How to Fix an Outdoor Faucet Leak

How to Find an Outdoor Water Leak

Finding an outdoor faucet water leak is simple. Here are a few ways plumbers say you can find the water leak:

• Examine the system to see if the outdoor faucet leaks when it is switched off. After that, turn on the faucet and put your hand over the gap. If the water flow slows while the system is sealed, you have a leak that needs to be identified and repaired.
• Look for parts of your yard or land that are sunken or muddy, as you might have an underwater leak in your system.
• Switch off all water movement in your system, both inside and outside. Locate your water meter and visually inspect the indicator to see if it is going. If it is, there is a leak somewhere in your system. The water meter is usually located on the side of your house.
• If you discover that water is still flowing somewhere in your system, contact McQuillan Bros plumbers to have it tested. A simple dripping issue may be fixed by removing worn rubber washers, or it may necessitate more complicated repairs. Winter weather can wreak havoc on your water system, so a routine springtime inspection from an approved, bonded plumbing service can help you reduce the expense of costly potential home or foundation repairs.

How to Repair a Leaky Hose Bib: A Do-It-Yourself Guide

The outdoor faucet that protrudes from the building wall is commonly referred to as a “hose bib.” If you find it leaking and are a handyman, simply follow these measures to fix a leaky hose bib:

1. Switch off your property’s key water valve.
2. Unscrew the nut located under the faucet’s handle.
3. Remove the valve stem.
4. Take out the screw that is holding the washer in place.
5. Replace the washer, making sure it’s the right size and thickness.
6. Tighten the screw that holds the washer in place.
7. Replace the stem in the assembly.
8. Tighten the nut at the faucet’s base until it is snug and safe.
9. Switch on the main water valve.
10. Check the faucet to ensure the leak has been repaired.

If you need assistance with your plumbing problems, contact McQuillan Bros. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. 

Outdoor Faucets that are Frost-Proof

Some homeowners build frost-proof outdoor faucets, which is a wise option in Minnesota, which experiences freezing temperatures during the fall and winter months. These frost-proof faucets may be useful, but they will need to be repaired or restored after many years of use. You have a leak if the faucet drips while the valve is turned off. 

Regular or frost-proof faucets inevitably wear out, and the internal washer deteriorates, necessitating replacement. You should repair the inner washer yourself, but make sure you reassemble the faucet properly. These are small tasks that many people perform on their own – or put off until later. Failure to repair a leaky outdoor faucet in a timely manner will result in very serious damage. When water spills into your home’s foundation – make fixing the leak a priority, says our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a plumber in Appleton, WI.

Fix Outdoor Faucet Leak 

It’s not easy dealing with plumbing problems, especially ones that can be costly in the long run. If you suspect that you have a water leak, call an emergency plumber immediately. McQuillan Bros has been proudly serving the Twin Cities area and beyond since 1883. Our plumbers will work with you to provide fast and efficient solutions.