Why Your Outdoor Faucet Keeps Dripping
It’s easy to look past a small, persistent drip coming from your outdoor faucet. The reality is that any drip coming from your faucet could be costing you more than you think and isn’t worth ignoring.
Whether you’ve noticed a puddle under your outdoor hose bib, spray from the handle when it runs, or that constant dripping, a leaking outdoor spigot is one of the most common plumbing issues faced by South Florida homeowners. Outdoor faucet repair could not only save you on your utility bill but could possibly also be highlighting a hidden structural issue.
In this article, we look at why your outdoor faucet is leaking and the hidden cost of ignoring it.
Why Hose Bibs Have Such A High Failure Rate In South Florida
Unlike colder states, outdoor spigots fail for a few particular reasons in South Florida.
Sun-Degraded Washers
Hose bibs contain rubber or neoprene washers to stop municipal water from flowing through. Ongoing exposure to intense ultraviolet rays causes these rubber washers inside the faucet to dry out and crack. When rubber loses its flexibility, it loses its watertightness, causing a small leak.
Mineral Scale In The Water
South Florida water has severe mineral hardness levels due to the high calcium and magnesium content from the surrounding rock. As scale builds up, it begins to act like sandpaper rubbing against the washer and eroding the seal. The presence of salt in the air adds to this degradation.
Year-Round Use
South Florida outdoor faucets are some of the most active throughout the year out of all states. Homeowners are maintaining subtropical gardens, irrigating their lawns, washing their cars, filling pools, and rinsing off after those sandy beach trips. This ongoing usage leads to accelerated corrosion.
Should You Repair Or Swap Your Fixture?
You can take one of two avenues to fix a faulty outdoor hose bib. You can rebuild the existing valve or replace the fixture outright.
Repairing The Valve
Spigot repair is possible if the housing of the tap has maintained its integrity. Your trusted plumber will be able to check the condition of your valve by unscrewing the nut and pulling out the valve system. Any worn washers and O-rings will be replaced before reassembling the faucet. The simpler the design of the spigot, the more likely a repair is possible.
Older faucets often fall victim to internal pitting and scarring, rendering a replacement washer useless. You can rest assured that a qualified plumber will repair the valve effectively while also offering other pipe leak repair services if neede.
Replacing The Hose Bib
Replacing a worn hose bib with a newer, heavy-duty hosing is commonly the best approach to ensure longevity. Modern hose bibs often include anti-siphon valves and vacuum breakers to keep dirty garden water from entering your drinking water supply. Marine-grade stainless steel is growing in popularity as it boasts superior strength and durability. Newer units also contain quick-connect attachments, preventing that frustrating process of endlessly screwing on the hose fitting. A professional plumber will be able to advise you on whether you should repair or replace your outdoor hose bib.
The Hidden Cost Of Ignoring An Outdoor Hose Bib Leak
As homeowners, we tend to prioritize indoor plumbing fittings over outdoor ones, but enabling an outdoor leak comes with hidden drawbacks.
Water Bill Spike
Even a few drips a minute from a leaking faucet can add up to well over 100 gallons per month. This can lead to considerable costs over the course of a year, not to mention that slow drips often turn into trickles when left. Keep in mind that an increased water bill also leads to higher sewer utility fees as well.
Breeding Ground For Mosquitos
A persistent drip quickly leads to a muddy area of soil with small puddles forming. There are perfect breeding environments for mosquitoes, which are common in South Florida’s humid climate. Mosquitoes often carry vector-borne diseases, which could put your family’s health at risk.
Foundation Damage
Water pooling against your home’s foundation can cause a considerable risk to the structural integrity of your foundation slab. Moisture can lead to mold and wood rot, which both lead to a general weakening of your exterior finishings. A more concerning symptom is the soil erosion that’s caused by a consistent trickle of water. Over time, the soil can shift considerably, causing cracking to the concrete slab.
Beware Of A Leak Behind The Spigot
If you notice a water leak coming from inside the bricks or the siding, it’s best to call your plumber immediately for an outdoor faucet repair, as this suggests an internal pipe crack.
Other symptoms include:
- Loose or wobbling faucet
- Low water pressure inside the house
- Internal water damage
- Higher than usual water bill
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the most common questions we see when it comes to outdoor faucet repair.
Can A Leaking Outdoor Hose Bib Cause Water Damage Inside My Home?
Yes, water can seep through siding, stucco,and foundation walls, especially when a leak has gone unnoticed for a period of time. If you notice any unexplained areas of moisture on the inside of your home, closely located to an outdoor faucet, it’s best to call a plumber immediately.
Should I Replace An Old Outdoor Faucet Even If It’s Not Leaking?
If an outdoor faucet is older than 10 years, it’s often advisable to replace it, as the older it gets, the more prone it becomes to leaking. An experienced plumber will be able to professionally assess the faucet and advise on whether a replacement is necessary.
Should I Attempt An Outdoor Faucet Repair Myself?
It’s recommended to call in a professional plumber. Taking on this challenge without the necessary tools or experience could leave you in a compromised position. Outdoor hose bibs require specific tools, the correctly sized washers and O-rings, and a comprehensive understanding of your overall plumbing system to correctly repair the leak. It’s best to entrust your outdoor faucet repair to a seasoned professional.
Reliable Outdoor Faucet Repair In South Florida
At Magical Plumbing, we offer comprehensive outdoor hose bib repairs and replacements. Whether you need a new washer, a new advanced faucet, or an internal pipe repair, our experienced and certified team of plumbers will advise you on the best-suited repair option.
As outdoor hose bib leaks are often missed, investing in a plumbing inspection will ensure we identify even the smallest leak around your home. The sooner you get these leaks fixed, the sooner you’ll start saving. As a family-owned and operated business, you can rely on a dependable, high-quality plumbing service every time.
Reliable plumbing starts here! Call the Magical Plumbing team today at 888-810-PIPE.