04/23/2026
We've already started getting calls for hose bibbs / hydrants / taps which have burst or been damaged after the particularly cold winter we just had.
To save some heartbreak, we recommend checking both inside and outside after restoring water to the hydrants, to ensure there's no leaks when they are turned on.
The reason? Frost free hydrants like the picture on the left close the water connection near the bottom where you can see the green line. If water was trapped inside the body of the hydrant during the freeze, the expanding ice makes the body burst (red circle). The leak isn't found until the water is turned back on and the tap is open.
This is a particular danger if a hose was attached over the winter, or if an interior valve fails AND the hydrant was left open or on over the winter. The picture on the right shows the warning that hoses should be removed to prevent burst damage from freezing.
If you are alone, you can hook up a hose and run it to somewhere away from the foundation, turn the hydrant on outside (there will be no water), then turn the water on inside and inspect the location where the hose bibb exits the house. If someone else is home, you can turn the inside valve on first, and have one person inside and one outside to inspect for leaks.
If a leak is found, use the inside shut off valve to turn the water back off. You are welcome to give us a call if you need assistance with repairs.
