Hose Faucet

Exterior hose faucets, sometimes called “hose bibbs,” are a plumbing feature that we just take for granted. Most of us would be shocked to move into our new home and discover there’s no place outside to connect a hose to the water supply. How will we wash the car, or water the garden? Even many townhouse units will have a bibb at the balcony. While they are basically just another faucet, they do have special considerations. The main one is the need for an anti-siphon device. These are either integral to the faucet, or an aftermarket screw-on. A hose connected to an exterior faucet can come into direct contact with the soil, puddles, spills, or other contaminates. The anti-siphon feature prevents drawing contamination into the potable water supply should the supply pressure drop. While they may not have been required when the house was built, we should always report when they are missing. We should also be aware that hose faucets can be winterized to prevent freeze damage. Don’t forget to use appropriate Limitation Statements. Inspect for a solid mounting to the exterior in a manner that doesn’t allow water penetration. Report leaks, drips, damage, and missing faucets.