Leaking Outside Faucet in Lexington, KY

A leaking hose bib or outside faucet might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can lead to higher water bills, water damage, and even foundation issues if left unchecked. At Alpha Plumbing, we repair and replace outside hose bibs, wall hydrants, and sillcocks with precision, making sure your system stays watertight and protected year-round.

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What a Hose Bib Does for Your Home

A hose bib is the exterior faucet you use to attach a garden hose. It’s also called a sillcock or wall hydrant depending on how it’s mounted and how it operates. These are connected to your home’s plumbing and extend through the wall, giving you access to water outdoors for watering, washing vehicles, or cleaning up.

Over time, hose bibs wear out from exposure to weather and pressure changes. Leaks, frozen pipes, or improper installation can cause these units to fail.

Why Your Hose Bib Might Be Leaking

The most common reason for a leaking hose bib is a worn-out washer or valve seat inside the faucet. When these components age or crack, they stop sealing properly, which allows water to drip even when the handle is turned off. Another issue we see frequently is a freeze-damaged pipe behind the wall. If water gets trapped in the pipe and freezes, it expands and causes the copper line or the bib itself to split. These are often hidden problems that show up in spring when the faucet is first turned back on.

Loose connections, rusted threads, or damaged vacuum breakers can also cause leaks or pressure problems. We inspect all components to make sure the problem is fully resolved.

Winterizing Your Outside Faucets the Right Way

Protecting hose bibs during cold Lexington winters is crucial. One of the best steps is to shut off the water supply to the outside faucet from inside the home, then open the faucet to let any remaining water drain out. This reduces the risk of freezing and bursting.

If your home does not have shutoff valves or your hose bib is an older style without frost protection, we recommend upgrading to a frost-proof sillcock. These units are designed to keep water from freezing by placing the shutoff valve inside the warm part of the home. We also install hose bibs with built-in vacuum breakers and anti-siphon valves for added backflow protection.

Upgraded Hose Bibs with Built-In Safety

Modern hose bibs can do more than just provide water. We offer installations with vacuum breakers and anti-siphon valves built in. These devices protect your home’s drinking water from contamination by stopping water from flowing backward into the system. This is especially important if a hose is connected and submerged in a pool, bucket, or sprayer. These upgrades are an easy way to increase safety and meet plumbing code.

Our Repairs Come Backed with Confidence

When we repair or replace a hose bib, we do it right the first time. We use high-quality components and inspect both the faucet and the supply line to make sure there’s no hidden damage. Our team can install frost-proof models, repair wall hydrants, and even upgrade entire exterior plumbing systems if needed.

We back our hose bib repairs and replacements with a workmanship warranty. You can trust that when Alpha Plumbing handles the job, it’s built to last and ready to stand up to Kentucky’s unpredictable weather.