As winter approaches, it’s important to make sure your home is prepared for the colder temperatures.
One simple but effective way to do this is by installing a frost free hose bib.
What Is A Frost Free Hose Bib?
A frost-free hose bib is a type of outdoor faucet that is designed to prevent the water inside the pipes from freezing during cold weather. This is especially important in Canada, where temperatures can drop below freezing for extended periods of time.
How Does It Work?
A frost-free hose bib works by allowing a small amount of water to continually flow through the pipes and out of the faucet, even when the faucet is closed. This prevents the water from standing still in the pipes and freezing, which can cause the pipes to burst.
How Much Does A Frost Free Hose Bib Cost?
The cost of a frost-free hose bib can vary depending on a number of factors, including the material, size, and features of the faucet. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 for a frost-free hose bib.
It’s important to note that the initial cost of installing a frost-free hose bib may be higher than a traditional outdoor faucet. However, a frost-free hose bib can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs due to burst pipes. This makes it a cost-effective investment for any homeowner. If you want to know how to install a frost free hose bib, check out this video.
Benefits Of A Frost-Free Hose Bib
1. Protects your pipes
The design of a frost-free hose bib allows it to protect your pipes from freezing without requiring you to drain the water from the pipes manually. This makes it a convenient and low-maintenance solution for protecting your pipes during cold weather. By installing a frost-free hose bib, you can help to prevent this type of damage and protect your home from the costly consequences of frozen pipes.
2. Easy To Use
There are several features that can make a hose bib easy to use:
- Lever handle: A hose bib with a lever handle is typically easier to operate than one with a knob, as it requires less grip strength and dexterity to turn on and off.
- Smooth operation: A hose bib that operates smoothly and easily is more user-friendly than one that is difficult to turn or sticks in place.
- Easy to locate: A hose bib that is easy to locate and reach is more convenient to use than one that is hard to find or requires stretching or bending to access.
- Clear markings: A hose bib with clear markings indicating which direction to turn for hot and cold water can make it easier to use, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the faucet.
3. Energy Efficient
A hose bib has a list of impressive features that make it incredibly energy efficient:
- Water flow rate: A hose bib with a low flow rate uses less water, which can save energy and reduce water costs.
- Shut-off valve: A hose bib with a shut-off valve can help to conserve water by allowing you to turn off the flow of water when it is not needed.
- Automatic shut-off: Some hose bibs have an automatic shut-off feature that stops the flow of water after a certain amount of time has passed. This can help to prevent water waste and save energy.
- Insulated pipes: Insulating the pipes that connect the hose bib to the water supply can help to reduce heat loss and prevent the water from cooling down as it flows through the pipes. This can save energy and reduce water usage.
4. Convenience
- No need to drain the pipes: With a frost-free hose bib, you don’t have to worry about draining the water from your outdoor pipes before winter arrives. The frost-free hose bib will take care of it for you by allowing a small amount of water to flow through the pipes and out of the faucet, even when the faucet is closed.
- Easy to use: A frost-free hose bib functions just like a regular outdoor faucet, so you can turn it on and off as needed without any additional effort.
- Low maintenance: Because a frost-free hose bib continuously flows water through the pipes, you don’t have to worry about the water standing still and potentially freezing. This means you can leave the frost-free hose bib to do its job without any additional maintenance or upkeep.
Overall, a hose bib is a practical and convenient addition to any home, and it can offer a number of benefits in terms of convenience, energy efficiency, durability, and protection. Investing in a high-quality hose bib can provide you with many years of reliable service and can help to protect your home and save you money in the long run.
