Spring is a good time to check water valves and spigots to make sure they are operating properly. There is nothing worse than a leaky faucet or valve. These valves could either wear out because of constant use and be a source of water leaks, or they could get stiff and corroded with lack of use causing them to not work at all. For this home maintenance tip, locate your main shut off valves for your water should any serious leak occur. Knowing where you water valve is located will help you quickly shut off water if you experience a water leak.
How to fix a leaky spigot or hose bibb
Many spigots leak after extended use when you have the valve open and water running through a garden hose. The most common reason for this potential leak is that the packing nut under the valve is loose and needs to be tightened. To tighten the packing nut, simply use a set of channel locks or a crescent wrench and tighten the packing nut.
In addition, many garden hoses also leak on the complete opposite end where you have a sprayer attached to the hose. If it is leaking here, shut the water off and disconnect the sprayer. Check inside the sprayer to make sure you have a rubber hose washer inside. Yours might be old and hardened and it needs to be replaced. Once you replace the rubber washer, your connection between the hose and sprayer should not leak anymore. Add this home maintenance tip to your calendar.
For more home maintenance tips to help you better protect and maintain your home, visit the HomeZada Maintenance Library.
