Outdoor Faucet (Hose Bibb) Repair
Outdoor faucet repair fixes hose bibbs that drip, leak at the handle, or have burst from freezing. Many homes have frost-free sillcocks whose shutoff sits deep inside the warm wall, and these need specific parts. FlowFast connects you with an independent local plumber who will repair or replace your outdoor faucet and check the interior shutoff.
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- Part of our Toilet & Faucet Repair services — explained up front.
Parent service
Toilet & Faucet RepairRunning toilet or dripping faucet? Common causes, when repair beats replacement, and how to get connected with an independent local plumber.
View all Toilets & Faucets servicesThe outdoor faucet, called a hose bibb or sillcock, lives a harder life than any indoor fixture in your home. It endures sun, rain, and freezing temperatures, and it is the fixture most often damaged by winter weather. When a hose is left connected in freezing weather, trapped water expands and can split the pipe inside the wall, producing a leak that only appears when you turn the faucet on in spring.
Frost-free sillcocks reduce this risk by placing the actual shutoff valve twelve or more inches inside the house, but they only work if the hose is disconnected so water can drain out fully. Standard hose bibbs need an interior shutoff valve that you close each fall before freezing weather arrives. FlowFast connects you with an independent local plumber who will determine whether your faucet needs a new washer and packing or a full replacement, and confirm the interior shutoff works properly for winterizing.
Warning signs
Signs you need this service
- The faucet drips from the spout or leaks around the handle when turned on, even with a new washer installed.
- Water sprays or seeps from inside the wall when the outdoor faucet runs, suggesting a freeze split.
- Water pressure at the hose is much lower than it used to be, which can mean a failing washer or blockage.
- The handle is frozen in place, spins freely without effect, or the faucet wobbles loosely on the siding.
What to expect
The process, step by step
The pro turns on the faucet and checks the spout, handle, and wall penetration for the leak's origin.
They shut off the interior valve, drain the line fully, and disassemble the faucet to inspect the stem and seat.
Worn washers and packing are replaced, or the full sillcock is swapped if the pipe has split inside.
Water is restored, the faucet is tested with a hose attached, and the interior shutoff is verified working.
Prevention
How to avoid this problem
- Disconnect every hose before the first freeze so frost-free faucets can drain completely every time.
- Close the interior shutoff valve each fall and open the outside faucet to let the line drain.
- Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers for extra protection during hard, prolonged freezes each winter.
Frequently asked questions
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