Keep Your Outdoor Plumbing In Top Shape All Year
Living in Denver means experiencing fluctuating weather, from scorching summers to freezing winters. Your outdoor plumbing, including hose bibbs (spigots), needs extra attention to withstand these temperature swings. Proper use and maintenance can prevent costly damage and ensure a steady water supply for your outdoor needs.
Hose Bibbs in Denver’s Climate
Denver’s cold winters put hose bibbs at risk of freezing and bursting, which can lead to water damage and expensive repairs. In summer, dry conditions and frequent watering needs make having a functional hose bibb essential.
Tips for Proper Hose Bibb Use in Denver
Spring & Summer:
✅ Before first use in spring, conduct a thorough inspection of your hose bibb. Check for any leaks both inside your home (around the area where the pipe enters) and at the exterior connection. This helps catch any damage that might have occurred during winter before it leads to bigger problems.
✅ Address any signs of corrosion, particularly on older fixtures, as this can affect water pressure and eventually cause leaks. Regular inspection during warmer months when usage increases helps catch these issues early, potentially avoiding more expensive repairs later.
✅ When connecting garden hoses for summer use, ensure you form tight seals between the hose and bibb to prevent water waste. Also remember to close the valve when not in use to prevent unnecessary water pressure on the system during high-usage months.
✅ Use a backflow preventer to keep sewage out of your main system. This protects both the local water supply and your family's health.
Fall & Winter:
✅ Before freezing temperatures arrive, disconnect and fully drain all hoses, then store them in a warm location like a basement or heated garage. Leaving hoses connected during winter can trap water and lead to freezing damage in both the hose and the bibb.
✅ Properly shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets using the interior shut-off valve (typically located in your basement, crawl space, or utility room), then open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water. This prevents water from sitting in pipes where it could freeze and expand, potentially causing cracks and leaks.
✅ Consider using insulated covers for your outdoor bibb or installing frost-free hose bibbs that have shut-off valves located several inches inside your heated home. These preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of freeze damage during winter months.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you’ll keep your hose bibb functioning smoothly, no matter what Denver’s unpredictable weather brings!