Hose Bibb Spring Prep: Are You Ready?

HOSE BIBB SPRING PREP: ARE YOU READY? 

A hose bibb, also known as your exterior spigots, happen to be one of the most convenient tools that your home provides by leading water anywhere you need it—whether it is for washing your car, watering your flowers, or filling the little pool and running the sprinkler for your children. But, did you know that this extremely useful summer tool could also lead to some major home damage if it happened to freeze over during the winter? We have outlined some things you should do before turning on your hose bibb for spring and summer use.

What is a hose bibb
Also known as a sillcock, the hose bibb is a tap that is connected with the main water supply in your home. You may find one outside of your back door, front door, garage, or other location. Many properties have more than one; be sure to address any and all locations. 

Broken hose bibbs = BIG PROBLEMS
Most water pipes located inside the property are safe from freezing during the winter months because interior rooms are heated and insulated. However, the water pipes located in external walls, crawl spaces, and other unprotected areas are susceptible to damage. In the winter, freezing temperatures can cause the water in these pipes to freeze. If you’ve ever left a can of soda in the freezer, you know what happens next. BOOM! The same happens with the unattended hose bibb. The water expands and bursts the pipes. When you turn on your spigot in the spring and water again flows through the broken pipe, moisture can leak into the property and cause further damage. Additionally, your property may lose all water service until the issue gets resolved.

Steps to take prior to turning on your water spigot:

Step 1 – Look for leaks within your home.
if you turn the hose on for the first time this spring and notice a leak that likely means you have a cracked pipe from those freezing winter temperatures. In this case, call a licensed plumber because the last thing you want is that small crack to turn into a busted pipe.

Step 2 – Look for leaks in or around your exterior hose bibb.
Apart from being a huge, wet mess, a leaky exterior spigot, when not taken care of, can lead to exterior, interior, or even foundational damage to your home.

Step 3 – Complete a spring maintenance check for your hose bibb.
You can simply turn on the outdoor spigot and watch for leaks. Be sure to remember that if you cut off the water supply to the faucet for winter that you turn that back on first. If you see a leak,  determine where it is coming from. If you are unsure if you have a leak, call a licensed plumber to check it out. These leaks are not something to take lightly as they can lead to major water damage for your home. 

The Waterworks technicians are available 24/7 to maintain the safety and comfort of your home and family.