Quick Answer:
Shut off the water supply, relieve pressure at the spigot, and contain the spray. Most handle sprays are caused by a loose or worn packing nut or a split bonnet and can be fixed without major damage if you act quickly. If you can’t stop the spray or the valve body is cracked, call a plumber.
Why This Happens
- Loose or worn packing around the valve stem lets water escape at the handle. Check the handle packing nut to see if it’s simply loose.
- A cracked or split bonnet (the metal cover around the stem) can spray where the bonnet separates from the body.
- Corrosion, a damaged stem washer, or very high water pressure can make a small leak become a spray.
- Observe the spray pattern: a fine mist from around the stem suggests packing; a forceful jet between parts suggests a split bonnet or crack.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Step 1 — Stop the spray now
- Turn off the outdoor spigot handle (clockwise) if it’s safe to do so.
- If water still sprays, shut off the house supply to that spigot (isolation valve) or the main water shutoff for the house.
- Open a nearby indoor faucet to relieve system pressure, then re-check the outdoor spigot.
Step 2 — Contain the leak
- Place a bucket or towels under the spigot to catch water. Protect wood, siding, and foundation areas from ongoing spray.
- Keep children and pets away from the area until the leak is contained.
Step 3 — Inspect the fitting
- Visually examine the spigot while water is off. Check the handle packing nut — if it’s loose, a careful quarter-turn with an adjustable wrench may reduce seepage.
- Look for a split bonnet or a gap between the bonnet and valve body. If you see a visible crack, don’t try to force the valve; note the damage for a pro.
- Observe the spray pattern: low pressure dripping vs. high-pressure jet helps diagnose the cause.
Step 4 — Simple temporary fixes
- If the packing nut is loose, tighten it gently — half to one full turn — then test. Over-tightening can stiffen the handle or damage packing.
- If tightening doesn’t help and the valve body looks intact, replacing the stem packing or the entire spigot can solve the problem. Turn off water before attempting any replacement.
Step 5 — Note related issues
- If the spigot continues to leak a little after shutdown, consider reading about spigot drips after shutoff for small-drip causes and fixes.
- If you detect smells when the spigot is first used, you may want to learn about spigot smells like sulfur to rule out water quality issues.
What Not to Do
- Do not wrap tape over spraying bonnet threads — it won’t stop a pressurized spray and can hide damage.
- Do not fully force the handle or use excessive leverage on a stuck valve; that can break the stem or bonnet.
- Do not ignore an active, high-pressure spray — it can damage siding, landscaping, and foundations if left running.
- Do not try to braze or solder a metal crack yourself if your spigot is attached to plastic pipe or near flammable materials; call a pro.
When to Call a Professional
- You see a split bonnet, cracked valve body, or metal fragments — these indicate replacement is needed.
- The spray continues after shutting off the local isolation valve or main shutoff.
- Water is spraying into walls, under siding, or toward electrical outlets or equipment.
- You’re not comfortable turning off the main, working with plumbing parts, or the spigot is frozen and leaking when thawed.
Safety Notes
- Turn off water at the house shutoff if you can’t stop the outdoor spigot quickly. Fast action prevents water damage.
- Watch for nearby electrical sources. Keep water away from outlets, timers, and pumps.
- Wear eye protection and gloves when working on a leaking valve. Even low-pressure spray can be hazardous to eyes.
- If pipes are frozen, do not apply open flame. Thawing frozen pipes should be done carefully or by a professional.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why is water spraying from the handle?
Usually a loose or worn packing nut or a damaged bonnet; corrosion and pressure can worsen it. - Can I fix it myself?
Often yes — tightening the packing nut or replacing packing can be a simple fix, but visible cracks need a pro. - Will this cause major damage if I leave it?
If left, continuous spray can cause rot, mold, and foundation or landscaping damage — address it promptly.