How to Loosen a Stuck Water Spigot: Expert Tips

Due to paying less attention or simply because it’s too old, your outdoor water spigot is stuck. And you don’t know how to loosen a stuck water spigot? Well, there are a few things to try.

To loosen a stuck water spigot, you can try using a wrench for moving it with additional force. Sawing with a hacksaw may work for a stuck spigot with stuck hoses. You may also need to go in with a hair dryer, brush the connector with a wire brush or even take the help of greasing and vinegar soaking.

Let’s discuss each of these one by one today!

Try to Loosen a Stuck Water Spigot the General Way First

This is me just trying to make sure you have attempted to remove the spigot the right way. So what I would do is tell exactly how you unscrew a spigotand remove it the general way.

To unscrew and remove a spigot:

This is how you remove a spigot the usual way. But when the spigot is stubbornly stuck, you need to do more.

More Ways to Loosen a Stuck Water Spigot

The water spigot is too stuck, and it isn’t coming off the regular way. Now what? Exactly how to loosen an outdoor spigot that’s simply hard to come off? 

Well, I’ve gathered a total of 6 means. Each of these methods uses tools that are often available at home. So you don’t have to go out and buy something.

Use a Strong Wrench

This is the tool you need when the spigot is moving slightly but not enough with pliers or your hands. A wrench will add that extra push for the spigot to move. 

Of course, holding the wrench the right way is key here. Also, you must use a wrench of the correct size for the spigot.

The spigot nut fits to the exterior wall, this is where you want to wrap the wrench. Now firmly hold it in this place. You want to wear a pair of working gloves to have the perfect grip.

Start slowly but firmly rotating the wrench in an anticlockwise direction. It is normal for the spigot to resist this movement. But the extra power of a wrench should gradually make the spigot turn. This is going to take some time but eventually, the stuck water spigot will come off.

Use a Hacksaw to Remove Stuck Spigot & Hose

Not sure how to unscrew a stuck hose from a stuck spigot? Well, you may need a little sawing here. And a hacksaw will be perfect for that job.

This method does wonders for situations where you don’t just have a corroded and stuck water spigot, but the problem has expanded to the hose. Also, sometimes it’s the stuck hose that keeps the water spigot unmovable and hard to remove.

Try using the hacksaw in a vertical position. You want the tool to be perpendicular to the threads. Gradually and carefully work the hacksaw into the coupling of the hose. Don’t saw through the spigot.

The trick here is to go bit by bit. Frequently checking the cut by stopping in between is going to keep the spigot safe.

As soon as you have enough clearance for a flat-head screwdriver, go in with it. You can also use a small pry bar. Use one of these tools to twist the inside of the cut. So that the coupling can snap, and the hose breaks off.

You may have to use the hacksaw multiple times and twist with the pry bar or screwdriver to make the coupling snap. Once that happens, twisting off the hose will be easy. And then you should be able to remove the spigot.

A Hairdryer Can Help Too

Is this about handling an outdoor spigot stuck due to the cold weather outside? Then you can actually find out how to loosen a frozen outdoor water spigot with the help of heat. Simply with a hairdryer. This hack also works when you are dealing with an outdoor spigot handle stuck from being frozen.

Now the heat can not only help when the fixture is frozen but also it is fairly good at loosening rust and breaking down corrosion.

When you apply heat to the stuck outdoor spigot, it basically helps the metal to swell. This way you cause the spigot to loosen its grip on the pipe. And eventually, you can rotate the spigot to remove it.

Now keep in mind, it’s always about low-setting heat. Nothing too severe like a heat lamp. You don’t want to degrade the parts made of plastic (if any). Also, right after applying heat from the hair dryer, rotate the spigot without waiting.

Applying heat might not be solely enough for a spigot that has serious rusting. In such a case, exactly how to loosen a rusty water spigot?

You can loosen a rusty water spigot by applying a product meant to dissolve the corrosion. Then you can go in with a hair dryer to finally rotate the spigot and remove it.

One common product here is WD-40. But can you use wd40 on a stiff tap?

You can use WD40 on a stiff tap or stuck outdoor spigot. Just make sure to shake the product well before spraying it evenly on and within crannies. Especially, focusing on the area where the spigot needs to turn for removal.

Brushing With a Wire Brush

This one will work better after applying some heat to the outdoor spigot. So right after the previous hack that we just discussed, you can try going in with a wire brush to get rid of all the loose corrosion.

Now just the wire brush alone might not be enough to get rid of stubborn rust making the spigot stuck. You can accompany it with other methods given in this guide and expect a result.

Going in With Some Plumber’s Grease

When I think of a stuck outdoor spigot, my mind automatically drives to a good quality penetrating oil. 

This requires more time as you may need to leave the spigot drowned in the grease for the night and then try removing it the next day. But it’s surely one of those tricks that are quite confirmed to work.

Though you want to make sure the plumber’s grease is generously applied to the right places of the spigot. I would focus on the connection point where it is supposed to rotate for coming off. 

And after leaving the grease to dissolve the obstacles, you can apply the wire brush technique. Now you also want to wipe away all the gunk and grease with an old rag before trying to rotate the spigot. As otherwise it won’t be easy to grip due to the slip.

Also, if you don’t have plumber’s grease, a generous spray of your kitchen cooking spray might just be a good alternative.

Try Vinegar Soaking

Removing gunk and buildups that make fixtures stuck is a chapter that always has this one protagonist. White vinegar from your kitchen cabinet.

Often you discover the outdoor spigot is not only stuck but also has the handle sticking out. And on that note, when you try to find how to loosen a sticky outdoor faucet handle there’s a good chance you’ll end up meeting a vinegar DIY trick.

A stuck spigot with its handle sticking out could be suffering from heavy severe calcium buildup. And guess what dissolves hard water calcium?

To dissolve hard water calcium buildup, you can simply mix vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to apply directly. This homemade mixture can get rid of pesky calcium stains that make outdoor spigots and their handles stuck.

You can simply soak a rag in white vinegar (or the previous mixture) and wrap it around the accumulated part of the outdoor spigot. Leave this for the night and scrub away any remaining with a wire brush or sponge the next morning. Finally, try rotating the spigot with a wrench and it should move.

Tips to Prevent Stuck Water Spigot

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a lubricant like silicone spray to loosen a stuck water spigot?

Yes, silicone spray or other lubricants can be effective in loosening a stuck water spigot. Apply the lubricant to the threads and connection points, then attempt to rotate the spigot.

How often should I check and clean my outdoor water spigot?

It’s advisable to check and clean your outdoor water spigot at least once a month. Regular maintenance helps prevent the accumulation of corrosion and mineral deposits. Additionally, fix any leaks promptly to prevent further complications.

Can I use cooking spray instead of plumber’s grease for loosening a stuck spigot?

Yes, in the absence of plumber’s grease, household items like cooking spray can serve as an alternative.

Wrapping Up

And there you have some of the best solutions to try for a stuck water spigot. Now that you know how to loosen a stuck water spigot, consider learning about the prevention of such situations too. I have shared only a few tips, but you can try finding more on the maintenance part.

We often end up paying attention to fixtures inside our house more than the ones working outside. And that needs to change.

On that note, I will be leaving today but similar guides will be up soon. Stay Tuned!