What this service solves
- Dripping spigots
- Split frost-free sillcocks
- Leaks inside walls behind spigots
- Adding or relocating outdoor faucets
Common symptoms
- Drip from the spout
- Water inside basement or crawl space when hose runs
- Low flow outdoors
- Handle that spins without stopping water
Most likely causes
Freeze damage
A hose left connected traps water in a frost-free sillcock, which can split it inside the wall.
Worn washers
Compression-style spigots drip as washers wear.
Missing vacuum breaker
Without a vacuum breaker, hose water can siphon back into the house supply.
Irrigation line leaks
Underground sprinkler lines and valves leak from freeze damage, root pressure or mower strikes, often showing up as soggy patches or a high water bill.
How the problem is diagnosed
- Run the hose and check inside for leaks
- Check washer and stem
- Check for vacuum breaker
Repair and replacement options
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Washer and stem repair | Drips | Simple for most spigots. |
| Frost-free sillcock replacement | Freeze-split units | Correct length and slope matter. |
| New exterior faucet | Convenience | Branch from nearby supply with shutoff. |
| Yard hydrant | Gardens, barns and remote areas | A freeze-resistant standpipe that drains below the frost line when shut off. |
What a plumber normally does
- Shut off supply
- Remove and inspect
- Repair or replace
- Test inside and out
Emergency warning signs
- Water entering the house when outdoor faucet runs
If you see any of these, shut off water first. See emergency plumbing steps.
What affects the cost
We don’t publish national price figures because real quotes vary too much by region, access and the condition of your system. These are the factors that move the price:
- Access to the interior side
- Sillcock length
- Wall material
Ask for a written quote that names the method, materials and any permit or restoration work before work begins.
DIY vs. calling a professional
Reasonable for homeowners
- Disconnecting hoses before freezes
- Installing foam faucet covers
- Replacing washers
Call a professional for
- Sillcock replacement through walls
- New exterior lines
Prevention and maintenance
- Disconnect hoses in fall
- Close interior shutoffs and drain lines for non-frost-free spigots
- Use faucet covers
Outdoor Plumbing & Hose Bibs: common questions
Why does my outdoor faucet leak inside the house?
A frost-free sillcock that froze with a hose attached can split inside the wall. It leaks only when the faucet is opened, which is why it often appears in spring.
Do I need to shut off outdoor faucets in winter?
In freezing climates, yes for standard spigots: close the interior shutoff and drain the line. Frost-free sillcocks still need the hose removed.
How do I know if a frost-free spigot is installed correctly?
It should slope slightly downward toward the outside so water drains out of the valve body, and the valve seat should sit inside the heated part of the wall.
Can I add an outdoor faucet to my house?
Usually. A plumber taps a nearby supply line, adds an interior shutoff, and installs a frost-free sillcock with a vacuum breaker.
Why is there low pressure at my outdoor faucet only?
A partly closed interior shutoff, a worn valve washer, mineral buildup or a kinked hose are the usual causes when only the outdoor faucet is weak.
Outdoor Plumbing & Hose Bibs in specific cities
Local conditions change how this problem shows up. These city guides cover local factors in depth:
