For many homeowners, any outside plumbing issues may at the bottom of the to-do list – out of sight, out of mind. Outside hose bibs are at a particular risk for this mentality since they are not in use as often as other home plumbing devices. It is important to give your hose bib the proper attention, especially when approaching the warmer months. The following explains simply what every homeowner should know in respect to hose bibs.
What is a Hose Bib?
A hose bib, also known as an exterior spigot, transfers water from indoors to the outdoors. In most cases, they are on the side of a house. The bib allows you to attach a hose in order to obtain water directly. It is one of the most convenient tools that your home provides and is extremely useful for many tasks. Whether it be washing your car, watering your garden, or running the sprinkler for your children – it is a vital item during the summer months.
Like other faucets, hose bibs can become problematic if they are not cared for properly. In fact, because hose bibs are exposed to the harsh elements throughout the year, issues can worsen and cause major damage if they are left in disrepair.
Some common issues with hose bibs:
Broken handles – Handles can break due to corrosion or rust. This may prevent the homeowner from turning the hose bib on or off. In order to prevent this problem, the hose should be disconnected when not in use.
Freezing – When hose bibs freeze, they expand and may crack. Once the temperature rises and the pipes thaw again, the broken faucet may start leaking.
Leaking – If the leak is bad, the dripping may continue even when the hose bib is shut off. If this is the case, the broken parts should be identified and replaced quickly in order to prevent larger problems. When they are leaking they could eventually cause water damage to a home’s foundation.
If experiencing any of the above issues, replacing hose bib may be a wise decision. New hose bibs are frost-free and not only prevent pipe damage, but also help reduce heating costs. Most types are frost proof and have safety valves within the heated portion of the home. This allows warm water to flow into the bib and avoid freezing. Some types of frost-free hose bibs have shut off valves located inside of the house so the hose can drain down completely in preparation for winter.
If you detect a damaged hose bib, or would like an additional one installed for your house, please contact Zeek Plumbing 866-635-0200. It is a great time of year to add an additional outdoor faucet to help with all of your upcoming outdoor tasks.
