How to Loosen a Tight Hose on a Spigot

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Outdoor spigots are designed in a variety of styles, but the basic principles remain the same.
Image Credit: Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

Dealing with a hose that has become stuck on a spigot can be frustrating and inconvenient. In some cases, it can also potentially cause significant damage; if you are unable to remove the hose during freezing weather, the water inside may split the hose or even your plumbing's pipes when it freezes. Fortunately, a few simple tricks can remove even the most stubborn stuck hose.

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Step 1

Turn the hose collar to the left, or counterclockwise, when you try to remove it. If you have accidentally turned the hose to your right, you may have actually tightened it by mistake. Work the hose forward and back, then side to side a few inches below the spigot to work loose any debris that could be jamming the spigot threads. Try again while wearing leather or rubber gloves for added grip.

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Step 2

Tap lightly around the sides of the spigot at the bottom, where the hose is attached, several times with a hammer or the handle of a screwdriver. Be careful not to hit so hard that you damage the spigot or hose. Spray the joint with WD-40, trying to aim it up into the threads, and wait about 10 minutes. Adjust a set of locking pliers to the proper width, clamp them onto the spigot, and try again to loosen the hose.

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Step 3

Heat the spigot joint with a hair dryer or heat gun if the hose still will not come loose. Heating the metal will cause it to expand, loosening the hose. Reattach the locking pliers after heating the metal, and use them to unscrew the hose.

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