How do I winterize an outdoor faucet?

Disconnect all hoses before the first freeze. Turn off the indoor shutoff valve for that faucet, then open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water from the pipe. Frost-free sillcock faucets drain automatically when you disconnect the hose, but only if the hose is removed.

What's a frost-free (sillcock) faucet?

A frost-free outdoor faucet has a stem 8–12 inches long that shuts off water inside the warm part of the house, leaving the outdoor pipe empty. They prevent freeze damage automatically — but only when no hose is attached.

PlumbingLow UrgencyBeginner DIY

How to Fix a Leaking Outdoor Faucet

An outdoor faucet (hose bib or spigot) that drips wastes water and can lead to ice buildup and foundation damage in cold climates. Most outdoor faucet leaks are caused by worn washers or packing and can be fixed in 30 minutes with basic tools.

$5–$40 DIY

Estimated cost

30–60 minutes

Time needed

beginner

Difficulty

Likely Causes

1Worn or cracked rubber washer inside the valve
2Loose packing nut allowing water past the stem
3Damaged O-ring on the valve stem
4Freeze damage splitting the faucet body
5Corroded vacuum breaker (on anti-siphon faucets)

Severity: Low Urgency

Low urgency unless you're heading into freezing temperatures, in which case freeze damage can split the entire faucet and pipe.

How to Fix It: Step by Step

1
Turn off the indoor shutoff valve
Find the dedicated shutoff for the outdoor faucet — usually in the basement or crawl space near where the pipe exits the foundation. Turn it clockwise to close.
2
Remove the handle
Unscrew the handle screw and pull the handle off. Some handles have a decorative cap hiding the screw.
3
Unscrew the packing nut
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the large packing nut (the hex nut just behind the handle area). Turn counterclockwise. The stem assembly will pull out with it.
4
Replace the washer
At the end of the stem is a rubber washer held by a brass screw. Remove the screw, replace the washer with an exact match, and reinstall the screw firmly.
5
Replace packing if the stem leaks
If the faucet leaks around the stem (not the spout), replace the graphite packing rope or packing washer inside the packing nut.
6
Reassemble and test
Thread the stem back in, tighten the packing nut (snug, not overtight), reinstall the handle, and turn the indoor shutoff back on. Test for leaks.

Materials & Tools Needed

Replacement faucet washer kit

$5–$10

Packing rope or washer

$3–$8

Adjustable wrench

$10–$25

Replacement outdoor faucet (if beyond repair)

$15–$40

Warning Signs It's Getting Worse

⚠Faucet leaks even when the indoor shutoff is closed (cracked pipe behind the wall)
⚠Visible rust or green corrosion on the faucet body
⚠Water stains on the exterior siding or foundation near the faucet

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if the faucet body is cracked (common after a freeze), if you can't locate the indoor shutoff valve, or if the pipe behind the faucet is corroded.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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