Normally, you would use a hose bibb to water your plants when watering. But if the hose bibb suddenly bursts because of a leak inside or connected plumbing, it may not be able to hold its pressure and will drown out your garden in seconds. Learn how to check for leaks so that this doesn’t happen again.
Hose Bibbs And Cold Weather
Hose bibbs are the small, outdoor faucets that are typically used to attach a garden hose. In colder climates, hose bibbs can freeze and become inoperable. This usually happens when water is left in the hose or in the spigot, and it freezes. The freezing process can cause damage to both the hose bibb and the plumbing to which it is attached.
When warmer weather is on the way, we’ll be able to (hopefully) leave the winter behind us. If you’re doing some spring cleaning outdoors, you’ll almost certainly need to turn on your outdoor faucet (also known as a hose bibb).
Before You Turn On The Water, Make Sure You Follow These Steps
To discover whether your hose bibb was damaged this winter, follow these easy steps:
- Grasp the spigot with your thumb. If your thumbs are little, you may wish to cover the entrance with your whole hand.
- Turn on the faucet.
- If you can hold the water in with your hand or thumb, there is a leak somewhere in the plumbing.
- You should be alright if you feel a lot of pressure and you can’t hold back the water!
Hose Bibb Repair & Replacement
If your hose bibb is leaking, either visually or according to our thumb test, you’ll probably need to hire a professional to find and fix the source of the issue. It may be necessary to fix certain components of your hose bibb or the pipes leading to it, or the whole structure may need to be replaced. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may have to choose between repairing and replacing your hose bibb. Repairing is less expensive, but it may leave worn components in situ, causing them to break in future winters.
What To Do If Your Hose Bibb Continues To Leak
Plumbers in certain regions have seen what frigid winters can do to outside faucets, and the issue doesn’t always show up until spring. A leaking hose bibb or a fractured supply line may cause property damage as well as an increase in your water bill.
Give a plumber a call right away if you think you have a water leak. They can help you figure out what’s wrong. They can also install a frost-resistant outside hose faucet and will show you how to winterize it appropriately.
The “hose bibs leaking” is a common problem that many homeowners experience. If you find yourself with a leaky hose bibb, it is important to fix the issue as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix a leaky outdoor hose bibb?
A: Repairing a leaky hose bibb is something that can be done DIY. However, if you have any leaks inside or outside of your house, it is best repaired by a professional.
What is the difference between a hose bib and a spigot?
A: A hose bib and a spigot are the same things.
Why does my outside faucet leak when the hose is attached?
A: The leak in your outside faucet is most likely caused by a worn washer. These washers can be replaced with the use of a wrench and pliers.
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