Your outdoor spaces are an extension of your home. Whether you use them for gardening, washing the car, or soaking up the sun on a lounge chair, you rely on a functional hose bib (sometimes called an outdoor spigot) and trusty hoses to keep it all looking great.  But these outdoor helpers need maintenance too!

Mennillo Plumbing and Heating wants to ensure your outdoor water access is always in tip-top shape. That's why we've prepared some helpful tips to keep the water flowing all year long.

Understanding the Importance of Bib/Spigot Maintenance

• Prevent costly repairs: Neglected hose bibs can leak, crack, or even burst due to freezing temperatures. This means water damage, expensive repairs, and a lot of hassle.
• Maintain consistent water flow: A faulty hose bib can cause weak water pressure, making outdoor tasks much more time-consuming and irritating.
• Reduce water waste: Leaks from damaged bibs increase your water bill and waste a precious resource.

Hose Care for Long Life

• Quality matters: Invest in durable hoses made with strong materials. This will combat kinks, leaks, and deterioration from the sun.
• Winterizing: Disconnect and fully drain all hoses before freezing temperatures set in. Store them indoors, like a basement or shed, to prevent damage.
• Proper coiling: After use, coil hoses loosely to avoid kinks and strain. Hang them or use a hose reel for organized storage.

Easy Hose Bib/Spigot Maintenance Tips

• Annual inspection: Take a few minutes to check the condition of your outdoor faucets in the spring. Look for signs of leaks, dripping, rust, or cracks around the bib or handle.
• Fix minor issues: Replace worn washers or tighten loose fittings to stop small drips.
• Frost-proof bibs: Consider replacing standard bibs with frost-proof models that prevent freezing. These shut off the water supply deeper within the wall of your home, away from the cold exterior.
• Winter shut-off: When freezing weather hits, shut off the interior water valve connected to your outdoor faucets. This is extra protection from pipe bursts.

Need Professional Plumbing Help? We're Here!

Not comfortable tackling these tasks yourself, or suspect a bigger issue? Mennillo Plumbing and Heating offers a full range of residential plumbing services in Fairfield. Our certified plumbers handle everything from leaky faucets to plumbing installations and major repairs.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your water flowing worry-free!