Overview
Outdoor faucets (hose bibbs) come in two types: standard and frost-free. Frost-free faucets have a long stem that shuts off the water inside the house — so water drains out of the exterior portion and can't freeze. Standard faucets shut off right at the handle and can freeze and burst in cold weather.
How It Works
When you turn the handle, the valve stem opens or closes the valve seat. In a frost-free faucet, the seat is inside the heated house — so when you close the faucet, water stops inside where it can't freeze. In a standard faucet, the seat is right at the handle — water stays in the exterior portion and can freeze.
Key Components
Handle
Turns the valve stem on and off.
Valve Stem
A long rod that connects the handle to the valve seat. In frost-free models, the seat is inside the house.
Vacuum Breaker
A small device that prevents backflow — stops dirty water from being siphoned back into your clean water supply.
Shutoff Valve (interior)
Inside the house, on the pipe feeding the outdoor faucet. Close it in winter.
Common Issues
Leaking from the handle
Worn packing nut or stem O-ring.
Leaking from the spout
Worn valve seat washer.
Frozen or cracked
Standard faucet left on in freezing weather, or frost-free faucet with a hose attached.
Low pressure
Partially closed interior shutoff or a clogged aerator screen.
Maintenance Tips
- Disconnect hoses before winter — a connected hose traps water and can freeze even a frost-free faucet.
- Close the interior shutoff and open the outdoor faucet to drain it for winter.
- If you have a standard (non-frost-free) faucet, consider replacing it with a frost-free model.
- Install a vacuum breaker if your faucet doesn't have one — it prevents backflow contamination.