NWP-Ask a Plumber Hose Bibbs

Hose Bibbs

You may have two to three hose bibbs (outside faucets) on your house to provide water for your yard and outside chores. Each hose bibb has a separate shut-off valve for your protection from freezing. Hose bibbs should be cut off and drained during cold winter months.

It is very important that exterior hose bibbs are prepared for the colder temperatures of winter to prevent frozen and burst pipes. The following are the procedures for winterizing and dewinterizing your hose bibbs.

Winterizing Your Hose Bibbs

1. Locate the individual shut-off valve inside the house for the hose bibb you are working with. It is generally found at the water heater, under the kitchen sink or under a bathroom sink, and has a colored handle. Turn the cut-off valve clockwise until it will not turn any further.

2. Go outside to the hose bibb and open it by turning the handle counter-clockwise to allow the water to drain out.

3. If a vacuum breaker is attached to the hose end of the hose bibb, locate the stainless steel pin in the center of the valve where the hose attaches. Push the pin to the side and hold until it stops draining.

4. Return to the shut-off valve inside the house. Located on the side of the shut-off valve is a thumbscrew (or cap). After placing a small container under the valve, remove the thumbscrew. A small amount of water will be released.

5. Return to the hose bibb outside and repeat step three.

6. The pipe should now be winterized. Do no close the hose bibb.

7. Replace the thumbscrew on the shut-off valve inside the house. Make sure the seal is in place inside the cap. Tighten gently with a pair of pliers. This will prevent the loss of the thumbscrew as well as protect from leaks in the event the valve is accidentally turned on.

8. Do not turn the valve back on until spring.

De-Winterizing Your Hose Bibbs

1. Make sure the outside hose bibbs are turned off by turning the handle clockwise.

2. Make sure the thumbscrew on the shut-off valve inside the house is firmly in place and tightened.

3. Turn on the shut-off valve inside the house by turning the handle clockwise. Check for leaks, which may be a result of a freeze problem.