Outdoor Water Faucet Won’t Turn Off? How to Fix It

Your outdoor faucet might not be on the list of things to worry about fixing around the house but if the issue is that it won’t turn off then it is definitely worth worrying about.

Outdoor water faucet works in similar ways as indoor ones and since it uses a valve assembly to regulate the flow of water then you can be sure they will wear out eventually.

There are a lot of things that can wear down your faucet and the first step to fixing it will be to figure out what the causes are. Your outside water faucet will continue to run because the valve is worn out but factors that can cause the valve to work out include; cold temperatures and corroded metal parts.

You can always repair the worn-out part of your faucet yourself as this doesn’t require any plumbing knowledge. Fixing your outdoor faucets should take much of your time and if you look forward to keeping your yard or patio dry from the excessive water spray, read on to discover how you can fix your broken faucet without calling a plumber.

Reasons Why Your Outdoor Faucet Won’t Turn Off

Before trying to fix your outdoor faucet that won’t turn off, you need to evaluate all its parts to see what has gone wrong exactly. Leaks from an outdoor faucet are often a result of clogged, frozen, worn-out, or damaged pipe and the same applies when it won’t turn off completely. If your outdoor faucet won’t turn off no matter how much you turn the handle then this means you have a broken handle or the water valve is worn out.

The water faucet on the outside of the building can be the same type as the one in your kitchen and bathroom but it is often advised that you choose one that is made with heavy-duty material and can withstand all weather conditions. The sturdy faucet is highly recommended to prevent it from wearing out too often.

How To Fix It

Outdoor Water Faucet Won't Turn Off? How to Fix It
Source: Appliance Analysts

Having your faucet run nonstop is not just annoying but it is most likely to affect your surrounding surfaces, metals exposed to these start to rust over time, and do not forget the waste of water. Here are simple ways you can fix your outdoor water faucet that won’t turn off.

Tools Needed

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Plumber’s grease
  • Pliers
  • Two adjustable wrenches

Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply

Before you disassemble your water faucet, turn off the water supply. You have to completely shut off the valve meant for the outside water, this should relieve any pressure from the pipes and make sure the water from the faucet stops completely.

Step 2: Loosen The Section Of The Faucet

Next, you are going to use the adjustable wrench to loosen the section of the faucet, or for a more basic understanding; use it to remove the packing nut from the faucet. Below is how to remove the packing nut,

  • Wrap the wrench behind the packing nut and turn anti-clockwise to loosen the valve assembly
  • Next, clamp the second wrench onto the connection of the pipe and faucet which runs into the building. This should keep the entire faucet still while you fix it
  • Pull on the valve handle with your hand
  • Turn it anticlockwise to remove the faucet handle fastener next
  • Then you can unscrew the packing nut using a socket wrench

Step 3: Check For Worn Washer

If there is no issue with the packing nut, the worn washers are discovered to be common causes of a damaged outside faucet so this should be checked next. You have to remove the washer from the valve assembly by using a screwdriver with a flat head. You have to remove the valve stem using a flathead screwdriver to enable you to take a closer look at what the issue might be. If the washers are worn, they have to be replaced.

Step 4: Reassemble The Faucet

If the washers are the issue, they should be replaced and if the connection is leaking, make sure to tighten the faucet onto the water pipe. Make sure to replace any parts discovered to be corroded, worn out, or broken. Here are steps to help reassemble your faucet.

  • The nuts and screw removed from the valve assemble should be tightened back
  • Reinsert the valve assembly
  • Make sure the tap is closed then turn it on at the supply valve
  • Open the tap and see if it flows properly and turns off and on as it should.

How do you know if a water valve is open or closed?

The shut-off valve has been considered a bit confusing to a lot of people. If the handle at the top is turned 90 degrees to the flow then this means it is switched off. But if it is parallel to the valve then it is open.

In Conclusion

It is not uncommon for an outdoor faucet to suffer from wear and when this happens, it can result in your leaks or it won’t turn off. Not being able to turn off your water when you can be quite annoying and fortunately, it can be fixed without the need for a plumber provided the issue is a nut, washer, or o-ring. If you are not fairly handy with tools or can’t figure out what the problem is, it is recommended that you seek the help of a specialized plumber.