How Long Does It Take To Replace A Hose Bib?

Outdoor faucets or hose bibs are a common size range of half inch or three-forth inch, referring to the water pipe’s diameter. When selecting a hose bib replacement, the correct size is important for proper fitting and functioning so that you have a good water pressure. A smaller pipe will provide a stronger water pressure.

What is the standard garden hose fitting?

Springtime is going to be here any day, so many homeowners are getting their water hose caddies out of storage and hooking them up the spigot or hose bib. If this is your first spring to enjoy homeownership duties, one of the most frustrating things you’ll experience right now is a water hose end that  doesn’t fit the faucet, spigot, or hose bib.

At first glance, all water hose ends, and spigot connections look the same, but guess what? They aren’t!  The standard hose fitting has an internal diameter of5/8? with a  11.5 threads per inch. However, not all water hose connections and spigots are the same size.

While there are some great details to this subject, some professional water hoses, considered high-flow hoses, are 3/4? in size.  Cheap water hoses, like those you get at a discount store for under $10, are 1/2? size. Rare are residential hoses are found to have a thread pitch any different.

How do I know what size hose bib I have?

What happens when you need to do a hose bib faucet replacement or install a  hose bib replacement handle and you don’t know the size of your hose bib? This is an easy find because the hose bib will be one of two sizes: half inch or three-forth inch, the most common sizes. To find out the size, connect your garden water hose. If it is either of these sizes and fits, then you’ll know the size of the hose bib.  Simple testing and try it on method and you’ll have your hose bib replacement completed in no time.

How do I replace the hose bib on the outside of my house?

Many homeowners will call a plumber for an exterior hose bib replacement  because they believe it is a difficult and tedious procedure, when in fact, it is one of the easiest things you can do for your home plumbing.

Step One: Locate the Connection Point

Locate the connection point between the water supply and the hose bib, which if your basement is unfinished, this should be really easy. Note where the hose bib is located on the exterior of your house using a window or some other landmark.  With a measuring tape, find the exact distance from that landmark and you should be right on the connection point inside.

Step Two: Determine the Type of Connection

The connection type is where the hose bib connects to the water supply and could be any of the following:

• MIP Connection – The male iron pipe threads on the end of hose bib are exposed, and thread into the FIP adaptor connection point.
• FIP Connection – The female iron pipe threads at the end of the hose bib are internal and the MIP adapter is soldered at the connection point so that the hose bib can be screwed onto the adapter.
• Sweat Solder Connection – This is a hard connection where the hose bib end has a solder fitting cup at the connection and slides over the water pipe. This may be only time you would need to call a professional plumber if there is any soldering to be done.

Step Three: Find the Hose Bib Length

Determine the hose bib length, note that frost proof hose bibbs are available in different lengths, so their connection points will be closer and further inside the wall. Hose bibs in general come in lengths between 4” and 24” and are in two inch increments. Manufacturers now have the directions posted on their websites for measuring a wall’s thickness. However, common sense should prevail what is on these websites because this length can be shortened or increased if needed.

Step Four: Choose Connection Type

If you are installing a frost proof faucet, choose connection you plan use based on the information we provided above.

Step Five: Turn the Water Off

Turn the water off and drain any water remaining in the line going to the hose bibb. Unthread either the FIP or MIP connection with channel locks and a  pipe wrench. After you have the old faucet  removed, install the new one through the same opening then use Teflon plumbers’ tape on the male threads and screw the new hose bibb into place.

Step Six: Turn the Water On

Now turn all faucets on inside the house and the new hose bib, then turn the water back on at the main supply. Let the water run until all the air is out and the water is flowing freely.

How do you winterize a hose bib?

Preparing a hose bib winter is simple and can be done in four steps:

1. Locate the shut-off valve –  the shut-off valve to the hose bib is typically inside the house, either in the basement, crawl space, or the utility room.
2. Shut off the indoor valve – each hose bib will have its own indoor valve, be sure to shut them all off.
3. Detach water hoses – detach, drain, and store them for the winter. It is recommended to store them where they are in the heat if possible.
4. Leave outdoor spigots open – with the main water valve to the outdoor spigots off and the garden hoses off and stored.