Outdoor hose Bibb-questions

Outdoor hose Bibb-questions

Member since 2021 · 88 posts · 20 votes

I keep having thoughts about this copper hose Bibb nipple assembly. I am thinking that I put the property in danger by going with this, and opting for copper instead of galvanized steel, and leaving it 3-4 inches long instead of much tighter to the siding. My main concern is freezing. I believe the galvanized is much thicker and could resist freezing better. But also the length of this from the house is an issue. But I wonder how much? My thought is that in below freezing conditions, this will definitely freeze if not rapidly dripped with a full stream. I am wondering the exact mechanics of how the freezing of this exterior 3-4 inch section would affect the water system. Would it burst right at the frozen section ? Or would it burst inside the house? Please let me know your thoughts on this. This is a rental property in Tallahasee, Florida and I believe it is best to not rely on tenants to drop faucets, cover things in the cold weather, etc. it seems to be getting down to about 22-25 degrees each year now. This hose bib has been like this for 1-2 years now. 

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Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
7mo

You want a frost-proof silcock with a shutoff valve inside the house and installed so that the base of the valve unit on the outside of the house (the brass unit at the end where you turn on/off the water) is flush to the outside wall. Copper pipe only.

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  • Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 604 votes
    7mo

    Sam, I would get the professional opinion of a plumber. They can assess how it is tied into the system and determine whether the current configuration increases burst risk.

  • Pat LulewiczBusiness Member
    Realtor · Raleigh NC and Greensboro, NC · Member since 2019 · 391 posts · 392 votes
    7mo

    Even if it isn't necessarily against code or wouldn't freeze, it also screams liability of being run into. Kids playing and run into it - they get hurt or it breaks off and does the same thing you're worried about the freezing cold doing to it. Cut it back; attach to siding.

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    7mo

    Going with galvanized is not done anymore as it doesn't last as long....you'd also have to use a dielectric union and that will add length, unless you turn it up or down....

  • Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7mo

    You want a frost-proof silcock with a shutoff valve inside the house and installed so that the base of the valve unit on the outside of the house (the brass unit at the end where you turn on/off the water) is flush to the outside wall. Copper pipe only.

  • Member since 2021 · 88 posts · 20 votes
    7mo

    That is a good point. So cut back as much as possible to still allow the new female piece to be soldered on? 

  • Member since 2021 · 88 posts · 20 votes
    7mo

    @Bruce Woodruff, so at least it’s good I have this as copper pipe then. What would you do in this  situation ? I am thinking my options are to cut back the existing copper pipe as short as possible to allow a new female threaded piece to be soldered on. Or just leave it as is annd add black rubber foam insulation and tape on the outside to insulate this. All the way up to the start of the brass hose Bibb. Any thoughts?

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    7mo

    Do what @John Clark said. That's the right way and will solve all of the problems...

  • Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    7mo

    You do the frost proof (maybe a foot long) hose bib with the shutoff inside your house. If you can’t find, don’t want to bother, whatever. Your worse, but second best alternative is an inline shutoff valve inside the house. (Much easier with unfinished basements.) I don’t know when they stopped using iron piping but that’s what my mom’s home in MN has and she has to turn it off inside every year. 

    We get frozen backflow preventers in Vegas all the time. And that’s with insulation wrapped around the pipes and a styrofoam cover. If you’re worried and it’s an issue. Fix it right today before it freezes.  

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