With the July heat taking over, many of us, here in Durham Region, are watering our gardens, washing our cars and keeping the kids cool in our backyards. Doing all these summertime activities wouldn’t be possible without one often-overlooked household feature. We’re talking about your outdoor hose bib. Also known as an outdoor faucet or spigot, this simple fixture can make or break your summer maintenance routines.
What makes your outdoor hose bib the unsung hero of summer?
Your hose bib definitely deserves more credit than it generally receives. The outdoor tap, which is connected to your home’s water supply, allows you to attach a garden hose and access water for a wide variety of outdoor tasks. Especially during the summer months, your hose bib becomes an all-star utility. It helps to keep your plants green, your cars clean and your pools filled. It’s also great for rinsing off outdoor furniture and walkways.
Perhaps, the most common use of an outdoor hose bib is to supply water for the lawn. Shawn Karn of Nutri-Lawn informs homeowners that in order to maintain lush lawns during the summer, they need to water their lawns more frequently. “Generally, an application of water every 4 to 5 days during the hotter months will be fine,” he informs, “If you have sandy soil, you may need to water every 3 to 4 days.”
How can you get the most out of your hose bib during the summer?
Your first step is to check it for leaks. A slow drip can waste a lot of water. Be sure to tighten connections or replace worn washers. Secondly, inspect your water pressure. Weak pressure could indicate sediment buildup or a faulty valve. It’s a good idea to test the anti-siphon valve as well. This keeps your drinking water safe by preventing backflow contamination.
Regular inspections and a quick tune-up can help avoid mid-summer plumbing problems. In some cases, you may need to replace an old o-ring with a new one. If your hose bib is leaking, it’s possible that your o-ring has some wear and tear. If you have an old, rusty, damaged or corroded bib, it may be wise to replace it completely. Don’t hesitate to call in the pros for help!
Why is it wise to get ready for winter during the summer?
It might seem super early, but the summertime is the perfect time to plan ahead for the colder seasons. Remember that when the weather cools down, you should disconnect your hose from the hose bib. Leftover water can freeze and cause pipes to burst. Be sure to drain the bib as well. Shut off the indoor valve and drain the outdoor faucet at season’s end.
You may also wish to consider upgrading. Installing a frost-free hose bib now can save you a major headache come winter. It is designed to prevent freezing by placing the shut-off valve inside your home’s insulated area.
Is your outdoor faucet dripping or worn out?
2 Bro’s Plumbing specializes in outdoor hose bib repairs and replacements! We 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.
Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca today!
