Fixing leaky outdoor faucet can be a challenge
Q: One of the outdoor taps on the back of my house leaks, even when the water is turned off. I tightened the handle as much as possible, but the water still drips from the spout. I can stop the leak by turning off the water valve leading to it, but I would rather be able to access the tap without going into the basement each time to turn on the water feed. How do I fix this leak? — Troy L., White Plains, N.Y.
A: Outdoor faucets (they are also called “sillcocks” or “hose bibs,” but I prefer faucet) deal with a lot of wear and tear, just from being exposed to the elements year after year. The faucets can freeze in winter and are exposed to full sun in the summer. The minerals in the water passing through can build up or contribute to the decay of sealant materials.
Faulty O-rings and stem washers are most often the cause of leaks in sillcock-type faucets. Luckily they can be replaced with little difficulty, especially in newer plumbing systems.
Using channel-type pliers, remove the faucet handle and loosen the retaining nut. Pull out the stem — a long brass tube that extends through the water pipe to the valve seat (near the shutoff valve in your basement). Remove the O-ring (a rubber washer seated around the front end of the stem) and the washer on the stem screw (located at the other end — remove the stem screw for better access).
Take them to the home improvement store to find matching parts. Put the new washer and O-ring in place, screw the stem screw back in and slide the stem back into the pipe. Tighten the retaining nut, using the channel-type pliers to make the connection secure, and replace the faucet handle. Then, open the faucet, turn on the water at the valve (so water gushes out of the faucet) and turn off the tap, tightening securely, but not too tight. Check for leaks.
Hose bibs also spring leaks when the washers are faulty. Remove the faucet handle and use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the packing nut. Disassemble the nut and spindle to access the washers and replace them, then reassemble, tighten and test.