During the summer months, many homeowners notice an uptick in their water usage and their utility bills. While some increase is expected due to watering the lawn, washing cars, or kids being home from school, a sudden or unusually high water bill in Virginia could...
When to Call a Plumber for Your Outdoor Hose Bibs and Faucets
Other posts you might like:
Prevent Frozen Pipes and Other Winter Plumbing Tips
When temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes rises. Frozen pipes are more than an inconvenience, as they can burst and cause extensive water damage to your home. Understanding why pipes freeze and taking proactive steps can protect your plumbing and avoid costly...
New Year, New Bathroom: Start 2025 Planning Your Remodel
Start the new year with a fresh start by planning a bathroom remodel that enhances your home’s value, improves daily living, and upgrades your plumbing with modern fixtures, water-saving technology, and professional repiping. The New Year is a time for fresh starts...
Leaky outdoor faucet? Learn when to call for hose bib repair in Virginia and protect your home from hidden water damage this fall.
As summer winds down in Virginia, many homeowners are focused on back-to-school prep and fall landscaping, but don’t forget to check on your outdoor plumbing. One of the most overlooked but important areas to inspect this time of year is your hose bib (also known as your outdoor faucet or spigot).
A leaking outdoor faucet may not seem urgent, but small drips can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. Even worse, it can cause hidden damage to your home’s foundation. At Blessings Plumbing, we often get calls in late summer for hose bib repair in Virginia, and in many cases, early detection could have prevented costly problems down the road.
Let’s break down what you need to know about this simple yet essential piece of your plumbing system.
What Is a Hose Bib, and Why Does It Matter?
Your hose bib is the faucet on the exterior of your home that allows you to connect a garden hose for watering plants, washing your car, or filling up a kiddie pool. While it seems like a basic fixture, your hose bib connects to your indoor plumbing system and any leaks or damage can have ripple effects throughout your home.
Because hose bibs are exposed to the elements year-round, they’re especially vulnerable to wear and tear during Virginia’s hot summers and freezing winters. That’s why summer plumbing maintenance is crucial.
Common Hose Bib Problems in Late Summer
As temperatures cool and outdoor water usage decreases, now is the perfect time to check your outdoor faucets for the following issues:
1. Dripping or Leaking Faucet
The most common issue we see is a leaky outdoor faucet. Even a slow drip can lead to significant water waste and higher utility bills. This might be caused by a worn washer, loose packing nut, or corrosion in the valve seat.
2. Cracked Pipes Behind the Wall
If you left a hose attached during winter or had freezing temperatures, the pipe behind the faucet may have cracked, especially if you don’t have a frost-free hose bib. This kind of hidden damage may not show until months later when the wall or foundation starts showing signs of water damage.
3. Loose Faucet or Mounting
Over time, the connection between the spigot and your siding can loosen. This can allow water to leak behind your siding and into the structure of your home, leading to rot, mold, or foundation issues.
4. Low Water Pressure
If the water coming out of your hose bib seems weak, it could signal a blockage or leak somewhere in your outdoor plumbing line.
When to Call a Plumber
You should contact a licensed plumber if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent dripping or leaking from the faucet
- Water stains or dampness on the wall inside your home near the outdoor faucet
- Cracks or corrosion on the spigot or mounting hardware
- Low water pressure from the outdoor hose bib
- You’re unsure how to properly shut off or winterize the hose bib
Ignoring these signs can lead to foundation damage, water intrusion, mold growth, and costly repairs, especially if we head into fall with freezing temps around the corner.
How Blessings Plumbing Can Help
At Blessings Plumbing, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing outdoor faucet leaks before they cause major issues. Whether you need a simple washer replaced, a frost-proof bib installed, or an inspection for hidden pipe damage, our experienced team can help you prepare your home for the changing seasons.
We proudly offer hose bib repair in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the surrounding communities. Our goal is to keep your plumbing working smoothly all year long with fast, reliable service and honest pricing.
Don’t Wait for Fall. Fix That Drip Now!
If you’ve noticed a leaky hose bib or you’re due for summer plumbing maintenance, now is the perfect time to take action. A quick inspection or repair today can save you from expensive surprises later.
Call Blessings Plumbing at 757-425-7790 to schedule your hose bib check-up or repair. We're here to make sure your home is leak-free and ready for fall!