Every homeowner will have wondered at one point or another how to repair a leaky hose bib. I’m sure it seems like every year around spring time one of your outdoor faucets will start to leak.
Here is how you can handle a leaky hose bib yourself if you choose to do so.
Hose bib – what is it?
A hose bib is just another name for a faucet. This faucet is a special type that has a spout that is threaded, which makes it easy to attach to other devices, such as garden hoses or a washing machine.
A hose bib is often called a tap because it “taps” into indoor water supplies. A hose bib, regardless of its location, is essential to any plumbing system. It permits you to attach a hose anywhere you need it to the water supply.
Tools and materials
The 2 tools needed for this job are an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver.
The materials you will need can be bought at most hardware stores.
They are as follows:
- New stem screw
- New stem washer
- New packing string or washer
Steps to fix a leaky hose bib
If the leak is at the handle, before doing anything, try to tighten the packing nut to stop the hose bib from leaking.
If that doesn’t work, start the repair as follows:
- Cut off the water supply feeding the leaky hose bib. The water supply valve should be found inside your home near the area the leaky hose bib is installed to the outside wall. If you cannot locate it, you will have to shut off the water supply for the whole house using the home’s main shutoff valve.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screw from the handle. Take off the handle.
- With the adjustable wrench, turn counterclockwise to lift out the packing nut.
- The stem assembly, as well as the packing nut (aka, a bonnet), should be taken to your local hardware business. Inquire from a salesperson which replacement packing you should buy. It’s either going to be a packing washer or packing string. Also, get a new stem washer and screw.
- Install the stem washer by replacing it.
- Insert the new purchased packaging washer and old packing ring into the packing nut. Next, insert the stem.
- Attach the stem to the faucet body. Tighten the packing nut. Replace the handle and then turn it to the off position.
- Turn back on the water supply. The packing nut can be tightened some more if the bib continues to leak.
Last thoughts
Although it might appear daunting to repair a leaky hose bib, you will soon see how simple it is. It’s actually quite easy once you get the hang of it.
TIP: If you are not familiar with all the parts it can help to number the parts in the sequence that you disassemble them. This will allow you to work backwards when putting things back together.
Even though this job is easy, you may not have the time or the desire to get your hands dirty. If that is the case, it is best to call a professional plumber. A plumber can replace a leaky hose bib in less than an hour.
