Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Confirm the stem packing is the problem
- Turn the hose bib on and watch closely where the water appears.
- Look for water seeping from just below the handle or around the stem while the faucet is open.
- Wipe the faucet dry, then check again to make sure the leak is not coming from the spout, hose connection, vacuum breaker, or the wall behind the faucet.
- If the leak only shows around the handle area, this is the right repair to try.
If it works: You have confirmed the leak is coming from the stem area around the handle.
If it doesn’t: If water is dripping from the spout with the faucet off, the washer or valve seat is more likely the issue. If water is coming from the wall, body, or a cracked fitting, plan for a different repair.
Stop if:- The faucet body is cracked or split.
- Water is leaking from inside the wall or siding.
- The faucet is loose enough that the supply piping may be moving behind the wall.
Step 2: Set up the faucet and try a small packing nut adjustment first
- Remove any hose, splitter, or timer from the spout so the faucet is not under extra strain.
- Dry the area around the handle and packing nut.
- Use the adjustable wrench to turn the packing nut clockwise about one-eighth to one-quarter turn.
- Do not crank down hard. The goal is to compress the existing packing slightly, not crush the stem or freeze the handle.
- Open the faucet and check the stem area again.
If it works: The leak slows or stops and the handle still turns with normal resistance.
If it doesn’t: If the leak continues or the handle becomes too stiff, move on to replacing the packing.
Stop if:- The packing nut will not move and feels likely to snap.
- The stem or faucet body twists with the nut instead of staying solid.
Step 3: Shut off water and open the stem area
- Shut off the water supply feeding the hose bib if you have a local shutoff. If not, shut off the main water supply.
- Open the hose bib to relieve pressure and drain any remaining water.
- Remove the handle screw and lift off the handle.
- Back off the packing nut carefully and slide it up the stem if the design allows, or remove it fully if it comes free.
- Use pliers or a small pick to remove the old packing material from around the stem and inside the nut area.
If it works: The old packing is out and the stem area is clean enough for new material.
If it doesn’t: If the packing is stubborn, work it out in small pieces rather than digging aggressively into the stem or nut.
Stop if:- The stem threads are badly damaged or stripped.
- The packing nut is cracked.
- You cannot isolate the water supply well enough to work on the faucet safely.
Step 4: Install new stem packing
- Wrap the new hose bib stem packing around the stem in the same area the old packing occupied, or place the replacement packing into the nut as designed.
- Use only enough packing to fill the space neatly. Too much packing can make the handle bind or prevent the nut from threading correctly.
- If you are using packing string, wrap it evenly in the direction that helps it stay in place as the nut tightens.
- Apply a very light smear of plumber's grease to the stem threads if they are dry or rough, keeping grease off sealing surfaces as much as possible.
- Thread the packing nut back on by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
If it works: The new packing is seated neatly and the packing nut threads on smoothly by hand.
If it doesn’t: If the nut will not start easily, remove it and reposition the packing so it is not bunched up or blocking the threads.
Stop if:- The nut cross-threads or will not seat squarely.
- The stem is bent enough that the packing cannot sit evenly.
Step 5: Reassemble and tighten just enough to seal
- Tighten the packing nut until it is snug, then add a small additional turn with the wrench.
- Reinstall the handle and screw.
- Turn the water supply back on slowly.
- Open and close the hose bib several times to settle the packing.
- Watch the stem area while the faucet is running and again after you shut it off.
If it works: The faucet operates normally and the stem area stays dry or nearly dry with no active seepage.
If it doesn’t: If there is still a slight seep, tighten the packing nut another small amount and test again. If the handle gets hard to turn before the leak stops, the faucet may need a stem rebuild or replacement.
Stop if:- The handle becomes very hard to turn after minor tightening.
- Water starts leaking from a different part of the faucet body or supply connection.
Step 6: Verify the repair holds in real use
- Reconnect a hose only after the stem area stays dry during a short test.
- Run water for a few minutes with the faucet partly open and fully open.
- Shut the faucet off, then check again around the handle after a few minutes.
- Use the faucet normally over the next day or two and recheck for seepage around the packing nut.
If it works: The hose bib stays dry around the handle during normal use, and the handle turns smoothly without dripping from the stem.
If it doesn’t: If the leak returns quickly, the packing may be the wrong size, the stem may be worn, or the faucet may need a more complete rebuild.
Stop if:- The leak worsens after repacking.
- The faucet body, stem, or mounting becomes loose or damaged during use.
Replacement Parts
Repair Riot may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
Do I always need to replace the stem packing?
No. A small tightening of the packing nut often stops a minor stem leak. Replace the packing when tightening does not help or when the handle has to be over-tightened to slow the leak.
What does a packing nut do on a hose bib?
The packing nut compresses packing material around the valve stem. That packing seals water in while still letting the handle turn.
Why does the hose bib only leak when the faucet is on?
That usually points to worn or loose stem packing. When the valve is open, water is present around the stem area and can seep past weak packing.
Can I use any packing material?
Use packing intended for faucet or valve stem service and match the size and style as closely as you can. Packing that is too thick, too thin, or not meant for this use may not seal well.
What if the faucet still drips from the spout after I repack the stem?
That is usually a different problem. A spout drip with the faucet off often points to a worn washer, damaged stem, or valve seat issue rather than stem packing.