How To Check Your Outdoor Hose Bibb For Leaks

We’re happy to report that warm weather is ahead, and we can (hopefully) put this past winter behind us. If you’re planning on doing some spring cleaning outside this month, you’ll more than likely need to turn your outdoor faucet (commonly known as a hose bibb) back on.

The winter weather temperatures may have caused some models of hose bibbs to crack. If the problem isn’t caught early enough, all that water leaking from your outdoor faucet can result in water damage and allow for mold to potentially grow inside your home – not to mention all the wasted water and energy!

Follow These Steps Before Turning On Your Water

Follow these simple steps to see if your hose bibb was damaged this past winter:

1. Place your thumb over the spigot. If you have small thumbs, you may want to use your whole hand to cover the opening.
2. Turn the water on.
3. If you can hold the water in, with your hand or thumb, that means there is a crack somewhere in the piping and water is leaking out.
4. However, if you feel a lot of pressure and you can’t hold back the water, you should be fine!

Hose Bibb Repair & Replacement

If your hose bibb is leaking, either visibly or based on our thumb test, you’ll likely need a professional to locate the source of the problem and resolve it. This can mean repair of specific components of your hose bibb or the pipes leading to it, or it could mean needing to replace the entire structure. You may have to choose between repairing and replacing your hose bibb, depending on the severity of the damage. Repairing costs less, but may leave worn components in place where they will fail in subsequent winters.

To learn more or schedule a visit, contact Len The Plumber at (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619 or schedule online.

What to Do If Your Hose Bibb Is Still Leaking

At Len The Plumber, we’ve seen all too often what can happen to outdoor faucets affected by cold winters, and the problem doesn’t always reveal itself until spring. A leaky hose bibb or cracked supply line can result in damage to your home and also an increase in your water bill.

If you suspect that you have a water leak, give us a call today to diagnose the problem. We can even install a frost-proof outdoor hose faucet and our technician will teach you how to properly winterize your new fixture.

We’re here to provide you with same day service, seven days a week – and remember, there’s never an extra charge for evening or weekend service.