Water leaks from outdoor faucets when turned on – this is a common problem. The leak may be caused by faulty shut-off valves, worn washers or even metal parts that are corroding over time. There are some quick fixes you can try to stop the leaks before they cause more damage to your property.
What can you do if your outdoor faucet leaks when turned on?
Fixing a leaky outdoor faucet is more complicated than simply changing the washer as it requires replacing some metal components. However, depending on the damage, you can attempt to fix some of these components first before calling a professional plumber. Keep reading: How to remove garage door rust?
In order to find out what’s causing your outdoor faucet leak, first turn off the water supply to the faucet. Then remove the handle of the faucet and use a flashlight to look inside. In most cases, you should see some kind of washer or rubber part that may be worn out or damaged.
If your current washer is made of plastic, it may have been overtightened at some point and has now become deformed. All you need to do is remove it and snap in a new one (make sure the washer isn’t cracked or damaged). This may fix your outdoor faucet water leak for about 6 months, but eventually, the problem will probably occur again.
You can also try replacing the rubber components of your outdoor shut-off valves. It’s important to note that you won’t be able to fix these quite as easily as the washers, but it should at least stop your outdoor faucets from leaking for another year or so until you have time to call a plumber.
One of the best solutions for stopping an outdoor faucet leak is replacing all of the metal parts with newer ones. A new valve stem assembly made of brass may be the best option as it’s more durable than steel or plastic options. Discover the Outdoor outlet not working reasons and solutions.
Fixing an Outdoor Faucet Leak on your Own
Of course, if you’re uncomfortable with any of these fixes, you can always call a plumber to fix outdoor faucet leaks for you. Plumbers will usually inspect the entire faucet and recommend replacement components that are more durable than typical washers (which tend to be made of either plastic or rubber).
Even if your outdoor faucets don’t leak, it’s still a good idea to consider replacing all metal parts with new ones once every few years. This may seem expensive, but it will save you from the problem of outdoor faucets leaking in the future.
In order to stop outdoor faucet leaks before they happen, make sure that washers and rubber seals are replaced on a regular basis (if applicable). You should also regularly inspect your valves and turn off the water supply to your outdoor faucets if they’re not in use during the winter months.
By regularly inspecting and maintaining your outdoor faucets, you can avoid more costly repairs or replacements down the road. This is a small price to pay for saving on water usage and property damage that may be caused by leaks.
Why outdoor faucet leaks when turned on?
Outdoor faucet leaks are often caused by corroded parts. Over time, metal components of outdoor faucets can become worn out and stop working properly. Replacing these parts with newer ones is one of the best solutions for stopping an outdoor faucet leak. This is especially true if you live in areas that have hot summers and cold winters, as this will speed up the corrosion process.
If you notice that your outdoor faucets are leaking, don’t panic right away. Most of the time on-the-spot repairs can be made to stop water leaks and restore your plumbing system to normal working order.
