Check Exterior Hose Bibs
Why It Matters
A leaking hose bib wastes water and can cause foundation damage as water pools near the house.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: basic tools. Materials required: necessary materials.
- 2
Perform the check exterior hose bibs
Turn on each outdoor faucet and check for leaks at the spigot and the wall connection.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If leaks at the wall connection may indicate pipe damage, consider calling a professional.
Community Tips
Hose bibs should be drained and shut off at the indoor valve before the first hard freeze; leaving water inside causes ice expansion that cracks the brass fitting and creates costly spring leaks. Most bibs fail at the valve seat rather than the spout, so shutting off the supply line is more critical than removing the hose itself.
A Raindrip 3/4-inch ball valve ($15-25) installed on the indoor water line dedicated to exterior bibs allows complete drainage without disturbing the main shutoff, preventing ice damage and making seasonal maintenance a 30-second task instead of a weekend concern.
Frost-free hose bibs cost $25-40 but fail silently when the internal stem freezes in place; inspect the handle for movement monthly in winter, as a stuck bib indicates the freeze-protection mechanism has failed and water remains trapped inside the wall cavity, risking foundation seepage by spring. ---