Outdoor faucets (hose bibs) endure more weather exposure than any other plumbing fixture. They freeze in winter, get bumped by lawn equipment, deteriorate from UV exposure, and develop leaks that waste water and damage your home's exterior. A leaking hose bib can also allow water to seep into walls and foundations.
Got Plumbing USA connects you with licensed plumbers who repair, replace, and winterize outdoor faucets to protect your home year-round.
Common Outdoor Faucet Issues
- Leaking from the spout when turned off — worn washer or valve seat
- Leaking from the handle — failed packing nut or O-ring
- Frozen and burst — non-frost-free hose bibs that weren't winterized
- Won't turn off completely — corroded internal components
- Low water pressure — sediment blockage or supply line issue
Frost-Free Hose Bib Upgrade
Standard hose bibs have the valve mechanism right at the wall, exposed to cold. Frost-free (freeze-proof) models extend the valve mechanism 6–12 inches inside the heated wall, dramatically reducing freeze risk. If you live in a climate with hard freezes and still have standard hose bibs, upgrading to frost-free models is one of the best investments in freeze prevention.
Cost
Hose bib repair (washer, packing, O-ring replacement) costs $75–$175. Full hose bib replacement runs $150–$350. Frost-free hose bib installation costs $200–$400 depending on wall thickness and accessibility.