This Springtime Spigot Mistake Can Cost You Hundreds

Leaving your hose attached to your spigot may seem harmless and convenient, especially when spring arrives and it's time to start watering your lawn and landscaping and washing your car. The problem is, spring temperatures can fluctuate wildly, shifting 30 degrees or more in a single day depending on the weather patterns and where you live. These temperature shifts can sneak up on you, leading to a potential disaster with your outdoor spigot if you’re not careful

Related: Look for This Winter Damage To Your Lawn

Why leaving your hose attached to your spigot is a bad idea

Leaving a garden hose attached to a spigot may seem harmless enough when temperatures are approaching 70 degree Fahrenheit. The problem occurs when spring temperatures sink back below freezing at nighttime. A hose that’s connected to your spigot can trap water inside the faucet at the connection.

If the temperature gets low enough, that water will freeze and expand, cracking the spigot or the pipe leading to the spigot from the house. While the damage may not be immediately noticeable, as soon as the weather warms and that ice dries, water will begin leaking out of the break. 

At that point, the only way to fix the issue is to replace the entire spigot or the pipe that’s burst just inside the wall. This is an expensive repair that often requires a plumber. And if you don’t catch the leak fast enough, it could cause water damage that can result in thousands of dollars in repairs. 

What to Do Instead

When using your spigot in the spring, make sure to disconnect it at the end of the day if freezing temperatures are in the overnight forecast. As an added precaution it’s a good idea to close the shutoff valve to the spigot that’s located in the basement or the crawl space and drain out the spigot to eliminate any freeze dangers. If you have a frost free spigot, this isn’t necessary. 

Related: Watering Your Lawn Now Could Ruin It—Here’s Why

Is it Okay to Leave A Hose Connected to a Spigot All Summer Long?

While keeping your hose connected to your spigot during the summer isn’t as dangerous as doing so in the winter, it can cause problems. 

• Over time the hose end can fuse to the spigot from corrosion, making it difficult to remove later.
• Grime or even mold can build up if left connected as the hose won't allow the spigot to fully drain after use.
• Leaving a spigot connected to a hose with a sprayer attachment is also a no-no. The constant pressure that this practice places on a hose and the fittings can shorten the hose’s life and eventually lead to leaks. 

Given these issues, it’s a good idea to disconnect the hose after each use.