Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Confirm the packing string is the problem
- Turn the hose bib on and watch where the water shows up.
- Look for leaking around the handle stem or from under the packing nut, not from the spout outlet.
- Try snugging the packing nut just a little with a wrench, about an eighth to a quarter turn.
- If the leak slows only briefly, or the nut is already fairly tight, plan to replace the packing string.
If it works: You have confirmed the leak is coming from the stem area and the packing string is a reasonable repair.
If it doesn’t: If water drips from the spout when the faucet is fully off, the washer or valve seat is more likely the problem than the packing string.
Stop if:- The faucet body is cracked, badly corroded, or loose in the wall.
- Water is leaking from inside the wall or siding instead of only at the stem area.
Step 2: Shut down the faucet and remove the handle
- Close the water supply to the hose bib if you have a nearby shutoff. If there is no local shutoff, turn off the home's water supply before opening the faucet.
- Open the hose bib to relieve pressure and drain any remaining water.
- Remove the screw that holds the handle in place, then pull the handle straight off the stem.
- Wipe dirt and mineral buildup away from the packing nut and stem so you can see what you are working on.
If it works: The faucet is depressurized and the handle is off, with clear access to the packing nut.
If it doesn’t: If the handle is stuck, wiggle it gently while pulling straight out. A little penetrating oil on the handle connection can help, but avoid forcing the faucet body.
Stop if:- The stem or handle connection is damaged enough that it will not go back together securely.
- You cannot shut off water well enough to work on the faucet safely.
Step 3: Remove the old packing material
- Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut and slide it back along the stem if the design allows.
- Pick out the old packing string or packing fragments from around the stem.
- Clean the stem and the inside edge of the packing nut with a rag so the new material can seat evenly.
- Check that the stem surface is not deeply scored where the packing seals.
If it works: The old packing is out and the stem area is clean enough for new packing string.
If it doesn’t: If the old packing is brittle and stuck, remove it in small pieces with a pick or needle-nose pliers until the groove is clear.
Stop if:- The stem is deeply pitted, bent, or worn enough that new packing will not seal reliably.
Step 4: Wrap and install the new hose bib packing string
- Cut a short piece of packing string long enough to wrap around the stem once or more, depending on the space available.
- Wrap the packing string neatly around the stem in the area covered by the packing nut.
- Keep the wrap even and snug so it sits in place without bunching up.
- Thread the packing nut back down by hand first, then tighten it with the wrench until it is snug.
If it works: The new packing string is installed and the packing nut is tightened enough to compress the seal.
If it doesn’t: If the nut bottoms out before the packing feels compressed, remove it and add a little more packing string.
Stop if:- The packing nut will not thread on smoothly by hand, which can mean cross-threading or damaged threads.
Step 5: Reassemble and fine-tune the packing nut
- Put the handle back on and reinstall the handle screw.
- Turn the water supply back on slowly.
- Open the hose bib and watch the stem area while you turn the handle through its normal range.
- If you still see a small leak around the stem, tighten the packing nut a little more until the leak stops.
- If the handle becomes too stiff, back the packing nut off slightly.
If it works: The hose bib operates normally and the stem area stays dry or nearly dry during adjustment.
If it doesn’t: If the stem still leaks after a couple of small adjustments, reopen the faucet, shut the water back off, and add or reposition the packing string.
Stop if:- The leak gets worse, the nut will not tighten properly, or the faucet body starts twisting at the wall.
Step 6: Verify the repair holds in real use
- Run water through the hose bib for a minute or two, both with and without a hose attached if you normally use one.
- Cycle the handle open and closed several times and check again around the stem and packing nut.
- Leave the faucet pressurized for a few minutes, then inspect for slow seepage.
- Wipe the area dry and do one final check for fresh moisture.
If it works: The stem area stays dry during use and after the faucet sits under pressure, confirming the repair held.
If it doesn’t: If the leak returns, the faucet may need a new stem assembly, washer, or full hose bib replacement.
Stop if:- You find hidden leaking at the wall, siding, or interior side of the pipe connection.
Replacement Parts
Repair Riot may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
What does hose bib packing string do?
It seals around the faucet stem so water does not leak out around the handle when the hose bib is turned on.
Can I just tighten the packing nut instead of replacing the packing string?
Sometimes yes. A small tightening adjustment can stop a minor seep, but if the leak comes back or the nut is already snug, the packing string is usually worn out and should be replaced.
How tight should the packing nut be?
Tight enough to stop the leak, but not so tight that the handle is hard to turn. Make small adjustments and test after each one.
What if the hose bib still leaks after new packing string?
The stem may be worn, the valve washer may be bad, or the faucet body may be damaged. At that point, a stem repair or full hose bib replacement is more likely.
Do I need to turn off the whole house water?
Only if there is no local shutoff for that outdoor faucet. If you have a nearby shutoff that fully stops water to the hose bib, that is usually enough.