The Forgotten Outdoor Faucet: Why It Can Cause Big Problems in Your Home

 When homeowners think about plumbing problems, most focus on what's happening inside: leaky faucets, clogged drains, or slow-running water heaters. But there's one often-overlooked component that can cause major problems if ignored: the outdoor faucet, also known as the hose faucet. It may seem simple and unimportant, but when something goes wrong with this small device, the consequences can extend deep into your home.

What can go wrong with an outdoor faucet?

Outdoor faucets are exposed to the elements year-round. In the warmer months, they're heavily used for gardening, washing cars, or filling kiddie pools. In the colder months, they're often forgotten—until they freeze. If a faucet isn't properly winterized, the water left inside the pipe can freeze, expand, and crack. You may not even notice the damage right away because the pipe behind the faucet gets stuck in the wall of your house.

Interior Damage You Can't See at First Glance

One of the biggest dangers of a damaged outdoor faucet is hidden water leaks inside the walls. After a hard freeze, as temperatures rise and the ice melts, water can begin to leak from a broken pipe, even if the faucet itself appears fine from the outside. Since these pipes are typically located behind walls or in crawlspaces, you may not notice the leak until severe water damage has occurred. When stains appear on drywall or flooring, the damage could be extensive.

Mold, Rot, and Higher Water Bills

A slow leak from a broken faucet not only wastes water, but also creates the perfect environment for mold and wood rot to grow, especially in poorly ventilated crawlspaces. Over time, this can compromise the structure of the home and the quality of indoor air. You may also notice a spike in your water bill long before you discover the source of the leak.

How to Prevent Disasters Caused by Outdoor Faucets

Prevention is simple but often overlooked. After each spill, disconnect all connected hoses, shut off the water supply to the faucet (if the home has an internal shut-off valve), and open the faucet to drain any remaining water. Installing a frost-proof faucet can also be helpful, especially in colder climates. For older homes, it may be helpful to have the outdoor plumbing inspected by a plumber for signs of corrosion or obsolete materials.

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