What to Do About Frozen Hose Bibs

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With the weather warming up, many of us are thinking about getting back into the garden. We’re buying grass seed to cover those bare patches and thinking about spring planting. Unfortunately, some of us may discover that spring gardening will have to wait. We may turn on our outside faucet and discover that no water comes out of the spigot! We may also find a pool of waters indoors. It’s a hose bib issue. And it can be a common problem in early spring.

What is a Frozen Hose Bib?

Because they’re outside, hose bibs or outdoor faucets are susceptible to freezing over the winter. Most people don’t realize that it’s happened until they try to turn their outside faucets on in spring. Unfortunately, a frozen hose bib can lead to burst pipes and water damage.

Signs of a frozen hose bib include:

  • Low or trickling water or, in some cases, no water at all coming from an outside faucet.
  • A sound of running water behind your walls.
  • Pools of water appearing in rooms in your home not connected to kitchens or bathrooms

To be up to code, hose bibs must be frost-proof and pipes should be protected from freezing or bursting. However, some contractors don’t always do what they should, and aging pipes sometimes freeze anyway. If you left your hose attached to the hose bib and temperatures fell dramatically over the past few months, you may find yourself with a problem when weather warms. The damage may not show up at all until the faucet is turned on and water pressure begins to build.

What to Do About a Frozen Hose Bib Problem

If you notice a frozen hose bib issue, begin by immediately stopping the flow of water. Locate the shut-off valve and turn it off to prevent more water from pooling in your home. Soak up as much water as you can to prevent water damage. Then, give us a call! We’ll come diagnose the problem and give you options for next steps.

Contact Armstrong Plumbing for Fast, Reliable Service

Our representatives can often be there same day to solve your plumbing problems. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We’re here to help!

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