Precision Plumbing Services
Leaking Outside Faucet in Eugene, OR
An exterior faucet is meant to be a straightforward affair: put on the hose, turn it, and you have the water you need. But when it begins to spray at the connection, drip, or leak around the handle, that minor plumbing matter can squander water and put moisture in places it should not be.
Emergency service, same day, within business hours · Mon–Fri 8am–4pm · CCB #234073
Outside Faucet Leaks in Eugene, OR
Precision Plumbing is here for homeowners who are contending with a faulty outdoor fixture, be it a worn hose bib, an item of freeze damage, or one that is difficult to operate. The approach we take will be dictated by the source of the leak and whether it is confined to the faucet or has made its way into the pipe within the wall.
What Causes an Outdoor Faucet to Leak?
There are a number of culprits. In a traditional hose bib, for instance, you will find a rubber washer inside that is supposed to seal against the valve seat when the faucet is off. Over the years, it can lose its form or crack, resulting in a constant drip.
If the issue is around the handle, look to the packing material or the packing nut. Time has a way of loosening the nut or wearing out what is behind the handle. A good tightening might do the trick, though sometimes more involved repair is called for.
We also see leaks from any of the following:
- Excessive pressure
- Corrosion
- A failed vacuum breaker or damaged valve seat
- A loose hose or cracked bib
- Pipe damage behind the wall
In some cases, the faucet itself appears to be in order, yet there is water in the crawl space or inside the wall; then the connected pipe is the problem.
The Factor of Freezing
While our winters tend to be mild and wet, the temperature does drop below freezing at night during the colder spells. Water left in a pipe or faucet can expand as it freezes and split a pipe or ruin the seals and valve body. You may not see the harm until the thaw sets in and the water starts running again.
Prevention is key. Put away your garden hoses before the cold comes, ensure the faucet is fully shut, and consider a cover. An interior shutoff valve can be closed to drain the exterior line for added security. Properly pitched and installed, a new frost-free sillcock will let the water run off once you are done and lessen the chance of freezing.
Older Homes and Soft Water
The water in this area is fairly soft, so one is not as apt to have the mineral problems found with hard water. That said, no exterior fixture is permanent. Seals, washers, and the like will wear out eventually.
Then there is the matter of age. We have many older bungalows and Craftsman-style homes in the neighborhood with their share of aging components. The outdoor spigot could be tied to supply piping or a shutoff valve that has been untouched for years. A plumber may have to get a better look than just the visible part of the fixture to determine if a replacement is in order.
More Than a Nuisance
It is tempting to overlook a small drip, but over time those add up to gallons of wasted water and can leave the soil or siding near the foundation damp. With the long, wet winters we have, and the varying ground conditions from the valley floor to the hills, a hidden leak can go unnoticed.
You should be concerned if the situation escalates in any of these ways:
- There is water indoors by the outside faucet.
- The handle is stiff.
- The leak only happens when the water is on, or gets worse with time.
- The wall or siding stays wet.
- You spot damage after a cold snap.
And when water gets into a wall, it can do a number on building materials and set the stage for mold if the moisture is left unchecked. In such cases, one should put down the tools and call in a professional instead of trying to tighten a fitting and wish the matter were resolved.
Fix or Replace?
A new faucet is not always the answer. A worn rubber washer, a loose packing nut, or a vacuum breaker that can be swapped out are all amenable to a good repair. But if you are looking at a cracked body, corroded internals, a damaged valve seat, or a fixture with freeze damage, replacement is the more sensible course of action. The same goes for an old unit with too many worn parts to justify fixing them one by one.
Some will take an adjustable wrench to a hose bib to see to the washer or the packing nut. Just make sure the water supply is off before you start taking the faucet apart. Yet if there is no shutoff valve to be had, or you are not certain how the plumbing is laid out, it is best to leave it to a plumber. Loosening the wrong thing can put a strain on the pipe in the wall and turn a simple outdoor job into something far more involved.
Hidden Damage and Outdoor Spigots
You cannot always see a leak from the outside. Water from a cracked pipe may be making its way into the framing or crawl space, perhaps after a hard freeze or as an old connection gives way.
Be on the lookout for a faucet that only leaks once it is turned on; if you see water around the foundation while the outdoor tap is running, the pipe is likely compromised. It is worth tending to these hidden issues promptly to avoid the expense of structural repairs down the line.
Why We Love Living Here
Eugene has a lot going for it, not least the ease of getting outdoors. There are the trails and river access at Skinner Butte Park, or a meal on the patio at McMenamins North Bank to take in the Willamette in fine weather.
The rains keep western Oregon green, and the dry summers are good for the garden, but that seasonal rhythm puts a demand on your outdoor plumbing. Garden hoses and sprinklers get plenty of use in summer, while winter brings its share of freezes and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the faucet drip after I have turned it off?
Usually a case of a bad washer or valve seat. Put in a new one, and if it still drips, there is probably some other wear inside.
What about a leak around the handle?
That is often the packing material or nut. You can try tightening it, but if the packing is shot, you will need more than that.
Can a hose be the culprit?
A loose connection or a bad washer at the point where the garden hose attaches will let water out. And do not leave hoses on in freezing weather; they will not drain properly, and you risk damage.
Is a frost-free model any good?
If put in right, it keeps the shutoff point well within the heated part of the house so water is not sitting near the exterior wall where it can freeze.
Reviews
What customers say about Precision Plumbing
Rated 5.0 from 345 Google reviews across all our plumbing services.
★★★★★
Quick phone call. Two water related concerns. Montana arrived in two days. Accurate and fair estimate. Speedy professional work and we could not be happier after choosing Precision Plumbing. Already lining up two home Improvement projects with same company.
Jasmien Durian · via Google
★★★★★
We had a great experience with Precision Plumbing! They were very responsive and got us scheduled right away. They communicated well leading up to the visit and showed up promptly. The work was completed efficiently and with high quality. Would recommend!
Denise Callahan · via Google
★★★★★
Both plumbers (Josh and Zack) were prompt and worked well. Having the owner stop by was a plus and fit well with the positive feelings this experience generated.
Keith Yager · via Google
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Coverage Area
Serving Eugene, Springfield & Lane County
Eight communities, one crew, serving Lane County from Eugene, OR 97404. Every city on the map is somewhere we work weekly — pick one to see the housing stock we run into there.
On the edge of the map, or just outside it? Call and ask — coverage decisions here are made by a person, not a ZIP-code list: (541) 636-4725
Outdoor Faucet Repair
It is easy to put off a leaking faucet until the drip is constant or you notice moisture where it ought not be. Precision Plumbing will come out and inspect the fixture to see if the trouble is with the pipe or the faucet itself and put you on the right path. For an outdoor leak in Eugene, give us a call to arrange service and head off any potential water damage.
Mon–Fri 8am–4pm · Emergency service, same day, within business hours · CCB #234073
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