Hose Spigot Leaking from Handle | A Step-By-Step Guide

If you’re dealing with a leaky hose spigot or outdoor faucet, I feel your pain. That constant drip-drip-drip can drive anyone crazy, not to mention the wasted water and potential for damage. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In this guide, I’ll break down the most common reasons for a leaky faucet handle and walk you through the steps to fix it. Whether it’s a loose packing nut or a faulty gasket and O-ring, we’ll tackle it together. So, grab your tools, and let’s get started!

Hose Spigot Leaking from Handle

Why Hose Spigot or Hose Bibb is Leaking from Handle?

A leaky hose spigot or outdoor faucet can be a frustrating issue, but understanding the root causes is the first step toward finding a solution.

Loose Packing Nut

Picture Credit – Everyday Home Repairs

One of the most common reasons for a hose spigot or outdoor faucet leaking from the handle is a loose packing nut. The packing nut is located at the base of the faucet handle and helps create a watertight seal around the faucet stem. Over time, this nut can loosen due to constant use, temperature changes, or wear and tear, causing water to seep out from around the handle.

Faulty Gasket and O Ring or Rubber Washer

*Picture Credit – Everyday Home Repairs

Another potential cause of a leaky faucet handle is a faulty gasket or O-ring. These rubber components are responsible for creating a tight seal between the faucet stem and the faucet body. If they become worn, cracked, or damaged, they can no longer provide an effective seal, leading to water leakage around the handle area.

How to Fix the Water Leaking from Outdoor Faucet Handle Issue

Once you’ve identified the source of the leak, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and take action to resolve the issue. Depending on whether the problem lies with a loose packing nut or a faulty gasket and O-ring, you’ll need to follow specific steps to restore the watertight seal and stop the leakage.

Fix 1 – Tighten the Packing Nut

If a loose packing nut is the cause of your leaky faucet, tightening it may be all you need to do to stop the water from escaping around the handle. This relatively simple fix can often resolve the issue quickly and effectively, without the need for replacing any components. Here’s what to do – 

  1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet by shutting off the main valve or the valve located near the faucet.
  2. Next, remove the faucet handle by unscrewing it or following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will give you access to the packing nut underneath.

*Picture Credit – Everyday Home Repairs

  1. Look for the packing nut at the base of the faucet stem. It’s usually a hexagonal or round nut.

*Picture Credit – Everyday Home Repairs

  1. Grab a wrench or pliers that fit the packing nut, and turn it clockwise to tighten it. Don’t overtighten though, or you might damage something.

                *Picture Credit – Everyday Home Repairs

  1. Once you’ve tightened it up, put the faucet handle back on and turn the water supply back on.
  2. Test it out and see if the leak has stopped. If it’s still leaking, we’ll need to try replacing the gasket and O-ring.

Hopefully, tightening the packing nut does the trick, and you won’t have to go any further. But if not, don’t worry, we’ll move on to the next step.

Fix 2 – Replace the Gasket and O Ring

In cases where the gasket and O-ring have become worn or damaged, replacing these components with new ones can effectively restore the watertight seal and put an end to the leakage. While slightly more involved than tightening a nut, this process is still relatively straightforward and can be accomplished with the right tools and a bit of patience.

  1. First, turn off the water supply again and remove the faucet handle, just like before.
  2. This time, you’ll need to remove the packing nut and the faucet stem from the faucet body.
  3. Take a good look at the gasket and O-ring. If they look worn out, cracked, or damaged, it’s time to replace them.

*Picture Credit – Everyday Home Repairs

  1. Now, carefully reinstall the faucet stem, new gasket, new O-ring, and packing nut. Make sure everything is aligned properly.

*Picture Credit – Everyday Home Repairs

  1. Once they’re in place, tighten the packing nut securely, but don’t overtighten it.
  2. Put the faucet handle back on and turn the water supply back on.
  3. Test the faucet for any remaining leaks. If it’s still leaking, you might need to replace the entire faucet stem or call a professional for help.

Hopefully, by following these steps, the water leaking in the faucet handle will be solved. And it won’t cost you much. On Amazon, it will cost you around $10. 

Wrapping Up

Well, well, well! Congratulations on officially leveling up your DIY skills by fixing that leaky faucet handle. Remember, staying on top of these issues can save you money and prevent bigger headaches down the road. If you’re still unsure or have more questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m always here to help. Now go forth and enjoy your leak-free outdoor faucet!

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