Two Ways Your “Freeze Free” Outdoor Faucet May Flood Your Home TODAY!
And I do mean TODAY! The first time you use your outdoor faucet is the most dangerous time! Why?

The Freeze Free Faucet is a wonderful invention, BUT…

1. If you left your hose on it over the winter OR
2. If it was not installed with a slight tilt toward the outside of the house…you may be in for a frustrating surprise the first time using the outside “Frost Free Faucet.”  And Flooding Can Occur!  We have seen this numerous times…Take precautions now!

The faucet is designed with a long shaft inside a piece of tubing, and the faucet valve is actually safe and warm inside your house, so even in winter you can use it without freeze ups. The problem is, if water lays in the tube, it could freeze, expand and split. Now, you won’t know it until you (or your carpet cleaner) puts a hose on, turns on the valve, and pressurizes it. Now the split in the tubing will spray into your living area in the basement or wherever the plumbing is mounted, and wow!

What a mess…And sadly, it is probably in an area you may not see until it is badly flooded!

How To Test Before Disaster Strikes:

1. If the hose is still on, turn it on, and fully pressurize the hose. Once it is pressurized, listen closely to hear if water is still running. As a further check, if you know where the faucet plumbing enters the house, go there and watch and listen.
2. Another quick way is purchase a plug or a “y” at the hardware store. Screw on the plug or attach the “y” with the valves closed and turn on the water and listen for water running. Again double check in the basement or where the water faucet plumbing enters the building for any leaks. The nice thing about the plug or “y” is you won’t have to wait until the hose pressurizes, and possibly be deceived by the sound of the hose.

If you discover the leak, great! Just turn the faucet off and the leak will probably stop. Then call the plumber or get your wrenches and change out that broken faucet!

We hope that helps you to avoid a costly and negative experience as you start enjoying spring weather!