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Outdoor Faucet Leaking After a Freeze: What to Check and When to Replace It
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Step 1: Stop the water
Look for a shutoff valve inside the home on the pipe leading to the faucet. If there isn't one, or you can't find it, use the main shutoff. After closing the valve, open the lowest faucet in the house to drain the lines (Bob Vila). If water is coming from inside a wall or ceiling, treat it as a burst pipe: see burst pipe first steps.
Step 2: Work out where the leak is
| What you see | What it may mean (source) |
|---|---|
| Drip from the spout when the handle is closed | The rubber washer may have cracked. Bob Vila says it is susceptible to cracking if the water it holds back freezes. |
| Water appears after a thaw | Missouri Extension says pipes frozen for several hours may have cracked and can leak after thawing. |
| Water, stains or bulges inside, on the wall behind the faucet | Possible crack in the pipe. Shut off the main valve and call a licensed plumber. |
Sources: Bob Vila, Missouri Extension. The third row is our own advice; the sources don't describe that case.
A small leak can add up. Illinois Extension says a crack as small as an eighth of an inch can release up to 250 gallons of water a day.
Step 3: Repair or replace
Bob Vila recommends frost-free faucets as the better fix than replacing washers repeatedly. They have a long stem that positions the rubber washer and water inside the home. The replacement steps in that article, for a copper pipe, are: shut off the water and drain the lines; cut the supply pipe a few inches from the wall; test-fit the new faucet; caulk and secure it; unscrew the stem before soldering so the heat doesn't damage the washer; solder the joints; reinstall the stem and turn the water on to check for leaks.
Next winter
Disconnect hoses, drain the pipe and cover the faucet. Full steps are in the outdoor faucet cover guide.
Protect the new faucet
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and FEMA both say to cover outdoor faucets. Missouri Extension suggests an insulating foam dome.
How to use faucet coversSee outdoor faucet coversCan't find it, can't reach it or can't thaw it?
The Red Cross says to call a licensed plumber if you can't locate the frozen area, can't reach it, or can't thaw the pipe. Burst pipes also need a plumber.
When to call a plumberFind a licensed plumber near youRelated guides
Common questions
Why is my outdoor faucet leaking after a freeze?
Bob Vila says the rubber washer that seals the valve is susceptible to cracking if the water it holds back freezes. Missouri Extension adds that pipes frozen for several hours may have cracked and can leak after thawing.
How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
Bob Vila says a faucet dripping once per second can waste up to 3,000 gallons a year.
Can I replace an outdoor faucet myself?
Bob Vila walks through it for a copper line: shut off the water, cut the pipe, fit the new faucet and solder the joints. If you aren't comfortable soldering or the pipe is inside a wall, hire a licensed plumber, and check local code.
What should I replace it with?
Bob Vila recommends frost-free faucets, which have a long stem that positions the washer and water inside the home.