As the weather warms up, you are sure to be excited to get back outdoors and enjoy your yard. But before the heat hits, you want to be sure that your hose bibs and water lines are ready for summer use. Even if you have properly winterized these outdoor faucets, there is always the possibility that there was some damage from the cold. And it is best to check them out before the day you plan to wash the patio furniture or plant flowers that will require regular watering.
A Simple Yet Effective Test
Before you attach your garden hose for the summer, it is wise to take just a few minutes to test each hose bib or spigot outdoors. Follow these simple steps for each faucet to know that you will not have an unpleasant surprise when you discover a leak in one of the faucets or water supply lines.
- Place your thumb over the spigot opening. If you have small thumbs and cannot cover the entire opening, use the palm of your hand.
- Gently turn on the water with your other hand.
- If you can keep your hand over the opening with the water turned on, there is a leak somewhere in the faucet or piping that is allowing the pressure to dissipate.
- If the pressure is too intense for you to hold back with your hand, then there is no leak present.
If You Have A Leak
In some cases, the leak will be apparent. There could be a crack in the faucet that you can see or feel when you run your fingers over the surface of it. If you cannot see any apparent leak, it is time to look at the water supply line if it is visible. Ideally, your water lines run through an unfinished portion of your basement or crawl space, and you will be able to see where the water is dripping. Inspect as much of the pipe as you can see from the shut-off valve all the way to the spigot outdoors. If you cannot locate the leak, it is time to call a professional plumber for leak detection assistance. Shut off the water to the leaking spigot until the pros arrive.
Other Spring Chores
If you have confirmed that you have no leaks in your outdoor hose bibs, it is time to move on with getting your remaining spring chores completed. Be sure to inspect your garden hose for leaks when attaching it to your newly tested hose bibs. Look for leaks in the hose as well as at the threaded connector. A small leak at the connection can allow water to puddle along your home’s foundation and cause leakage and water damage. The solution to these leaks is usually as simple as a new washer in the threaded connector assembly.
It is also a good idea to invest some time checking the water lines for all of your irrigation, your swimming pool, and any water features in your yard. All of these can develop leaks over the winter months when they are not in use. And it is better to devote an afternoon to check all of the pipes for leaks than discovering them at a very inopportune time.
Be sure to slowly turn the water on each feature to avoid potentially damaging water hammer and excessive pressure on the piping. And if you discover any leaks or issues beyond your repair expertise, call the pros at Action Air Plumbing and Septic at 806-583-3558. Our team is here for you 24/7 to assist with any of your plumbing emergencies.
