It is important to winterize your hose bibbs as temperatures drop. We receive many calls each spring about bursts or broken pipes in basements and crawl spaces. When homeowners turn on their hoses, they discover that these pipes are present. They don't realize that the basement is being sprayed with water while running their hose outdoors.

What is a hose bibb?

• The hose bibb simply refers to the faucet or faucets outside your home. It is also known as the spigot. The faucet (or spigot) is connected to the piping that is connected to your home's water system. The pipes of your home are connected to an external faucet. This makes them more susceptible to freezing in colder environments. These steps will help you prevent freezing:

• Drain hoses. Take your hoses out and drain as much water as you can. Then, store them in a warm place like a basement or heated garage. This will prevent damage and extend the life of your hoses.

• Find all the shut off valves for hose bibbs within your home. Each bibb will have its shut off valve. These valves are located in crawl spaces, utility rooms, basements, and other places. If you are in need of service or repair, please feel free to contact us and ask for assistance in identifying and labeling these shut-off valves.

• The next step is to turn the valves off. Keep this in mind: Righty tighty (closed), Lefty loosey (open).

• The outdoor hose bibb should be opened: Although it seems counterintuitive, this is the right step. The hose bibb should be opened all the way. This will allow any water that is still trapped in the pipe for drainage. The hose bibb should let out a small amount of water and then stop. This will show you that the inside valve was indeed turned off. The hose bibb should remain in its open position. Remember to close the hose bibb when spring comes.