What You Can Do to Keep Your Outside Faucets Working Longer

Outdoor faucets get used hard—and usually ignored until something breaks. But with a little maintenance, you can make them last a whole lot longer. Whether you’re watering the garden, washing the car, or setting up irrigation, keeping those spigots in good shape saves money and avoids mid-season headaches.

Use a Vacuum Breaker or Backflow Preventer

Installing a vacuum breaker helps prevent dirty water from siphoning back into your system. It also keeps pressure off the faucet threads, which can wear down over time. These are cheap, easy to install, and make a big difference in faucet life—especially if you leave hoses connected often.

Disconnect Hoses in Cold Weather

Leaving a hose attached when temperatures drop can trap water in the line, leading to frozen pipes or cracked fittings. Always disconnect hoses before the first freeze. It’s a quick habit that protects both the faucet and the plumbing behind the wall.

Use a Splitter With Shutoff Valves

A hose splitter with shutoff valves lets you keep multiple hoses hooked up without putting constant strain on the main spigot. That way, you’re not twisting the faucet on and off every time, which wears out the internal parts faster.

Don’t Force the Handle if It’s Stuck

If the faucet’s hard to turn, forcing it will only strip the stem or snap something inside. Loosen stuck handles with a little WD-40 or penetrating oil. If it’s still tight, it may need to be rebuilt—better to do it early than deal with a full break later.

Check for Drips After Use

Even a small drip wastes water and signals a worn washer or loose fitting. Keep an eye out after turning off the water. If you notice a leak, tighten the packing nut or replace the washer. Fixing it early helps the faucet last longer.

Install a Faucet Cover During Winter

An insulated faucet cover helps protect against freezing temperatures and can extend the life of the spigot, even if you’ve already winterized the system. It adds a layer of protection that helps with sudden drops or unexpected cold snaps.

Keep the Threads Clean and Rust-Free

Threaded ends on outdoor faucets get banged up, rusted, or stripped fast. A little silicone grease or anti-seize on the threads goes a long way in preventing corrosion and makes hoses easier to screw on and off without damage.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.