I have a ten-year old house, with an outdoor faucet which worked perfectly until last summer, when the water began to run even with the handle turned all the way to off. I have dealt with it since then by turning off the water to that faucet, since it has its own shut-off, and only turning the supply on when needed. I took the handle off and the handle is cracked, but couldn't get the packing nut, I believe (it is flexible and white), off. What could cause the constant running--full-force running, and how do I fix it? Thanks.

I assume by saying "outdoor faucet" you mean hose bib. If so, you can either replace washers and packing or replace the entire hose bib. Replacing the entire hose bib may be better way to go since old bib may have stripped handle and / or stem as well. New hose bib will run you about $5.00 in Home Depot and takes about 5 minutes to install. This way, you will be sure that all parts are new and fully functional.

Hello Dyrsannas, as Millo says it is very simple to fix it replace the washer or the hose bib assembly, it depends which type you got, see the images below, Thanks.

John