A hose bib that has frozen over is a very common problem that almost everyone has faced at some point of time.
And it is an issue that should be resolved as soon as possible, as it can lead to the interior plumbing getting damaged. However, most people do not know what steps to take when such a problem arises.
That’s why I’ve decided to put together this guide to help you out.
The main cause of a frozen bib is the water freezing in the interior pipes or the hose bib during the winter. It is more common in older-style hose bibs due to their short design that allows the water to sit close to the faucet. Modern frost-proof bibs have a shut-off valve located deeper in the piping, which is protected from the cold.
Such hose-bibs are also designed to release the remaining water in the faucet. However, if you leave the hose attached to the hose-bib during the winter, then the water inside the hose can freeze and back up into the bib. And when you turn the faucet on next spring, the water will start flowing through the pipes at its normal pressure, thereby causing damage.
Generally, you will be unable to know that your hose bib has frozen over until opening the faucet for the first time in spring, so look for these signs:
If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs, immediately turn off the water supply to control the damage. Look for the supply valve and turn it off to prevent more water from coming in.
After turning off the water, thoroughly inspect the area to identify where the problem has occurred. Check the hose-bib, supply valve, and the interior plumbing line. Certain signs such as a damaged or broken pipe can help indicate the source and extent of the damage.
Once you’ve stopped the water and inspected the area, it is time to clear up the water that has come in. Try to remove as much water as possible by soaking it from the materials to minimize the damage and speed up the drying process.
Replacing a broken hose-bib is not easy and requires expertise, skill, and proper training which is why only licensed plumbers should do it. The hose-bib has to be positioned properly to ensure that the water is pitched towards the exterior wall; otherwise, it can result in the same problem next year. Additionally, you need to consider whether the bib is exposed or located behind a wall.
Professional plumbers are familiar with such problems and have the right tools that are needed to replace your damaged hose-bib. Plus, they can help you take measures to minimize the damages caused.
There are a few things you can do to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place, such as winterizing the hose bib.
For this, remove the garden hose and keep it away safely until it is required next spring. Then, turn off the valve on the supply pipe and turn on the hose bib spout, allowing any water remaining to come out. Also, let the faucet of the hose bib remain open during the winter, which will prevent pressure build-up due to water freezing inside the piping.
For added safety, use a piece of piping insulation made from Styrofoam and attach it to the part of the pipe that lies between the house exterior hose bib spigot. Then, secure it using insulation tape and apply caulk on any openings where the pipes go through the wall of the house.
With that said, it’s time to conclude this guide, and hopefully, it has answered the question, what to do if your hose bib freezes? A hose bib that has frozen up can cause extensive damage, and water damage can be quite costly to repair.
A protip: keep the contact details of the best emergency plumbers in your area handy for unforeseen situations. Goodbye!
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