Outdoor Spigot Leaking or Broken? We Fix It.
Hose bib repair, frost-free spigot installation, and outdoor faucet replacement throughout the Triad.
Your Outdoor Faucet Takes a Beating
Outdoor spigots deal with weather, freezing temperatures, and year-round use. They get bumped by lawn equipment, left running, and forgotten with hoses attached through winter. When they fail — dripping constantly, spraying from the handle, or frozen solid — you need them fixed.
All-Star Plumbing repairs and replaces outdoor spigots throughout High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the Triad. Leaking hose bibs, frozen spigots, frost-free upgrades — we handle all outdoor faucet work.
North Carolina winters can drop below freezing for extended periods. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, frozen pipes and burst spigots are among the most common causes of winter water damage. A frost-free spigot properly installed prevents this.
Signs Your Outdoor Spigot Needs Repair or Replacement
Here’s what different problems usually mean.
Spigot Drips When Turned Off
- What it means: Worn washer, packing, or valve seat. Water seeps past the seal.
- Fix: Usually repairable. We replace the washer or packing. Quick, inexpensive fix.
Water Leaks From Handle Area
- What it means: Packing nut is loose or packing material has failed.
- Fix: Tighten packing nut or replace packing. If the valve stem is damaged, replacement may be needed.
Low Water Pressure From Spigot
- What it means: Mineral buildup, partially closed valve, or supply line issue.
- Fix: We check for obstructions and verify supply is fully open. May need cleaning or replacement.
Spigot Sprays or Leaks When Hose Is Attached
- What it means: Damaged threads, worn hose connection, or cracked spigot body.
- Fix: If threads are damaged, replacement is usually the answer. Thread repair is rarely worth the effort.
Spigot Handle Is Hard to Turn or Won't Turn
- What it means: Corrosion, mineral buildup, or frozen stem.
- Fix: Sometimes freeing it with penetrating oil works. Often replacement is easier and more reliable.
Water Running Inside Wall When Spigot Is On
- What it means: Pipe has cracked or separated behind the wall — often from freezing.
- Fix: This is an emergency. Turn off water supply and call us immediately. We repair the pipe and replace the spigot.
Spigot Froze and Now Doesn't Work
- What it means: The spigot — or the pipe feeding it — froze and likely cracked.
- Fix: We assess the damage. May need pipe repair behind the wall plus spigot replacement. We recommend upgrading to frost-free.
Spigot Is Old and Ugly
- What it means: Nothing's necessarily broken — you just want a new one.
- Fix: We replace it with a new spigot. Good opportunity to upgrade to frost-free if you don't have one.
Standard vs. Frost-Free Spigots
Understanding the difference helps you make the right choice.
Standard Spigots (Hose Bibs)
The valve is at the spigot itself — right at the exterior wall. Water sits in the pipe between the valve and the inside of your home.
Frost-Free Spigots (Sillcocks)
The valve is located 6-12 inches inside the wall, in the heated space. When you turn it off, water drains out of the exterior portion — nothing left to freeze.
Recommendation: If you’re replacing an outdoor spigot, upgrade to frost-free. The cost difference is minimal and the protection is significant.
What Outdoor Spigot Service Includes
- Spigot Repair
- Diagnose the leak or issue
- Replace washer, packing, or valve components
- Tighten connections
- Test for proper operation and no leaks
Typical time: 30-45 minutes
- Spigot Replacement (Standard)
- Turn off water supply
- Remove old spigot
- Install new spigot with proper fittings
- Test for leaks
- Verify operation
Typical time: 1-2 hours depending on access
- Frost-Free Spigot Installation
- Turn off water supply
- Remove old spigot
- Install frost-free sillcock (extends into wall)
- Ensure proper pitch for drainage
- Seal exterior penetration
- Test for leaks and proper drainage
Typical time: 1-3 hours depending on wall construction and access
- Frozen Pipe Repair
If the pipe behind the spigot froze and cracked:
- Locate the damage
- Access pipe (may require opening wall)
- Repair or replace damaged section
- Install new spigot (frost-free recommended)
- Test entire system
- Patch access point (or coordinate with contractor)
Typical time: 2-4+ hours depending on damage extent
How to Prevent Frozen Spigots
A few minutes of prevention saves expensive repairs.
- Disconnect Hoses Before Winter
A connected hose traps water in the spigot — even frost-free models. Disconnect all hoses before the first freeze. Let any water drain out.
- Shut Off Interior Valve (Standard Spigots)
If you have standard spigots, shut off the interior supply valve and open the outdoor spigot to drain remaining water. This is essential winterization.
- Install Frost-Free Spigots
The best prevention is a frost-free spigot. Water drains automatically when turned off. Worth the investment if you’re replacing anyway.
- Insulated Covers (Extra Protection)
Foam spigot covers add insulation during extreme cold. Inexpensive and easy. Not a substitute for proper winterization, but helpful extra protection.
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Your Plumbing Problem, Solved in 3 Simple Steps!
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Helpful Plumbing Tips From Local Experts
Our blog shares clear advice homeowners can use right away.
When Should You Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures?
What Causes Low Water Pressure in Your Home
Simple Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
When Should You Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures?
What Causes Low Water Pressure in Your Home
Simple Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Locations and Areas Served
Plumber Service Company Serving the Entire Triad
Outdoor Spigot Repair Questions
Should I upgrade to a frost-free spigot?
If you’re replacing anyway, yes — strongly recommended. The cost difference is small, and freeze protection is significant. If your current spigot is working fine, it’s not urgent, but worth considering.
My spigot froze. Is there damage?
Maybe. The spigot itself may be damaged, or the pipe behind it may have cracked. We assess both. If there’s water damage inside the wall, the pipe cracked.
Can I replace an outdoor spigot myself?
It’s possible for standard spigots if you’re handy, but frost-free installation requires working inside the wall and ensuring proper pitch. Improper installation causes leaks inside walls. We recommend professional installation.
How do I winterize my outdoor spigots?
Disconnect all hoses. For standard spigots, shut off the interior valve and open the outdoor spigot to drain. For frost-free, disconnecting hoses is usually sufficient, but shutting off interior supply adds extra protection.
Why is water coming inside my wall when I use the outdoor spigot?
The pipe or spigot has cracked — likely from freezing. This is an emergency. Shut off the water supply to that spigot and call us immediately.
Can you add a new outdoor spigot where there isn't one?
Yes. We run a new water line to the desired location and install the spigot. Location determines complexity — we’ll assess and quote.