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Winter may bring holiday cheer and cozy nights, but it also brings freezing temperatures that can do serious damage to your home—especially to your plumbing. One of the most overlooked culprits? Your outdoor spigot.
Also known as a hose bib, this small outdoor fixture plays a big role. If it’s old, damaged, or not winterized properly, it can freeze, crack, and even lead to burst pipes inside your walls. The result? Water damage, expensive repairs, and a big headache you could have avoided.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the 4 signs you need to replace your outdoor spigot before winter hits, how to inspect it like a pro, and why it’s critical for protecting your home’s plumbing system.
Why Your Outdoor Spigot Matters More Than You Think
Your outdoor spigot might seem like a minor feature—just something you use to water the lawn, wash the car, or connect a hose for weekend chores. But when winter rolls around, it becomes a key player in protecting your home from serious plumbing issues.
Here’s why: any water left inside your spigot or hose can freeze once temperatures drop. And when water freezes, it expands. That expansion creates intense pressure inside your plumbing lines—enough to crack the spigot itself or even rupture the connected pipes behind your walls.
The worst part? You might not even notice the damage until it’s too late. Many homeowners discover leaks and water damage in the spring when they turn the faucet back on—only to realize a hidden pipe burst months earlier.
Fixing a cracked pipe or water-damaged wall can cost hundreds, even thousands, while replacing a spigot before winter is quick, simple, and affordable. It’s a small step that can prevent major headaches—protecting not just your plumbing, but your peace of mind.
1. You See Visible Rust or Corrosion
The first—and most obvious—sign it’s time for a replacement is visible wear and tear.
What to Look For:
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Greenish-blue corrosion around the handle or threads
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Rust on the spigot or mounting hardware
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Flaking metal or discoloration
These signs mean your spigot is deteriorating and could soon start leaking—or worse, break entirely when exposed to freezing temps.
What to Do: Don’t try to patch or tape over corrosion. Once rust sets in, the structural integrity is compromised. Swap it out for a frost-free spigot, which is designed to prevent freezing and is much more durable.
2. Your Spigot Leaks, Even When Turned Off
A leaking outdoor spigot is more than just an annoyance—it’s a red flag.
Dripping water might not seem like a big deal during summer, but in winter, even small leaks can cause ice to build up inside your pipes. This pressure leads to cracks that can rupture your plumbing when things thaw.
Common Causes of Leaks:
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Worn washers or seals
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Cracked valve stems
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Internal freeze damage from past winters
Test It Now: Attach a garden hose, turn on the water, and then shut it off. If water continues to drip or stream out, the valve may be faulty. You could try a washer replacement, but if the leak persists, it’s time for a new spigot.
3. Water Flow Is Weak or Inconsistent
This is a less obvious warning sign, but it could point to internal damage or blockages caused by past freezes.
What You Might Notice:
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It takes a few seconds for water to come out
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The flow pulses or sputters
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Water pressure is significantly lower than before
Possible Cause: If water froze inside the spigot last winter, it may have cracked internally. This damage can restrict flow—or worse, cause hidden leaks inside the wall.
Next Steps: Before blaming water pressure, test another outdoor spigot. If the problem is isolated, your spigot might be damaged beyond repair.
4. It’s an Older, Non-Frost-Free Model
If your outdoor spigot was installed more than 10 years ago, and it’s a standard (not frost-proof) model, it’s worth replacing before temperatures drop.
Why Frost-Free Matters: A frost-free spigot has a long stem that extends into the warm part of your home. The valve shuts off inside the wall, keeping water out of the cold section where freezing could occur.
How to Tell: Frost-free models often have a longer body and are mounted at a downward angle. If yours looks short, upright, or has no visible stem, it may be outdated.
Peace of Mind: Upgrading to a frost-free model now means less worry come January. You’ll also protect the pipes behind your walls—arguably the most expensive ones to replace.
Bonus: Tips for Winterizing Any Outdoor Spigot
Even with a new spigot, it’s crucial to winterize it correctly:
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Disconnect hoses before the first frost. Hoses trap water in the spigot and cause freezing.
