Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs or sillcocks, are extremely useful for watering lawns and gardens, washing cars, and other outdoor tasks. However, they can be damaged by freezing temperatures in the winter if not properly protected. Installing hose bib covers is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your outdoor faucets from the elements.
Benefits of Using Hose Bib Covers
Using hose bib covers provides several key benefits:
- Prevents freezing and bursting: The insulating foam or fabric material of hose bib covers prevents freezing temperatures from reaching the inner workings of the faucet. This avoids costly breaks and leaks.
- Extends faucet lifespan: By keeping out freezing air and moisture, hose bib covers reduce wear and tear on washers, valves, and other internal parts. This extends the life of your outdoor faucets.
- Saves time: Installing covers takes just a few minutes per faucet. It saves the hassle of having to shut off water lines and drain pipes in preparation for winter.
- Easy to install: Hose bib covers slip right on over the faucet and valve assembly and fasten with Velcro, toggles, or zip ties. No special tools or expertise required.
- Low cost: At $3-$20 per cover, hose bib covers are an inexpensive way to save plumbing repairs and replacement costs.
When to Install Hose Bib Covers
The best time to install hose bib covers is in late fall before the first freeze hits. Covers should be put on after the last outdoor watering day. Follow these timing guidelines:
- Northern climates: Install covers by early-to-mid October. Remove covers in early-to-mid April after chance of freezing passes.
- Central climates: Install covers by early-to-mid November. Remove them by end of February or March.
- Southern climates: Install covers by mid-to-late December. Remove them by mid-February.
Checking weather forecasts can help pinpoint exactly when cold conditions merit installing covers in your area. Leaving covers on year-round is fine and will maximize faucet protection.
Choosing the Right Hose Bib Cover
Hose bib covers come in a variety of styles to suit different needs and outdoor faucet configurations:
- Standard hose bib covers: These are universal fits made of insulating foam or fabric that slide right over the faucet and back into the wall. Toggle or Velcro straps hold it tightly in place.
- Anti-siphon covers: These provide extra protection against backflow and incorporate a vent to prevent siphoning. Required by code in some areas.
- Split or side covers: These open on the side for easy access to operate the faucet while covering is on. Allows winter faucet use.
- Freeze-proof models: Some covers have automatic drain valves to prevent any trapped water from freezing inside. Ideal for extremely cold regions.
- Decorative covers: Available in various colors and patterns to complement home exterior finishes.
Measure the extending length of the faucet and spout to ensure proper sizing. Also check the width; older outdoor faucets are often more narrow. Getting an accurate measurement will ensure the cover fits snugly.
How to Install Standard Hose Bib Covers
Installing standard hose bib covers is a very straightforward process:
Materials Needed
- Hose bib cover
- Adjustable wrench
- Rag or towels
Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply
- Locate the shutoff valve inside the house that controls the outdoor faucet water supply.
- Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water.
Turning off the water ensures no leaks occur when the cover is installed.
Step 2: Disconnect Garden Hose
- Unscrew and remove any garden hose attached to the outdoor faucet.
- Drain any residual water from the hose.
Removing the hose provides easy access to the faucet. Draining prevents water from freezing inside the hose.
Step 3: Clean Faucet Exterior
- Wipe down the exterior of the hose bib with a damp rag to remove dirt and debris.
Cleaning the faucet means the cover fits tighter and makes future removal easier.
Step 4: Install Cover
- Slide the open end of the hose bib cover over the faucet and valve assembly.
- Push firmly back toward the wall so the back plate is flush.
- Attach the toggle straps or Velcro firmly around the hose bib pipe.
The cover should fit snugly without gaps or loose areas. This prevents cold air from entering.
Step 5: Turn Water Back On
- Return inside and turn the shutoff valve counterclockwise to restore water supply.
- Check for leaks at the hose bib. Tighten straps if needed to make the cover more secure.
- Consider leaving an outdoor faucet dripping very slightly to prevent freezing pipes.
With the cover installed, the outdoor faucet is protected from freezing temperatures! Remove the cover in spring once the last freeze has passed. Enjoy an extended lifespan for your outdoor faucets.
