Check Your Hose Bibbs

We’ve had some strange and relatively warm weather this winter, but it’s important not to get spoiled by the lack of snow . . . you should still be sure to check your hose bibbs!

It’s likely that we’ll be due for a cold snap, which can unexpectedly freeze your outside pipes. Unfortunately, while your outside hose bibbs will freeze during the winter, the sometimes catastrophic results often don’t become apparent until the spring, when you go to wash your car or water the plants for the first time and suddenly, your basement is flooded.

To prevent this potential problem, turn the water to your hose bibb off from inside. Go outside and open up the spigot, and let it drain. This way, all of the water will drip out and prevent it from freezing up.

Once you’ve fully drained the spigot, be sure to close it up. Lots of people forget, and when they turn the water back on from the inside during the spring, their outside hose bibb is still running – without their knowledge.

While seemingly insignificant, these little steps can save your home from major water damage.