Ep 005 - Frozen, Leaking Outdoor Faucet after Winter

H2O Things to Know

• If you don't see water when you turn on your outdoor faucet, it may have froze or cracked
• Turn off the water supply and the affected outdoor spigot to prevent further water damage
• Check inside your home for signs of leaks
• Disconnect and remove the garden hose before freezing temperatures to avoid freezing and potential leaks

TRANSCRIPT:

It's now officially summertime. If you go to water your garden, fill up a pool, maybe use a sprinkler — and you turn on your outdoor faucet, also known as a hose bibb or spigot — but you don't see any water — there's a problem. Or maybe you are seeing water — but it's inside your home, rather than outside — where it should be! This is most likely a leaking outdoor faucet that froze over the winter.

Turn Off the Water Supply: The first thing you need to do is turn off that spigot. If you can, also turn off the water supply to the affected outdoor faucet. Each spigot typically has its own shutoff valve, connected to a pipe leading outside. It's usually in the basement, crawl space, or utility room. This will help prevent any further leakage and minimize potential water damage.

If you do have water coming out of the spigot, but it's not the usual full amount — you should check inside your home. Low pressure might indicate a leak. There might be a small leak where water is spilling in to the basement floor or dripping down the wall.

If it's the first time turning on your outside water in the spring or summer — you really should go back inside to inspect just to possibly prevent future problems. Pipes and fixtures that have gone through freezing and thawing may not immediately leak until the water pressure is fully restored. Picture the inconvenience of water leaking into your basement while you're outside, meanwhile you're completely unaware that a pipe has cracked and you have a leak inside. By the time you do notice, there might be more damage and even mold. By taking this precaution, you can avoid potential headaches down the line.

Your garden hose should be disconnected before freezing temperatures arrive to prevent the spigot from freezing. If water is left inside the garden hose and the hose remains attached during cold climates it will increase the chance of it freezing. Some homes have frost-proof spigots, which don't require turning on or off in the fall or spring. But to be extra cautious and prevent any potential leaks, it's still highly recommended to turn off the water to your spigot, and remember: always remove the hose.

If you're unsure about any of this, or need a professional plumber to repair a leak, we're always here to help at Tim Beil Plumbing. Don't forget to look us up on facebook, instagram, and all your social media platforms. Follow us on your favorite podcast app. Thank you for tuning in to H20 Things to Know, until next time!