Cold Weather is on the way, as fall turns cold pipes freeze. Hose bib’s are the worst offender when garden hoses are left attached. All garden hoses should be disconnected to prevent the faucet rupturing inside the wall as a result of the water in the hose and faucet freezing.
Hose bibs like the one in the photo are designed to be freeze proof if installed and operated properly. To operate correctly it cannot have a hose attached in winter because when it is turned off the water in the faucet empties out as well as the valve being about twelve inches inside the wall which places it inside the heated envelope keeping the water to it from freezing.
Dripping freeze proof hose bibs may also freeze in winter.
If the freeze proof faucet freezes it can be damaged and as soon as it is used again water will spray into the inside to the exterior wall from the ruptured tube.
Vacant homes that have not been winterized with the water off should have the heat on, set at a minimum temperature of fifty degrees to prevent pipes freezing or damp affecting the property.
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