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How to Fix a Leaky Hose Bib
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fixing a Leaky
Hose Bib
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Question: Mark, I have a 50
year old home and I am trying to keep up with the maintenance on it to avoid
costly repairs. I have two leaky hose bibs that after shutting them off they
drip. Is fixing a leaky hose bib something a lowly skilled diy homeowner can
tackle? I appreciate your advice. Thanks, J.N.
Answer: J.N, if your hose bib or outdoor faucet is leaking you typically
can fix it with just a couple of tools and a replacement washer or two.
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To fix a leaky hose bib that is
dripping at the handle or packing nut, the leak is most likely associated with
the packing nut washer or graphite packing string that sits behind the packing
nut. If the leak is coming from the faucet itself then most likely the leak is
associated with the compression washer that sits in the hose bib faucet
assembly. In both cases these washers can lose their resiliency overtime and
begin to allow water to seep around them.
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Replace Packing Washer on Leaky Hose Bib
To fix a leaky hose bib that is dripping around the faucet handle, first turn
water off to the hose bib at the inside valve. Then turn the faucet handle all
away to the on position. No water should come out of the faucet.
Next remove the screw or nut that is holding on the faucet handle using a
screwdriver or wrench.
Then remove the faucet handle.
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Now, using an adjustable wrench, remove the packing nut that sits behind the
faucet handle.
After removing the packing nut, you’ll notice a packing washer or graphite
packing string sitting behind the nut. Remove it with as small flat head screw
driver.
Replace the packing washer with the exact same size one. If graphite packing
string was used, remove the residual packing string and replace it with new
graphite packing string. Reattach the packing nut and handle to the hose bib and
turn water back on to the hose bib. Test to see if you’ve fixed your leaky hose
bib.
Replace Compression Washer on Leaky Hose Bib
To fix a leaky hose bib that is dripping out of the faucet itself, again make
sure you’ve first turn water off to the outdoor faucet. Then turn the faucet
valve all the way to the on position. No water should come out of it.
Then remove the faucet handle and the packing nut and check to see if the
packing washer or graphite packing string needs to be replaced.
Next remove the entire faucet valve assembly with your adjustable wrench. Make
sure to grasp the base of the hose bib while you loosen the faucet assembly with
your wrench.
After removing the faucet valve assembly you will observe the compression
washer. Replace the compression washer with a new one of exactly the same
dimensions. You will notice that there is a screw that holds the compression
washer in place. You will need to remove this screw to replace the compression
washer.
With the faucet handle reattached to the faucet assembly and in the open
position, and the packing nut loosely reattached to the faucet assembly,
reattach the faucet valve assembly to the hose bib. Then tighten up the packing
nut and turn the faucet handle to the off position. Finally turn water back on
to the hose bib and test the hose bib. With any luck you have fixed your leaky
hose bib.
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