Leaks from Hose Bibs
Leaks from Hose Bibs
A hose bib is the handy little faucet attached to the outside of your house. It has many uses one of which is, it allows you to water your lawn and garden. A typical garden hose flow rate is usually between 6 and 12 gallons per minute. That could turn into a big problem if the tiny tap begins to leak. If the hose bib is old, mineral deposits build up over time and can trap water causing small cracks and leaks. Inspect the washer inside the hose bib for signs of damage. Also check the packing nut that is located right behind the faucet handle to make sure it is tight. If you discover a leak do not ignore it even if it’s a very slow drip. A leaky hose bib can lead to massive exterior and interior water damage. Below is a list of the most common signs of a hose bib leak:
- Puddles of water or damp soil around your foundation.
- Mold & Mildew: Be aware that mold growth can spread throughout the affected area.
- Cracks in Foundation: Water can make its way into tiny cracks in the foundation of your home. When moisture in these spaces expands, it weakens your foundation and may eventually make its way into your basement, foundation and slab.
Frozen Hose Bibs: Since they are outdoor faucets, it makes them the most vulnerable fixtures of your home and susceptible to freezing. Most people don’t realize they have frozen hose bibs until warmer weather returns and they attempt to turn on the water for the first time that year. A frozen hose bib can lead to burst pipes and major water damage to your home. Common indicators of a frozen hose bib include:
- No water coming from an outside spigot when turned on
- Low or trickling water coming out of an opened outside faucet
- Hearing running water behind walls
- Water suddenly appearing in rooms not connected to kitchens or bathrooms
- Finding pooling water in your crawlspace inside your home.
To help avoid the situation remove all hoses from the hose bib tap and properly drain the pipe before winter hits. There are also hose bib covers available to keep your hose bib from freezing. All of this is to prevent the pipe from freezing or burst causing water damage outside or inside the home. If you suspect you have a frozen hose bib, immediately stop the flow of water. Find the shut-off valve and turn it to “off” to prevent more water from coming in. Try to soak up as much of the water from the affected materials as possible to prevent damage and reduce dry times. Then call Water Extraction Experts! We can handle any water damage to your property’s floors, subfloors, or walls.
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