Don’t look now, but the spring season is practically here! As of Thursday, March 20th, the winter will finally be over and spring will officially be underway. For most Canadians, this is a pretty happy time of year. The flowers are about to bloom, the weather will be warmer and time spent outdoors will significantly increase. As a result, homeowners are cautioned against a common springtime problem.
Do you have a leaky or damaged outdoor hose bib? Also known as an outdoor faucet or spigot, it’s what provides your garden hose with water flow to wash your car, water the garden or fill the kiddie pool. Having a properly functioning hose bib is essential. If you’ve noticed any issues with your outdoor faucet, don’t worry. Repairing it is usually an easy DIY fix!
Shut off the water supply and inspect for damage.
First things first – you have to make sure the water supply to your outdoor hose bib has been shut off. Generally, this is done before the start of winter. As this blog informs, the main water valve inside your home is usually found in your basement, crawl space or garage.
Once the water is off, take a close look at the hose bib. Do you see any visible cracks or signs of wear? Inspect for corrosion or rust, especially around the handle and spout. Leaks typically occur if the rubber washer inside the hose bib has worn out. They can also happen if the valve seat has become damaged. If your faucet has a visible crack, you’ll likely need to replace it entirely.
Replace the washer or cartridge.
If you have a problem with your outdoor hose bib, the culprit is most likely a worn-out washer or valve cartridge. They are both designed to seal the water flow when the faucet is turned off. Over time, they can wear down, causing drips or leaks. To replace the washer, grab a wrench or pliers to remove the handle of the faucet. Once removed, take off the packing nut and pull out the valve stem. If the base of the valve stem is cracked, damaged or worn, replace it with a new one that is the right size for your faucet.
If your hose bib has a cartridge-style valve, you’ll need to remove the valve cover and pull out the old cartridge. Take the old cartridge to your local hardware store to ensure you get an exact match. Insert the new cartridge and reassemble the faucet.
Be sure to test the repair.
Naturally, you should make sure your work has solved the problem. Turn the water back on and check for leaks. As well, is the water flowing freely through the spout? Moving forward, consider winterizing your hose bib. Always drain your outdoor faucets and shut off the water supply to prevent freezing. Consider installing a frost-proof hose bib as well. It’s designed to prevent freezing and damage from harsh winter conditions.
Is your outdoor faucet still dripping? Don’t hesitate to contact your friends at 2 Bro’s Plumbing! We specialize in outdoor hose bib repairs and replacements. We always ensure that 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.
Call us at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca today!