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Turn off the interior shut-off valve (if your home has one) and drain any remaining water.
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Install an insulated cover to keep out wind and reduce heat loss.
Need a visual? This guide from Family Handyman shows step-by-step how to winterize a faucet properly.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace It?
It’s easy to overlook an outdoor spigot—after all, it’s just a simple faucet attached to the outside of your home. But when the cold weather sets in, that small component can become a serious threat to your plumbing system and your wallet.
Failing to replace your outdoor spigot before winter hits can lead to a chain reaction of damage, much of which remains invisible until it becomes a full-blown disaster. Here’s what can go wrong:
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Burst Pipes Inside Walls or Crawlspaces: When water trapped in the spigot freezes, it creates pressure that can travel backward through the plumbing. This often results in ruptured pipes deep within your walls or under your home—repairs that are both costly and disruptive.
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Hidden Leaks and Mold Growth: A small crack from freezing may not seem like much, but even a slow, continuous drip can lead to moisture buildup behind siding, drywall, or insulation. Over time, this fosters mold growth, structural damage, and unhealthy indoor air quality.
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Soaring Water Bills: Damaged or worn spigots can leak without being noticed—especially in the winter when you’re not using them regularly. A seemingly minor drip can waste hundreds of gallons over time, quietly inflating your water bill each month.
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Flooding Hazards: In severe cases, when a frozen spigot or pipe finally thaws, it can release a rush of water into basements, crawlspaces, or foundations. Imagine stepping into your basement in spring only to find soaked boxes, ruined flooring, or worse.
All of this can be prevented with one simple step: replace your outdoor spigot before the first deep freeze arrives. It’s a minor task with major benefits—protecting your home, your plumbing system, and your peace of mind.
Common Myths Debunked
Let’s bust some common assumptions that lead to costly damage:
“It’s not leaking now, so it must be fine.” Damage can still be internal. Freezing water finds weaknesses fast.
“I can just leave the hose on—it won’t freeze.” Leaving hoses attached is the #1 reason outdoor spigots freeze and burst.
“I’ll just fix it in spring if something happens.” By spring, you could already be dealing with structural damage, mold, and massive repair bills.
Choosing the Right Replacement Spigot
Not all hose bibs are created equal. When replacing your outdoor spigot, consider:
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Frost-free or freeze-proof models
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Heavy-duty brass for durability
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Anti-siphon features to prevent backflow (required by code in some areas)
Brands like Woodford and Prier are known for their high-quality frost-free spigots. A licensed plumber can recommend the right one for your setup.
Need Professional Help?
If you’re unsure whether your spigot needs replacing—or you want to make sure it’s done right—it’s best to contact a licensed plumber.
Look for one who offers:
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Emergency winter plumbing services
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Frost-proof spigot installation
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Outdoor pipe inspections
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Winterization services
A reputable local plumber can assess your home and make sure your plumbing is ready to handle even the coldest winter.
Final Thoughts: Replace Now, Relax Later
Your outdoor spigot might not be top of mind, but it should be—especially as the seasons change. It’s a small fixture with a big responsibility.
By watching for these 4 signs and acting before winter hits, you can:
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Protect your pipes and your home
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Avoid expensive water damage
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Enjoy peace of mind all season long
Don’t wait for freezing temps to find out you’ve got a problem. Take 10 minutes today to inspect your spigot—and if needed, replace it with a frost-free model built to withstand the chill.
Need Help Replacing Your Outdoor Spigot Before Winter?
At Breakwater Plumbing, we specialize in helping homeowners prepare their plumbing for the coldest months of the year. Whether you’ve spotted one of the 4 signs you need to replace your outdoor spigot before winter hits, or you simply want peace of mind, our expert team is here to help.
From frost-free spigot upgrades to full winterization services, we’ve got your back.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection before freezing temps arrive—and avoid costly plumbing repairs down the road.
