Hello, this is my first time on this site.

I have an older block-style Florida home in Bradenton, where the plumbing pipes are located within the walls. I have a leaking outdoor spigot that needs repairing badly. The spigot handle is circular and that is where the water is coming from. Is this something that can be done myself, or should I call a professional?

Thank you.
Sharon

Sharon
IT sounds like you could have an easy fix. The packing behind the handle needs replaced. First shut off the water supply to the outside faucet. There should be a nut behind the round handle.Loosen this nut until the internal parts will pull out of the pipe. There will be a fiber or rubber packing in this assembly that needs to be replaced. You will probably need to remove a screw to remove this packing . Take the packing or complete assembly to a hardware or plumbing store and they should be able to supply you with the correct packing /packings to fix your problem. Reassemble and turn on the water.

If it only leaks when the water is on, there is a good chance you can fix it just by tightening the nut on the stem. If it has much give, with the water on, turn it a little until the leak stops. If it turns hard or stops suddenly, all the adjustment may be taken up and you will have to repack it.

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Originally Posted by Inski

Hello, this is my first time on this site.

I have an older block-style Florida home in Bradenton, where the plumbing pipes are located within the walls. I have a leaking outdoor spigot that needs repairing badly. The spigot handle is circular and that is where the water is coming from. Is this something that can be done myself, or should I call a professional?

Thank you.
Sharon

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Greetings Neighbor,
I live just south of you in Whitfield Estates just off the Tamiami Trail. Try this, open the valve 1/4 turn and snug up the bonnet packing nut, (the nut on the stem just below the handle) until the leak stops. Do not overtighten. If that don't get it click on back. Good luck, Tom