Why is My Outdoor Faucet Leaking When It’s Turned Off?

Ever walked past your garden hose and noticed that annoying drip, drip, drip? You’re not alone! That outdoor faucet (some folks call it a hose bibb or spigot) can be a real headache when it starts leaking. Let’s talk about why this happens and what you can do about it.

Common Problems with Outdoor Faucets

I know what you’re thinking – “It’s just a tiny leak, what’s the big deal?” Well, here’s something that might surprise you: that small drip can waste over 3,000 gallons of water in a year! That’s enough to fill a swimming pool. Plus, your wallet won’t be too happy when you see your water bill.

But it gets worse. That water isn’t just disappearing into thin air:

• Foundation Damage. It could be slowly damaging your home’s foundation.
• Water Backups. You might end up with water sneaking into your house.
• Mold and Mildew. And nobody wants the mold and mildew that comes with excess moisture.

What Causes an Outdoor Faucet to Leak

Usually, an outdoor faucet leak is caused by one of three main culprits:

1. A Loose Packing Nut: Think of this like a loose lid on a jar – it just needs a good tightening.
2. A Worn-Out Washer: Remember those little rubber rings in your kitchen faucet? Your outdoor faucet has one too, and it can wear out over time.
3. Frost Damage: If it gets too cold, water can freeze in the pipes, expand, and cause pipes to crack. It’s like putting a full water bottle in the freezer – not a great idea!

DIY Fixes for a Leaky Outdoor Faucet

If you notice a leak, you might want to try fixing it yourself. Good news – you might be able to tackle this yourself! Here are two common faucet fixes:

Fixing a Loose Packing Nut

1. Grab a wrench and screwdriver.
2. Turn off the water (important!).
3. Find that packing nut and give it a gentle tighten.
4. Don’t go all Hulk on it – just snug is fine.
5. Turn the water back on and check if it worked.

Replacing a Worn Washer

1. Start by turning off the water.
2. Take the handle off (you’ll need a screwdriver).
3. Find that old washer and pop it out.
4. Put in a new one (make sure it’s the same size!).
5. Put everything back together and test it out.

Outdoor Water Leaks in Pipes

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the faucet at all – it’s with the pipes underground.

Here’s how to play detective:

• Check your water meter when everything’s turned off – if it’s still moving, you’ve got a leak somewhere.
• Look for suspiciously green patches in your yard (free fertilizer isn’t always good news!).
• Listen for the sound of running water when everything’s off.
• Keep an eye out for damp spots on walls or ceilings.

When to Call a Ben Franklin Plumber

Look, we all love a good DIY project, but sometimes you need to know when to call in the Service Minds plumbing experts. If you’ve tried the simple fixes and that drip is still driving you crazy, it’s probably time to call a Ben Franklin plumber. They’ve got special tools and years of experience – they’ll find and fix that leak in no time!

Remember, taking care of a small leak now is way better than dealing with a big problem later. Your home (and your water bill) will thank you!

Need more help? Give your punctual plumber at Benjamin Franklin a call – they love solving these kinds plumbing problems.