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Fix a hose bib that will not shut off

We'll replace the washer, check the seat, and tell you when to call a plumber.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Replacement stem washer (match the bib size)
  • Seat dresser (optional, if seat is pitted)
  • Screwdriver and wrench
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Steps

Goal: Replace the washer and check the seat so the bib shuts off.

  • Shut off the water. Remove the handle and stem.
  • Replace the stem washer. Check the seat—if pitted, dress it or replace the bib.
  • Good: Bib shuts off. Bad: Call a plumber.

Replace washer

Goal: Fix the seal so the bib closes.

  • Replace the washer at the bottom of the stem. Reassemble and test.
  • Good: Bib shuts off. Bad: Seat may be damaged—dress or replace.

Check seat

Goal: Check that the seat seals so a new washer can stop the flow. The seat is the surface inside the bib that the washer seals against. If pitted or corroded, use a seat dresser to smooth it, or replace the bib.

  • Good: Smooth seat, bib shuts off. Bad: Seat too damaged to dress—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The handle will not turn (stripped stem).
  • The seat is too damaged to dress.
  • The bib needs replacement and is built into the wall.

Verification

  • No water flow when the bib is closed.
  • Handle turns smoothly.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Shut off water Turn off the supply to the hose bib.
  2. Replace washer Replace the stem washer—most common fix.
  3. Dress or replace seat Smooth the seat with a dresser, or replace the bib.
  4. Call a plumber Stem stripped, seat too damaged, or bib replacement—call a plumber.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Washer condition
  • Seat condition
  • Steps already tried

Does the handle turn but water still flows?

If the handle turns, the stem is not stripped. Washer or seat is the issue.

Try to close the bib. Handle turns but water flows: washer or seat issue—replace washer first. Handle will not turn: stem may be stripped—call a plumber.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Did replacing the washer fix it?

Shut off the water. Replace the stem washer. Reassemble and test.

Replace the stem washer. Reassemble. Turn the water on and close the bib. Good: bib shuts off. Bad: seat may be pitted—dress the seat or replace the bib. If the seat is too damaged, call a plumber.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Bib shuts off

The bib now closes completely. No more water flow when off.

Done

Call a plumber

Call a plumber if: the handle will not turn (stripped stem), the seat is too damaged to dress, or the bib needs replacement and is built into the wall.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a hose bib not shut off?
Common causes: a worn or damaged stem washer, a pitted or corroded seat, or a stripped stem/handle. The washer seals against the seat when the bib is closed; if either is damaged, water continues to flow.
Can I fix a hose bib that will not shut off myself?
Yes. You can replace the stem washer. If the seat is pitted, a washer may not seal—you can try a seat dresser to smooth it, or replace the bib. If the stem is stripped, call a plumber.
When should I call a plumber for a hose bib?
Call a plumber if: the stem or handle is stripped and will not turn, the seat is too damaged to dress, or the bib needs full replacement and is built into the wall. Frost-free bib replacement may need a pro.

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