How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet Packing Nut

Before any work can begin, you must shut off the water supply to the faucet. Locate the shut-off valve for this specific outdoor faucet, which is typically found inside your home in the basement or a crawlspace, on the pipe leading to the faucet. Turn the valve handle clockwise until it is fully closed. If you cannot find a dedicated valve, you will need to turn off the main water supply to the entire house. After the water is off, go back outside and turn the leaky faucet on to drain any residual water left in the pipe.

The simplest fix may be all that is needed. Using an adjustable wrench or a pair of slip-joint pliers, grip the packing nut securely. The packing nut is the larger nut located directly behind the faucet handle, against the main body of the spigot. Turn the nut clockwise (righty-tighty) a very small amount, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn. Do not apply excessive force. This action compresses the packing material inside, potentially sealing the leak. After this small adjustment, you can temporarily turn the water supply back on to check if the leak has stopped. If it's dry, you are done! If it still leaks, turn the water off again and proceed to the next step.

If tightening failed, you must replace the packing. Ensure the water is off. Use a Phillips or flathead screwdriver to remove the screw located in the center of the faucet handle. Once the screw is out, pull the handle straight off the splined valve stem. If it is corroded and stuck, you may need to gently wiggle it or use a faucet handle puller. With the handle removed, use your adjustable wrench to grip the packing nut and turn it counter-clockwise (lefty-loosey) until it is completely unscrewed from the faucet body. Slide it off the valve stem.

With the packing nut removed, you can see the old packing material around the valve stem. Using a small pointed tool like a dental pick or a very small flathead screwdriver, carefully dig out the old packing. It may be a single rubber or graphite washer, or it might be a fibrous, string-like material. Clean the area thoroughly. To replace it, you can either use a new packing washer that is an exact match for the old one, simply sliding it over the stem into place. Alternatively, you can use graphite or Teflon packing twine. Tightly wrap the twine around the valve stem in a clockwise direction 3 to 4 times, filling the space where the old packing was. The clockwise wrap prevents the twine from unwinding as you tighten the nut.

Now, reassemble the faucet in the reverse order of disassembly. Slide the packing nut back over the valve stem and thread it onto the faucet body. Start by hand-tightening it clockwise. Then, use your adjustable wrench to snug it down another half-turn. The goal is to compress the new packing material to create a seal, but not make it so tight that the valve stem cannot turn. Place the faucet handle back on the valve stem, making sure it's oriented correctly (usually with the 'off' position fully clockwise). Insert the handle screw and tighten it firmly with your screwdriver.

The final step is to test your work. Go back to the shut-off valve and open it slowly and completely. Return to the outdoor faucet and inspect the packing nut area closely for any signs of water drips or seepage. Turn the faucet on and let water flow, then turn it off again. Check for leaks in both the on and off positions. If a small drip appears from the packing nut, use your wrench to give it one last, very slight (1/8 turn) tightening. If the leak is gone and the handle operates smoothly, the repair is complete.