Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, WA Home Inspector (King of the House)

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Frost-Free Hose Bibbs

Frost-free hose bibbs are designed to drain when the water is shutoff. It will run out past the valve and by draining all of the water, the hose bibb is not so prone to freezing. The point where the water is really shutoff is inside the home or the wall where it is warmer.

The whole purpose of these hose bibbs is defeated when hoses are left on the faucets. I cannot tell you how many times, at inspections, I have turned on the water and found that the water was rushing out from inside the wall. Problem -- ruptured hose bibb.

Bottom line: For a frost-free hose bibb to be frost free, it needs to lose the hose in freezing weather.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith

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Comments

Great advice, but in our freezing Massachusetts weather, I show all my home inspection clients how to properly winterize all spigots (frost proof or not). I don't trust freezing weather with anything that contains water.

Posted by David Valley (Massachusetts Home Inspections) about 2 years ago

Steven...I've needed these for years. Thanks for the tip. Have a great week!

Posted by Rob Thomas Bristol TN-VA Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954) about 2 years ago

Steve, I can't even get my wife to disconnect the hose----every time I disconnect it----in a few days it is hooked back up:)

Posted by Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com) about 2 years ago

Charlie,

I would suggest that you have Nutsy contact her. When Nutsy talks, people listen.

Posted by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc) about 2 years ago

Steve, Great advise is right...I managed to ruin some hardwood floors this way! Hoses are now always put up in the late fall!

Posted by Jane Cross (Homes By Cross serving Charlotte NC Real Estate Needs) about 2 years ago

Hey Steve, thanks for reminding us of a very important home tip.

Posted by Tony Orefice Realtor/Kannapolis NC,Concord NC (Wilkinson and Associates/www.TonyOreficeRealtor.com) about 2 years ago

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