Hose Bibb
Definition and meaning of Hose Bibb in real estate.
A hose bibb is an outdoor water faucet with a threaded spout designed for connecting hoses, watering devices, or washing machines. It controls the flow of external water and is usually mounted directly onto the exterior wall of a building.
In more detail
In residential property maintenance, hose bibbs are essential for outdoor tasks like watering lawns, washing cars, and filling pools. In cold climates, homeowners must use frost-free hose bibbs, which feature a long stem valve that shuts off the water deep inside the warm house wall to prevent freezing and pipe bursts.
Before winter, hoses should be disconnected from the bibb to allow any trapped water to drain out. A vacuum breaker is often attached to or built into the hose bibb to prevent dirty outdoor water from siphoning back into the home's clean drinking water supply. During a home inspection, the inspector will test these faucets for leaks and proper water pressure.
Key facts
| Category | Property Types & Construction |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Spigot, sillcock, or outdoor faucet |
| Watch out for | Freezing pipes in winter if hoses remain connected |
| Required safety device | Vacuum breaker to prevent backflow contamination |
A buyer notices during a walk-through that the exterior hose bibb is dripping, so they ask the seller to repair the faucet before the closing date.
Frequently asked questions
What is a frost-free hose bibb?
A frost-free hose bibb has a long shut-off valve located deep inside the building, which keeps the remaining water safe from freezing temperatures.
Why is my hose bibb leaking from the handle?
Leaking from the handle is usually caused by a worn-out packing washer or a loose packing nut, which can typically be repaired without replacing the entire faucet.