Is your outdoor faucet leaking? The primary cause of the leakage might be wear and tear. Several other reasons cause outdoor faucets to leak from the handle. Remember that outdoor faucets are part of the exterior of your house and have a lot to do with the appearance of your home. You’re not alone if you have recently noticed that your outdoor faucet isn’t working as it should. Such problems happen all the time with outdoor faucets.
To fix your outdoor faucet, it is crucial to identify what is wrong before starting any work. When an outdoor faucet is leaking, the problem could be emanating from different things. Diagnozing the cause correctly enables you to decide on the next course of action. Therefore, do your best to identify what is ailing your faucet.
Why is the Outdoor Faucet Leaking from the Handle?
Identifying why your outdoor faucet is leaking from the handle is the first step towards remedying the situation. As stated earlier, several causes contribute to the leakage. These causes include corrosion, debris, wear and tear, and many more. Knowing what exactly hails your faucet helps in fixing it efficiently.
If you are at crossroads as to why your outdoor faucet is leaking from its handle, worry no more. This article will walk you through the causes of your problem and guide you on the best possible ways to solve the situation. Keep reading!
The 3 Main Causes Of Leakage in Outdoor Faucets
1. Corrosion
Corrosion happens when water touches metal for too long and starts to eat away at it. A few solutions for this problem include using vinegar and baking soda to clean the area, replacing the washers, or changing the stopper.
If the above solutions don’t work, maybe the corrosion has eaten away at the outdoor faucet, and you need to buy a new one. However, that might make you dig a little bit into your pockets.
2. Debris
Another common problem is debris in the valve. Debris can be caught in the valve, making it difficult for water to pass through. The solution to this problem is removing debris from the valve using a wire hanger and installing new washers. You can consult a plumber to determine the budget involved.
3. A Hole In the Piping System
If a hole exists in your piping system, there will not be enough pressure for water to come out of your faucet at the recommended speed. You can solve this problem by repairing or replacing your piping system.
The primary steTo determine whether there is a hole in the pipping system; test your water pressure when the faucet is on and off. Suppose the water pressure changes when the faucet is turned on, or off, then you likely have a hole in the pipe.
Fixing the Outdoor Faucet Step-By-Step
Fixing an outdoor faucet can be tricky and should not be taken lightly. To avoid any problems or potential damage, please follow these steps when fixing an outdoor faucet:
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
The initial stage you need to undertake is to turn off the water supply to your house and make sure all other fixtures are turned off as well. Turning it off will help you ensure that the water pressure will not come at once when you check out the faulty faucet handle. Also, it enables you to measure the intensity of the leak.
2. Clear Debris from the Valve
If the leaking faucet is due to clogged debris, you need to remove the fixture from the pipe and spray it with a garden hose to clear debris from the valve and threads. This way, the present dirt is removed, and your faucet will work correctly again.
3. Replace the Faucet Or the Worn Out Parts
Suppose the leak is caused by the outdoor faucet being worn out or wear and tear; you can choose what to do with that. If you want to call someone to fix the old one, you can. You can as well choose to replace the outdoor faucet with a new one.
When fixing the outdoor faucet, ensure you replace any washers or parts that may have worn out. Please always consult when you are at this stage.
4. Tighten Loose Bolts
If the leaky faucet results from a loose bolt, you can tighten fittings by hand until they stop leaking before re-attaching them to the pipe.
It would take less energy to do that, or if you feel you can’t do it yourself, you can call an experienced plumber to tighten the bolt.
5. Inspect for More Leaks
After tightening the bolt, you can now check if it is functioning. For instance, closely inspect joints for leaks, and tighten them if necessary. The inspection will help you prevent a future reoccurrence of the problem.
6. Test for Leaks
After the inspection, if it is tight enough, you can turn on the water supply, test for leaks, and turn it off again to avoid flooding. Once you are satisfied that your outdoor faucet isn’t leaking anymore, give yourself a small pat on the shoulder for the excellent job!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Replace a Leaking Outdoor Faucet?
If you have ascertained that the outdoor faucet needs replacement and it’s not working, you can always consult. When consulting, you need to go to a specialized mechanical place and ask for the solutions you can partake in.
Can I Still Fix My Outdoor Faucet if I misdiagnose the Leakage Cause?
No. You can’t solve a problem without determining its cause. For instance, if the reason for your leaky outdoor faucet is due to it wearing out, and you solve the problem by spraying it, then you will not be able to fix it. Always ascertain the cause to fix it.
The Final Word
Any outdoorsy enthusiast will agree that an outdoor faucet adds beauty to your home. But what is the faucet is leaky? What can you do to fix it? Start with identifying the cause of the leakage, then embark on the right fixing procedure. The major causes of leaking outdoor faucets include corrosion, wear and tear, debris, and wear and tear.
Reference 1: How to Fix Outside Water Faucet Leaking Problems | TheHomeTome
Reference 2: How To Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet (Frost Free Spigot Guide) (plumbinglab.com)
