Spring has arrived in Murrells Inlet, and with the warmer weather comes gardening, lawn care, and plenty of outdoor water use. But before you turn on that hose, take a moment to check your outdoor faucets and hose bibbs for any signs of damage from winter weather.
Even in coastal South Carolina, where winters are generally mild, occasional cold snaps can lead to frozen pipes and cracked hose bibbs. A quick spring hose bibb check can help you catch issues early and prevent plumbing leaks before they cause costly water damage.
Here’s your seasonal checklist from At Your Service Plumbing and Drain Cleaning to ensure your outdoor plumbing is good to go.
1. Start with a Visual Inspection
Before turning on any outdoor water, walk around your home and take a look at each faucet and hose connection:
- Check for visible cracks or splits in the bibb
- Look for rust, corrosion, or worn washers
- Inspect the surrounding wall or siding for signs of water staining
In older homes throughout Murrells Inlet and the Lowcountry, hose bibbs are often exposed to salty air and moisture, which can speed up wear and tear.
2. Turn On Water Slowly
Once the visual check is done, slowly turn on the outdoor faucet. Don’t crank it open all at once—gradually increasing water flow helps prevent pressure surges.
Watch for:
- Leaks around the bibb or where it connects to the pipe
- Water spraying from unexpected places
- A sudden drop in pressure or gurgling sounds inside the wall
If you notice any of the above, it could be a sign of a hidden pipe crack that occurred over winter.
3. Listen for Unusual Noises Indoors
Sometimes damage isn’t visible outside. When turning on an outdoor faucet for the first time in spring, listen carefully inside your home. If you hear dripping, hissing, or running water behind walls, it may indicate a burst pipe or leak inside the foundation.
This is especially important in homes with hose bibbs connected through crawl spaces or older brick walls—both common in coastal homes.
4. Check for Proper Drainage
After turning on the faucet, make sure the water flows freely through your hose or nozzle. If it backs up, sputters, or drains slowly, there could be a clog or internal blockage in the faucet.
Also, check the area around the faucet to ensure water isn’t pooling near your foundation or siding, which can lead to moisture damage.
5. Upgrade to Frost-Proof Hose Bibbs
If you’ve had recurring issues with frozen or leaking hose bibbs, consider upgrading to a frost-proof outdoor faucet. These are designed to reduce the risk of winter damage, even during unexpected Lowcountry cold snaps.
Our team at At Your Service Plumbing can install frost-proof fixtures that last longer and offer extra protection year-round.
Call a Pro if You Spot a Leak
A small leak today can lead to bigger problems tomorrow—especially with outdoor plumbing that often goes unchecked for months at a time.
If you notice:
- Water seeping into the siding or crawl space
- Persistent dripping after shutting off the faucet
- A broken or split pipe connection
📞 Call At Your Service Plumbing and Drain Cleaning right away. We’ll inspect, repair, or replace your outdoor faucets and ensure your plumbing system is ready for the season.
Protect Your Home from Preventable Plumbing Problems
A quick spring hose bibb check now can help you prevent plumbing leaks, save water, and avoid expensive repairs later on. Enjoy spring in Murrells Inlet worry-free—your home (and your garden) will thank you!
