Your hose bib, also known as an outside faucet, is the connection point for garden hoses and other outdoor water needs. It plays a simple but important role in your home’s plumbing system.

In colder regions like San Rafael, it’s common to upgrade these to frost-proof models, sometimes called sillcocks or wall hydrants, to help avoid freezing during winter. When your hose bib is functioning properly, it lets you safely and conveniently access water outside your home.

Common Causes of Hose Bib Leaks

a plumber using a wrench to tighten a bathroom plumbing part

If your hose bib is leaking, the issue could be as minor as a worn washer or as serious as a cracked pipe behind the wall.

Leaks are often caused by aging components, water pressure issues, or freeze-related damage. A slow drip can turn into expensive damage if left unchecked. Whether the leak is at the spout or inside the wall, it’s important to act quickly to avoid rot, water stains, or structural damage.

Winter weather can be tough on plumbing, especially outdoor fixtures. To protect your hose bib, you should always disconnect any hoses before the first frost.

If your home has a shutoff valve for the outdoor line, turn it off and open the faucet to let any remaining water drain out. Installing a frost-proof sillcock is another layer of protection that can save you from frozen pipes and emergency repairs in the colder months.

Reliable Warranty Coverage for Repairs and Replacements

a gotelli plumber kneeling outside to provide sump pump services for a San Rafael home

When you choose Gotelli Plumbing Company for a hose bib repair or replacement, you’re backed by our commitment to quality. We warranty both the parts and the labor. If something fails after we’ve worked on it, we make it right. Our focus is long-term performance, not just quick fixes, and we want your outdoor plumbing to last through every season.

More homeowners in San Rafael are choosing to install upgraded hose bibs with vacuum breakers or anti-siphon valves. These devices prevent water from flowing backward into your home’s drinking water.

Winterization Best Practices

This protection is especially helpful if you use your hose for things like washing the car, filling a pool, or applying fertilizer to your garden. These devices meet current plumbing codes and add another layer of safety to your system.We rarely freeze, but when a cold front is on the schedule, winterizing your hose bibs is one of the best ways to avoid frozen pipes. Start by shutting off the interior valve connected to the outdoor faucet if your home has one. Next, open the faucet to drain any remaining water.

Use an insulated cover to shield the bib from cold air. If your faucet is not frost-proof or you’re unsure about the setup, we can help upgrade or inspect your system to ensure it’s protected for the season.

Our cold mornings don’t tend to last very long, so simplifying covering the spigot with a foam cover is often all that is needed to protect your outside sillcocks.