How to Fix an Outside Tap Leaking Water: A Simple Help Guide

Last updated on July 23rd, 2026

An outside tap leaking water is usually an easy fix, but in some cases, the tap may need replacing. With almost two decades of plumbing experience, I’ve repaired and replaced countless outdoor taps, here’s how to get yours sorted.

Leaking from connector

A leak from the hose connector fixes:

• Tighten the hose connector (turn clockwise)
• Replace the hose connector washer
• Replace the hose connector

If it’s leaking when the hose is attached, it is a hose or connector problem, not the tap. Checkout this tap connector washer kit for the most common leaky connector seals.

Leaking from stem

A tap leaking from the stem on the top of the tap can be fixed by tightening the gland nut with an adjustable spanner, turn it clockwise to tighten.

If this doesn’t fix the leak, you can try adding some PTFE tape to the threads inside.

Here’s how:

1. Turn off the water supply inside the house
2. Unscrew the gland nut at the bottom of the spindle with an adjustable spanner
3. Add some PTFE tape or jointing compound to the thread
4. Refit the gland nut
5. Turn the water back on
6. Test for leaks

Dripping from the spout

A tap that’s dripping water from the spout can usually be fixed by replacing the washer.

How to change an outside tap washer:

1. Turn off the water supply
2. Unscrew the larger nut (under the smaller spindle nut) with an adjustable spanner
3. Replace the washer on the end of the tap valve
4. Refit the tap valve with the new washer on
5. Turn the water back on
6. Test for dripping

Checkout this tap washer kit for washers that will fit all taps in your home including outside taps.

Replacing the tap

Replacing an outside tap is sometimes the best option, even if you just need to replace the washer. They are cheap enough and it’s a very simple DIY job. Finding the right size washer can be almost impossible sometimes and even then it might not fix the leak.

There are lots of different outdoor taps, some really old styles. A standard garden tap will most likely have a standard washer, but if yours doesn’t, it might be best to buy a new bib tap and replace it to save time and frustration.

How to replace an outdoor tap:

1. Turn off the water supply
2. Unscrew the tap out of the wall plate by turning it anti-clockwise with an adjustable spanner
3. Add some PTFE tape around the threads on the new tap
4. Refit the tap into the wall plate
5. Turn the water back on
6. Test for leaks

Other posts you might like…

• Kitchen and basin taps leak quite often. Learn how to fix a dripping tap properly
• A simple tap cartridge replacement guide to fix that leaky tap
• Learn how to fit a strap boss. A boss is used to connect a waste pipe or condensate pipe to a soil pipe

Summary

Leaking taps can be annoying but fixing and replacing them is easy most the the time. Tighten any connections with an adjustable spanner, if that doesn’t work, replacing the tap or hose connector should do the trick, brass hose connectors are much tougher and more durable than plastic.

When changing washers or any rubber seals, I like to put some silicone grease on them to stop them getting stuck and help them move more freely.

If your outside tap isn’t working, the first step is to check whether the issue is with the tap itself or the water supply. 

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to help. If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it.

FAQs

Where is the shut-off valve for outside tap?

The shut-off valve, or isolating valve, for an outside tap, is usually next to where the water supply pipe is going through the wall to outdoors. Garden taps should have a shut-off valve but not all do. If you don’t have one, you will need to turn the water off at the stopcock in the house, or even the one in the street.

What size washer do I need for an outside tap?

A standard garden tap, with half-inch thread (pictured below), has a rubber washer size of 19mm (3/4 inch) outside diameter with a 5mm hole in the centre and is 3mm thick.

Should I worry about a dripping outside tap?

A dripping outdoor tap is not going to cause major problems but it could cost a few quid over the years in water charges if you’re on a water meter. It should be fixed as soon as possible but it’s nothing to worry about, especially if it’s dripping into a drain.