How to Fix a Leaky Spigot

Jul 31, 2025

🚿 How to Fix a Leaky Spigot

(Without Flooding Your Crawl Space or Losing Your Mind)

A leaky outdoor spigot isn’t just annoying—it’s literally money dripping away onto your foundation. Whether it’s a slow-dripping nuisance or a full-blown spray show when you turn the hose on, fixing it is easier than you think. No plumber required (usually), just a little confidence and a few tools.

And yes—this guide is tailored for Lane County homeowners dealing with weather-worn hose bibs, hard water, and the glorious muck of Oregon soil.

🧰 Tools & Materials You’ll Need

  • Adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers

  • Flathead screwdriver

  • Replacement rubber washer (for compression spigots) or vacuum breaker (for anti-siphon types)

  • Teflon (plumber’s) tape

  • Pipe joint compound (optional, but helpful)

  • Old towel or bucket

  • Flashlight or headlamp (if it’s under an eave or gets dark)

  • Coffee and self-satisfaction, optional but encouraged

⚠️ Before You Begin: Safety First

1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Find the main water shutoff—often located in the crawlspace, garage, or utility room—and turn it off. If your spigot has a dedicated shutoff valve, even better. This step is non-negotiable.
💡 Tip: Open the spigot to fully drain the line before you get to work.

2. Protect Yourself & Your Pipes
Wear gloves if you’re working in tight spaces or around brick/siding. And don’t over-tighten anything—older pipes in Eugene-area homes (especially pre-1970s) can be fragile.

🛠️ Step-by-Step: Fixing the Leak

✅ Step 1: Identify Where It’s Leaking

There are three common leak points on a spigot:

  • From the handle (packing nut issue)

  • From the spout when it’s off (bad washer)

  • From where it connects to the house (thread/seal problem)

Once you know where it’s leaking, you’ll know how to fix it.

🔧 Step 2: Tighten the Packing Nut (Handle Leak)

  • Use your wrench to give the packing nut (right behind the handle) a quarter turn clockwise.

  • Turn the water back on briefly. If it still leaks, proceed to Step 3.

🧽 Step 3: Replace the Washer (Dripping When Off)

  1. Remove the handle using a screwdriver.

  2. Use your wrench to unscrew the packing nut and stem assembly—pull it straight out.

  3. At the end of the stem, you’ll see a rubber washer held in by a screw. Remove and replace it.

  4. Wrap Teflon tape on the threads of the stem and carefully reassemble.

💡 Washer sizes vary—take the old one to Jerry’s or Home Depot and match it up. Eugene’s hard water can chew through washers faster than you’d think.

🧵 Step 4: Reseal the Threads (Leak at the Base)

  1. Unscrew the entire spigot from the pipe (counter-clockwise).

  2. Clean off the old tape or residue from the threads.

  3. Wrap fresh Teflon tape around the threads 2–3 times.

  4. Screw it back on snug—but don’t overtighten!

🆘 Bonus: Replacing a Vacuum Breaker (Leaking While Hose Is On)

Many spigots in Eugene/Springfield have anti-siphon vacuum breakers (those little caps with vents). If yours leaks during use:

  • Unscrew or pry off the old vacuum breaker (some are threaded, others snap on).

  • Replace with a new one—less than $10 at any hardware store.

  • Hand-tighten only.

✅ Step 5: Test It!

Turn the water supply back on slowly.
Check for leaks under pressure—at the handle, stem, spout, and connection to the house.

No drips? Victory.
Still leaking? You may have corrosion damage or a cracked spigot. That’s when you call a local pro.

🛒 Where to Get Parts in Lane County

  • 🧰 Jerry’s Home Improvement (Eugene & Springfield)

  • 🛠️ True Value Hardware (Florence, Creswell, and Cottage Grove)

  • 🌿 BRING’s Reuse Store (for unique or vintage fixtures)

💬 Final Tip: Winterize That Spigot!

In Lane County, freezing temps sneak in around December.
Install a foam faucet cover or shut off the interior supply valve during winter to avoid burst pipes.

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