Now that October has arrived, the presence of fall is very apparent all across the Greater Toronto Area and Durham Region. For homeowners, this is definitely the time of year to think about protecting your home’s plumbing. This is especially true for your outdoor hose bibs. Also called outdoor faucets or spigots, these often-neglected fixtures take a beating from both the elements and use. Over time, they can fail in frustrating or even damaging ways.
Freezing and ice expansion.
When water is left inside the faucet or the supply pipe and the temperature drops below freezing, the water expands as it turns to ice. That pressure can crack the valve body, split pipes or deform internal seals. If that damage occurs behind siding or inside a wall, the leak may go unnoticed until spring.
Corrosion and rust from exposure.
Outdoor faucets are exposed to rain, snow, humidity and temperature swings. Over time, metal components (valve stems, packing nuts, threading) may corrode, weakening seals and making leaks or failure more likely. Once corrosion creates pits or rough edges, rubber washers and seals can’t maintain a tight fit, accelerating leak issues.
Worn washers, O‑rings and packing.
Most hose bibs rely on rubber or neoprene washers, O‑rings or packing material that forms the watertight seal. With repeated use, those parts become compressed, cracked or brittle and they begin to leak. This is especially the case when they are under heat, cold or UV exposure. A fixture that drips when it’s supposed to be fully closed is often a sign of worn internal seals.
Loose or faulty connections and threading.
The connection between the hose bib and the interior supply line (or its mounting) may loosen over time, especially with vibration, garden activity or frost cycles. That can lead to leaks at joints. Also, repeated screwing and unscrewing of hoses can wear down the external threads or damage the fixture’s nose threads.
Mechanical impact, stress or physical damage.
Sometimes, more obvious causes apply. We’re talking about such things as being bumped by a lawnmower, garden equipment, tripped over hoses or gardening tools hitting the faucet. Over time, repeated physical stress or bending can fracture parts or misalign internal components.
Inferior design or non–frost‑resistant models.
Older or cheaper hose bib designs may not take account of frost protection. For example, if the valve seat is too close to the exterior wall. Frost‑free (or frost-proof) bibs have longer shafts that keep the shutoff point inside the warmer part of the wall. Without that design, damage is more likely in cold climates. Even with a frost‑proof bib, if it’s improperly installed (no drainage, no slope, blocked bleed/drain), it can still fail.
Is your outdoor faucet dripping or worn out?
2 Bro’s Plumbing specializes in outdoor hose bib repairs and replacements, ensuring your outdoor water sources are as reliable as your indoor plumbing. Serving the Durham Region since 2015, we’re a family-run company that treats every home as our own. Whether you need a repair to stop a leak or a replacement to upgrade, our team is here to help with friendly, dependable service.
Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790, email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca or fill out the form on our Contact page for a free quote today!