Installing Anti-Siphon and Other Specialty Covers
While the installation process is similar, some specialty hose bib covers like anti-siphon models have additional considerations:
- Follow manufacturer instructions for parts assembly order and vent positioning. The vent must be oriented properly for the cover to work.
- Allow access to the vacuum breaker on anti-siphon models when positioning the cover for proper operation.
- Check for compatible hose types on anti-siphon covers. Not all garden hoses work properly with the vent opening.
- Ensure a tight fit since gaps could disrupt the venting on anti-siphon models. Check for snugness annually.
- Use thread seal tape for any threaded inlet and outlet fittings. This prevents moisture seepage and leaks.
- Close the shutoff valve when not in use on freeze-proof auto drain models. This allows the drain system to operate properly.
Specialty hose bib covers provide maximum protection but require some extra attention during installation and use. Follow all included instructions.
Troubleshooting Hose Bib Cover Installation Issues
While hose bib covers are generally easy to install, the following troubleshooting tips resolve any common issues:
Cover won’t fit over faucet:
- Check measurements and ensure you purchased the proper size. Older hose bibs are often more narrow.
- Look for a side or split cover designed for awkward configs.
- If threaded on, remove nozzle tip and install cover without it.
Cover is loose:
- Tighten all straps, fasteners, Velcro, and drawstrings for a snug fit without gaps.
- Use insulation, foam, or rags to block any remaining gaps.
- Try shimming the cover away from the wall slightly to fit better over the faucet.
Nozzle tip is exposed:
- Often removable, take off the nozzle tip before installing the cover.
- Purchase a cover designed for exposed nozzle faucets.
- Insulate the exposed nozzle with foam covers or insulation wraps.
Water leaks around cover:
- Check for torn or cracked areas on the cover allowing water intrusion.
- Ensure the cover is pushed tight to the wall leaving no gaps.
- Try wrapping pipe insulation around the pipe before installing the cover for a tighter seal.
Faucet still froze with cover on:
- Leaving faucets slightly dripping helps prevent freezing.
- Insulate any exposed pipes near the covered faucet.
- Allowing the cover to double over and wrap may provide more protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hose Bib Covers
How do hose bib covers prevent freezing?
Hose bib covers are made of insulating materials like foam or thick fabric that prevent freezing air and moisture from reaching the working internal parts of the faucet. This keeps them from freezing and bursting in winter.
Do I need to detach hoses before installing covers?
Yes, any garden hose should be detached before putting on hose bib covers. The hose itself could freeze and crack if left attached and can prevent the cover from being installed flush to the wall.
Should I turn off the water before installing a cover?
Yes, you should turn off the interior shutoff valve that controls the outdoor faucet before installing a hose bib cover. This prevents leaks while securing the cover.
Can I just wrap the faucet in insulation instead?
While pipe insulation may provide some protection, hose bib covers are engineered specifically to shield faucets from freezing. They fasten tightly to the faucet and wall leaving no gaps for cold air exposure.
How do I know if my hose bib is freezing?
Signs your uncovered hose bib is freezing include reduced water flow, sputtering or spraying water, and leaks near the pipe joints. Frozen faucets will be non-operational.
Is it OK to just cover the pipe near the faucet?
Simply covering the pipe leading to the hose bib often provides inadequate protection. The valve and faucet mechanism itself needs to be covered by properly installing an entire hose bib cover.
What temperature can hose bib covers withstand?
Most standard hose bib covers for home use provide protection down to temperatures of -20°F to -40°F. Industrial models can safeguard faucets down to -80°F for extreme cold.
Can I leave covers on all year?
Yes, hose bib covers can typically be left on year-round if desired. This provides maximum freezing protection. Just ensure to detach any garden hoses during the warmer months when in use.
How long do hose bib covers last?
With proper installation and occasional re-sealing, a quality hose bib cover should last 5-8 years before needing replacement. Higher grade commercial covers can last over 10 years.
Conclusion
Installing hose bib covers before winter provides outstanding freeze protection for outdoor faucets and pipes. Just slip on the insulating cover over the hose bib, fasten it securely, and enjoy years of worry-free performance. With the help of this comprehensive guide, you can easily select and install covers that withstand your area’s coldest conditions. Protect your outdoor water spigots from freezing damage and extend their life expectancy.