A hosebibb, such as the outside faucet shown below, has a number of vulnerabilities. First, let's talk about freezing. This is not a frost-free installation. In the winter, water would stay in the pipe not only below ground but in all of the exposed pipe that is above ground. If, in fact, the faucet has a shut-off nearby that not only turns off the water to the faucet but also drains it, then that is one solution. However, it is not a very convenient solution and it is a shutoff that, while there, will probably seldom be used. I speak from experience on that one, having a couple faucets like this one. One way to improve the system, without having to do too much to change it, would be to go to a frost-free yard hydrant. They are more expensive but durable and a much better solution.
This system, below, also does not have a back-flow preventer so, in the eventuality of a low water pressure situation, contaminated water could make it's way into the potable water. That problem, which has to do with cross-connections, can be remedied by installing a screw-on back-flow preventer that fits just above the hose on about any standard outdoor faucet that is in good shape -- not warped, cracked, etc.
Thanks for looking.
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
Charlie,
Shame on you. Crass self-promotion for your featured blog on my humble little, never read, blog. You show no mercy. No wonder I cannot get any traction at AR with you around.
Just tryin' to help:) Are you drooling or is that oatmeal?
Good idea Barbara. Accentuate the positive.
Steve
Why would they have don't that to begin with if it will freeze easily?
Sean Allen
Sean,
Cheaper. Note that David said he got the frost free hydrant for $70.00 and he considers that cheap. The hose bibb in the photo probably has about $10 worth of parts. And, if they have a shutoff near them, that drains the line, that is how they used to do it. We inspectors see house after house like that.