As the snow melts and Ottawa’s brisk spring air starts to warm up, it’s time for us to step outside and breathe new life into our gardens. Part of this seasonal ritual includes reconnecting our hoses to the outdoor faucets, or ‘hose bibbs’ as they’re often called. But before we get lost in the joy of spring gardening, it’s wise to take a moment to check our outdoor faucets. After all, they’ve braved the harsh Canadian winter just like us!

It’s easy to assume that if something went wrong with our outdoor faucet over the winter, we would have noticed it. However, damage from the cold can be sneaky. Sometimes, it results in a slow leak that doesn’t wave a red flag until you turn the faucet on for the first time in spring. Even if you were diligent enough to shut off the valve inside your home last fall (kudos to you for that!), the minimal water left in the pipe might not have been enough to alert you to any leaks.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and give our outdoor faucets a little springtime TLC. Here’s how you can do a thorough check-up:

Step 1

First things first, if you turned off the indoor valve last fall (a smart move in our Ottawa winters!), it’s time to turn it back on. Now, play detective and look for any signs of leaks. Check around the pipe, along the basement ceiling, and along the basement walls. If your basement is finished, be extra vigilant for any tell-tale signs of drywall damage.

Step 2

Next, let’s step outside. Turn on your outdoor faucet and keep an eye out for any leaks under the hose bibb. In houses with brick exteriors, water trickling from weep holes is a red flag for internal damage. If you spot water seeping out of your wall, it’s a sign that your hose bibb might need some professional care.

Step 3

After you turn off the water, take a moment to observe. If you notice a leak from the faucet’s handle or spigot, it could be a minor issue like a worn washer. But it could also mean that your hose bibb needs to be replaced. And if you’ve got a frost-proof bibb, don’t worry if you see a bit of water draining out after you use it–that’s just its way of avoiding frostbite.

If your inspection uncovers any unwelcome surprises, don’t worry! It’s important to tackle these issues head-on to keep your home safe and dry. Luckily, Ottawa is home to many skilled professionals who can help with hose bibb repair and replacement. Don’t hesitate to call in the experts–ensuring your outdoor faucet is in top shape means one less thing to worry about as you enjoy the beautiful spring season in our lovely city.