Outdoor faucet is more durable than kitchen or bathroom faucets but with time they might show some issue and outdoor faucet won’t turn off is one of them. The outdoor faucet is a useful thing in the garden but when its water keeps running and you can’t turn it off, you get a high-water bill. Running water also damages the surrounding area of the faucet.
At this moment, you would like to know why you can’t turn off the outdoor faucet. Also, you want to know what are solutions to fix the issue. For this, read the guide to fix the issue without taking the help of any plumber.
Why Outdoor Faucet Won’t Turn Off?
When you face the issue of an outdoor faucet that fails to shut off, it is essential to do a complete check of all of its parts. It will give you an idea of a faulty part so you can start replacing the faulty part.
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 or an anti-siphon valve.
Read also – Why Outdoor Faucet Won’t Turn On?
How Do You Fix an Outdoor Faucet That Won’t Turn Off?
Fixing an outdoor faucet that won’t turn off is not a complicated task. With the help of the below process and a few common tools, you can fix it quickly. Grab these tools before start fixing:
- Pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Penetrating Oil
- New Parts
Turn Off the Water Supply
let’s begin with the essential step of shutting off the water supply. By doing so, you’ll prevent any unexpected waterworks and potential mishaps.
First, locate the shut-off valve. This little thing is often hidden in corners of your home. Take a moment to explore the basement, garage, near the water meter, or even in the ceiling of the inside wall closet closest to the faucet you’re working on.
Once you’ve found it, turn it clockwise and gently turn it off. Remember, there’s no need to force it—just keep turning until it refuses to budge any further.
Remove The Screw
As you proceed to the next crucial, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the process of removing the packing nut. Position an adjustable wrench securely around the packing nut, ensuring a firm grip. Now, take another adjustable wrench and clamp it onto the faucet connection. This clever maneuver serves a purpose—to prevent any unwanted twisting or movement of the faucet while you diligently work to remove the nut.
Using the wrench, carefully turn the packing nut counterclockwise, and put gentle pressure to loosen the valve assembly. As the nut gradually begins to loosen, you can eventually remove it entirely with your hands but do take your time.
Next, direct your attention to the faucet handle fastener. To detach it, a simple counterclockwise turn is all it takes. With that done, prepare to remove the handle. Gently wiggle it back and forth, ensuring a smooth disengagement from the assembly, before pulling it straight up.
With the packing nut partially undone, you can now proceed to unscrew it completely, allowing it to slide effortlessly up the stem. However, be mindful of any stiffness or corrosion that might disturb your progress.
In such cases, consider the ingenious application of penetrating oil. This remarkable substance possesses the power to loosen even the most stubborn components. Generously apply the penetrating oil to the affected areas and patiently allow it a few minutes to work its magic. Once the oil has had ample time to soak in, once again employ your trusty wrench to conquer the task at hand, removing the elusive part with ease.
Remove the Valve Stem
When troubleshooting an outdoor faucet issue, it’s important to thoroughly examine the various components to identify the root cause. If the packing nut is good, it’s essential to explore other possibilities if everything seems fine.
If it appears intact, the issue is likely elsewhere within the faucet mechanism. To proceed, you’ll need to remove the valve stem.
Secure the pipe firmly using pliers, then carefully extract the washer from the valve stem with the assistance of a flathead screwdriver. This step allows for checking the washer’s condition and potential damage.
Now, let’s shift our focus to another crucial element—the O-ring and washer. These small but vital components can often be the culprits behind faucet malfunctions. Thoroughly examine the O-ring and washer for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, it’s best to replace these parts to ensure optimal performance and prevent further problems down the line.
Check Anti-Siphon Valve
In some cases, the anti-siphon valve might be at the heart of the issue. The primary purpose of this valve is to safeguard your home’s drinking water by preventing water from flowing back through the hose and contaminating the water pipes.
Situated within the faucet spout, the anti-siphon valve plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of your water supply.
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Replace Damaged Parts
Step by step, as you progress through each stage, pay close attention to any signs of wear or damage in the components. These areas should be promptly addressed by replacing them with the appropriate replacement parts. Don’t hesitate to swap out the packing nut, washer, O-ring, or any other necessary part.
Prior to installing a new O-ring or washer, it is essential to generously coat the component with the plumber’s grease. This simple yet crucial step ensures smooth functionality and longevity for the repaired fixture. Remember, a little grease can go a long way in maintaining the performance of your plumbing system.
In addition to replacing worn parts, it’s important to consider other potential issues that may arise during the repair process. By being proactive, you can prevent future complications and ensure a more efficient plumbing system. For instance, keep an eye out for any signs of corrosion, leakage, or weakened connections. Addressing these problems early on can save you from costly repairs down the line.
Repair or Replace?
Firstly, take into account the age of the faucet. If it’s less than 10 years old and has only one of the listed issues, repairing it might be the best option. However, if the faucet is over 10 years old, finding replacement parts for older models can be difficult, making it a better choice to replace the faucet altogether.
Secondly, consider your budget. Faucets can be quite expensive, especially if you want all the fancy features. If you’re on a tight budget and can find the necessary parts, it may be more practical to repair the leaky faucet instead of replacing it.
Lastly, assess whether the problematic faucet is experiencing multiple issues. If your leaky faucet is old and has more than one of the problems mentioned earlier, replacing it will likely be the more sensible choice.
Read also – Why Bathtub Faucet Won’t Turn off?
Why Does My Faucet Keep Running After I Turn It Off?
Even after you’ve closed the faucet, it can still be running if you try to turn it off sometimes. A valve issue, where the valve may have started to leak, could be the cause of this. A worn-out washer or the presence of residue inside the cartridge may also be to blame for the faucet’s inability to stop flowing despite your efforts. Even after you think you’ve turned off your faucet, it may still be flowing as a result of these problems.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor faucet faces different weather conditions so it is common if an outdoor faucet won’t turn off. When this happens, the faucet leaks water continues and result is water wastage. The problem might be with stripped but, worn-out washer, or O-ring. Replace the damaged part and tighten all connections properly.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.