Watering and hoses
What is a hose bib?
A hose bib (also spelled hose bibb) is a faucet with a threaded spout made to take a garden hose. Most US homes have one or more on the outside walls.
Updated 26 Oct 2026 · Facts checked against the sources at the end.
Main types
- Standard (compression) hose bib: a round handle turns a stem that presses a rubber washer onto a seat to stop the water.
- Frost-free hose bib or sillcock: the valve sits inside the heated wall, so the outdoor part drains when you turn it off. Used in cold climates.
- Anti-siphon hose bib: has a built-in vacuum breaker (often a small cap on top) that stops dirty water flowing back into your pipes.
- Quarter-turn (ball valve) hose bib: a lever opens or closes it with a quarter turn.
Names vary; see hose bib vs spigot vs sillcock.
Parts
- Handle and stem
- Washer and seat (where the seal is made in compression types)
- Packing or O-ring around the stem (stops leaks at the handle)
- Spout with 3/4 inch garden hose thread
- Vacuum breaker, if fitted
Simple care
- Before winter: remove hoses. On a standard hose bib, close the indoor shut-off valve, then open the outdoor tap to drain it. See winter care.
- Drips from the spout when closed usually mean a worn washer or seat.
- Leaks at the handle usually mean worn packing or an O-ring; tightening the packing nut slightly often helps.
- Add a vacuum breaker if your tap has none; see backflow preventers.
If a pipe inside the wall leaks or the tap needs replacing, a licensed plumber is the safe choice, and local codes may apply.
Frequently asked questions
What does a hose bib do?
It is an outdoor faucet with a threaded spout that lets you connect a garden hose to your home's water supply.
Why is my hose bib leaking from the handle?
Usually worn packing or an O-ring around the stem. Turn off the water and gently tighten the packing nut, or replace the packing.
Does a hose bib need a vacuum breaker?
Many water utilities and building codes call for backflow protection on hose connections. A screw-on hose bib vacuum breaker is a simple way to add it.
Related
Sources
- Structure Tech: How to winterize your outside faucets
- Colorado State University Extension: Home Sprinkler Systems, Backflow Prevention Devices
- Washington State Department of Health: Common household cross-connection hazards
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.