Latest Discussions : Plumbing

02:47PM | 08/11/01

Member Since: 08/10/01
1 lifetime posts

Spigot leaking at handle

Tags: Plumbing

Both outdoor spigots are leaking and it appears to be coming thru the screw that hold the handle in place (on a 3 year old house) when the water is turned on. They do not leak when the valve is shutoff. I have tried to tighten the screw but that has done no good. Is there an o-ring or seal inside of a spigot that can bet cut/damaged that would cause such a leak and is it repairable somehow? (I am afraid to just loosen the screw and take the handle off since I don't know they are configured and I don't want a huge water leak, a small one is plenty.) The spigots are made by Woodford according to the marking on the handle.

Jay J

07:06AM | 08/12/01

Member Since: 10/26/00
782 lifetime posts

Hi gmb468,

If there's a screw, it's meant to come off. The reason the leak doesn't occur when the spigot is off is because the gasket/ring that's suppose to keep water from coming out of the spigot is working properly. Hence, this ring isn't your problem.

Shut the water off in the house. Remove the screw and then the ring/washer. Take it w/you to the store and buy a replacement. WHILE you're at it, you might want to consider replacing the washer inside the spigot too since it might be going too. As you said, if you have to 'crank down' on the spigot to shut it off, then the washer in there is on its way out. You may need a monkey wrench along w/an adjustable wrench to remove the 'large' nut.

Remember, ONLY turn the shut-off down enough to stop the water from coming out. The washer usually wear out from over-compression (unless you have well water which is a whole nother story ...)

My best to ya and hope this helps.

Jay J -Moderator

hotchai

07:18AM | 04/30/04

Member Since: 04/29/04
1 lifetime posts

Way back in 2000 the moderator of this forum was a guy named Jay J. He answered a question about an outdoor spigot leaking at the handle.

At that time Jay J said, "Remember, ONLY turn the shut-off down enough to stop the water from coming out. The washer usually wear out from over-compression (unless you have well water which is a whole nother story ...)"

Well, I DO have well water and my outdoor spigot is leaking and I'm really curious what that "whole nother story" is ...

If anyone knows why my outdoor spigot running well water seems to fail - like, every other freeekin' year - please explain it to me?!

Thanks,

Liz

BV017323

10:50AM | 09/05/18

sediment in well water?

NancyCrary

02:35AM | 09/06/18

Member Since: 09/06/18
5 lifetime posts

Did the problem solved

BV019226

10:21PM | 05/03/19

Higher lime or iron levels in will water can cause more build up on seals washers etc. I prefer to use vasoline after cleaning and replacing o-rings and gaskets/washers in well water shut-off knobs. It helps seat everything into place and deter sudden buildup of well water deposits over time.

BV019229

07:45AM | 05/04/19

Jay J, The screw holds the handle on, DUH. There is a threaded fitting just behind the handle, tighten it so it is snug and the leak will stop. If it still leaks then the seal behind this fitting will need to be replaced. It may be rubber or treated rope.