is only needed if the faucet body is cracked or corroded beyond repair.

Why does my outdoor faucet keep dripping after I fix it?

The most common cause is a washer that is the wrong size or not seated properly. A worn valve seat can also keep dripping, and smoothing or replacing it often solves the problem.

Can I repair a frost-free outdoor faucet the same way?

Frost-free faucets have a longer stem and a different valve design, so the steps differ. Consult a plumber if the valve is inside the wall, since working on water lines can cause damage if done incorrectly.

Conclusion

Repairing a leaky outdoor faucet mostly comes down to shutting off the water, replacing a worn washer and checking the seat. With basic tools and the right parts, most homeowners can finish the job in under an hour. Keep spare washers on hand so the next repair is quick.

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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.