Winterizing your hose bibbs is important as temperatures plunge. Every spring, we receive many calls about bursts and broken pipes in basements or crawl spaces. When homeowners turn on the hoses for the first time, these pipes are often discovered. Unbeknownst to them, as they run their hose outside, water is sprayed into the basement.

First, let's clarify what a hose bibb is.

Simply put, the hose bibb is the faucet located outside your house. Sometimes it is called the "spigot." The faucet (or spigot) is connected via piping to your home's water line. Because they are connected to an outside faucet, the pipes in your home are more vulnerable to freezing in colder weather. These steps can be taken to prevent freezing.

Drain and remove your hoses. This will protect the hoses and increase their longevity.

Find the shutoff valves on all hose bibbs in your house. Every hose bibb has its own valve. These valves may be found in utility rooms or crawl spaces. When we are at your house for repair or service, please ask us to help identify and label these shutoff valves.

Turn the valves into the off position. This is the easy part. Do not forget: Right, tightly closed; lefty, loose open.

You should open the outdoor hose bibb. Although this seems counterintuitive, it is the right step. To allow water to escape from the pipe, open the hose bibb. Once the water has dried, a small amount should be released from the hose bibb. This will let you know that the valve inside was turned off. Keep the hose bibb in the open position. Keep in mind that the hose bibb was left open by spring.