What to Do When Your Hose Bib Is Frozen
December 6, 2024
A hose bib is the outdoor water spigot or faucet attached to your home where you connect garden hoses and other outdoor cleaning equipment. When temperatures plummet, these exposed faucets become extremely vulnerable to freezing. And trust us, a frozen hose bib is more than just a minor inconvenience — it’s a plumbing disaster waiting to happen.
When water inside the pipe freezes, it expands, creating immense pressure that can cause pipes to crack, burst, or develop significant damage. This means you could be looking at costly repairs, water damage, and a major headache when spring arrives.
The good news? If your hose bib is already frozen, there are several steps you can take to mitigate damage and potentially save yourself from an expensive repair.
How to Fix a Frozen Hose Bib
Do any of the following problems sound familiar?
- No water comes out when you turn on the outdoor faucet.
- There’s visible frost or ice around the spigot.
- There’s unusual bulging or frost on the pipe near the exterior wall.
- You hear strange sounds when attempting to use water from the outdoor spigot.
If you nodded “Yes” to any of these symptoms, you likely have a frozen outdoor faucet. Follow these safe and effective methods for thawing the spigot and any connected pipes:
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
Before attempting to thaw the hose bib, locate and turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucet. This precaution prevents additional water from entering the frozen pipe and potentially causing it to burst.
2. Remove Any Attached Hoses
Detach any hoses from the frozen spigot to allow air to circulate around the fixture and make the thawing process more efficient. Leaving a hose connected can trap water in the faucet, making the freezing problem worse.
3. Apply Heat Gently
Now, it’s time to thaw the frozen faucet and pipes. Be extremely careful during this step. Avoid using an open flame, such as a blowtorch, to thaw the hose bib. Open flames can damage the faucet and pose a fire hazard. Instead, use one or more of the following methods:
- Hairdryer: Use a hairdryer (or a heat gun) on a low heat setting and direct the warm air at the hose bib and connecting pipe. Move the dryer back and forth to distribute the heat evenly.
- Heat Tape: Wrap the frozen hose bibs and nearby pipes with electric heat tape, a safe and effective solution for thawing frozen plumbing.
- Warm Towels: Soak towels in hot water, wring them out, and wrap them around the spigot. Replace them as they cool.
4. Check for Damage
Once the ice has thawed, turn the shut-off valve back on slowly and check for leaks around the hose bib. If you notice any cracks or dripping water, the fixture may need professional repair or replacement. Thankfully, our plumbing repair experts can easily handle the damage caused by frozen faucets and pipes and will have them fixed up in no time.
Tips for Preventing a Frozen Hose Bib
Now that you’ve tackled the immediate issue, take steps to ensure your outside faucet doesn’t freeze again:
- Drain and Disconnect Hoses: At the end of each fall, disconnect garden hoses and drain any remaining water from the hose bib. This simple step prevents water from becoming trapped and freezing inside the fixture.
- Install a Frost-Free Hose Bib: Consider upgrading to a frost-proof hose bib. These specially designed outdoor faucets extend the valve deeper into the warm interior of your home, reducing the likelihood of freezing.
- Use an Insulated Cover: Protect your hose bib with an insulated faucet cover, which you can find at most hardware stores. These covers provide a layer of insulation to shield the spigot from freezing temperatures.
- Insulate Pipes: If the pipe connected to your hose bib is exposed, wrap it in pipe insulation to keep it warm during the winter months. For added protection, use heat tape to prevent freezing.
Get Help Fixing a Damaged Outdoor Faucet
While it’s possible to handle thawing or insulating your home’s hose bib yourself, damaged spigots and pipes require the expertise of a professional plumber. One of our team members at Skagit Plumbing can assess the damage, repair or replace the hose bib, and recommend additional preventative measures to protect your plumbing system for the rest of the season. Contact us today to schedule a frozen pipe repair and have peace of mind about your outdoor plumbing fixtures!