Check Outdoor Spigots (and Hoses)

First identify where an outdoor faucet leaks: the spout, handle, vacuum breaker, hose connection, or wall. These locations need different repairs; replacing a washer is not a universal fix.

Inspect and isolate

1. Remove the hose and check its washer separately. Turn the faucet on briefly and look for leaks around the handle, top cap, and wall.
2. Turn it off gently. On a frost-free faucet, a short period of drainage may be normal. Persistent dripping needs investigation.
3. Photograph the brand/model and leak location. Match the repair kit to that faucet. Do not remove the packing nut or stem with the water supply on.
4. If undertaking a repair permitted by the model instructions, close the appropriate supply valve and open the faucet to confirm water stops before disassembly. Use a plumber for a stuck valve, corroded body, or leak in the wall.

Prepare for freezing weather

Disconnect, drain, and store hoses. Follow the faucet’s winterizing instructions; where an indoor isolation valve exists, shut it and drain the outdoor section as directed. Frost-free operation depends on correct installation and drainage.

Check the result

After reassembly, open the supply slowly and inspect all joints both while running and after shutoff. A vacuum breaker may vent briefly during normal use; persistent leakage needs the correct diagnosis, not a generic screw-on replacement.

Sources and scope

• Woodford: frost-free faucet design and servicing
• Woodford: vacuum breaker behavior

These references support the guidance above. Source review is not a hands-on test of your home or a certification of a product. Follow the instructions for your exact model and local requirements.