How do I fix a leaking indoor valve for an outdoor faucet?
I live in a climate where outside faucets will freeze in the winter. The indoor valve that turns on the outside water is leaking when I try to open it up. It is also hard to get to. Any thoughts?
Expert
Maestro
In all likelihood, your indoor valve is what's known as a globe valve. When you turn to handle the spindle turns. The turning spindle is allowing water leakage around the packing nut. Tightening the packing nut (by using a wrench and turning it clockwise) will prevent future leakage, by snugging up the fit between the spindle and the packing washer.
It is also possible that water is leaking from the drain cap, on the side of the shutoff valve. This drain cap is used to get rid of water trapped between the inside shutoff valve and the outdoor faucet. If it is loose, it should simply be tightened. If the indoor valve is difficult to reach, it may be possible to have it relocated to a more accessible area. This is a relatively small plumbing job. The valve could also be replaced with a ball valve which is easier to operate because the handle only moves a quarter turn.
Alternatively, the outdoor faucet's could be replaced with a frost-proof unit that requires no interior shutoff valve.
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