Luckily, a leaking hose bib is an easy fix.

What Is a Hose Bib?

You don’t want to loosen or even break piping downstream of where you’re working.

Hose bib leaking water on exterior wall

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Remove the Valve Stem

Unscrew the valve stem from the faucet body.

Replace the Stem Washer

Check the rubber or neoprene washer at the end of the valve stem.

It will need replacing if you notice it’s hardened, cracked, or deformed.

Materials and tools to fix a leaky hose bib

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Tip

Brass is a soft metal and should be handled with care.

If the brass screw is damaged during the process, your new washer should come with a replacement.

If you prefer, you’re able to also use a fiber packing washer instead.

Water turned off by turning lever on shutoff valve

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Slightly tighten the packing nut with a wrench.

Then put the faucet handle back on and find out if the faucet is working properly.

Tightening the packing nut too much can make the handle hard to turn.

Screwdriver removing green handle on top of hose bib

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

If you experience any leaking around the handle, tighten the packing nut a little further.

If any physical signs of wear or damage can be seen, it’s time for a replacement.

A silicone-based lubricant is the best choice to use for outdoor hose threads.

Unscrew the packing nut on top of the faucet body with wrench

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Outdoor Spigot?Angi.

Valve stem removed with wrench on stop of faucet body

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Rubber stem washer at end of valve stem inspected for replacement

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Packing strip unwrapped from valve stem

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Faucet body being reassembled with packing nut threaded on top

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Green handle turned to test water flow from faucet

The Spruce / Kevin Norris