Outdoor water spigots are subject to a wide temperature range that causes the seal inside the spigot to fail. Although spigots are constructed to last for many years, eventually they will begin to leak. One of the most common reasons for outside spigot leaks is the failure of the interior seal, also called a washer. You can purchase a replacement seal at a very low cost and fix the spigot yourself as a DIY project without the assistance of a plumber.

How to replace an outside spigot seal:

1. Close the water shutoff valve for the outside water spigot. The shutoff valve is located in the interior of the home, most likely on the same wall opposite the water faucet. If your home has a basement, the water valve is most likely installed in the basement just before the pipe passes through the outside wall.

2. Turn the outdoor spigot knob completely to the left to drain any water in the plumbing.

3. Remove the screw located in the center of the spigot knob using a screwdriver.

4. Pull the knob straight out away from the spigot to detach it.

5. Loosen the metal nut that is attached to the base of the spigot. It is below where the knob was attached. Place a wrench around the nut and turn it counterclockwise until the nut is removed from the spigot.

6. Remove the small black rubber washer (seal) that is located on the spigot, behind the nut. If the spigot is old, the washer may have come off when you removed the nut.

7. Take the old washer to a home improvement supply center or plumbing store and match up the size with a new washer. There are standard washers that will fit most outdoor spigots.

8. Insert a new washer onto the spigot and then install the nut back on top of the washer in the reverse order. Tighten the nut in a clockwise motion using the wrench until you can no longer turn the wrench. The nut needs to be tight enough to create a leak-proof seal with the washer, but do not over tighten it.

9. Reinstall the knob on top of the nut.

10.Turn the water shutoff valve to the "on" position and then turn the outdoor spigot on to test for leaks.

That is all there is to replacing an outdoor spigot seal.