A leaking or damaged outdoor hose bib wastes water and can cause foundation damage. Here is what a professional hose bibb replacement involves.
Outdoor hose bibbs — the spigots on the exterior of your home — take more abuse than almost any other plumbing fixture. They are exposed to freezing temperatures, UV light, and physical impact from garden hoses and lawn equipment. In Rustic Acres and other established Boise neighborhoods, many homes still have the original hose bibbs from when they were built, and those fixtures are well past their service life.
A leaking hose bibb is more than a nuisance. Water that drips at the base of the spigot can saturate the soil against your foundation, eventually causing moisture intrusion into crawl spaces or basements. A slow drip can also waste thousands of gallons of water per year.
Most hose bibb replacements involve shutting off the water supply to the exterior line, cutting out the old fitting, and soldering or pressing in a new frost-free hose bibb. Frost-free models have a long stem that positions the shut-off point inside the heated envelope of the home, preventing the pipe from freezing during Idaho winters.
If your hose bibb leaks from the handle, drips from the spout when closed, or has visible corrosion, it is time for a replacement. The job typically takes less than an hour and is far less expensive than dealing with foundation moisture or a burst pipe.
1Up Plumbing replaces hose bibbs throughout Boise, Nampa, Meridian, and the surrounding Treasure Valley. Call (208) 919-8496 to schedule service.