Once summer arrives, your spigots will become an invaluable outdoor appliance. But if your spigot doesn't function as it should, you'll have a hard time carrying out tasks such as watering your garden and washing your car. Before the hot summer weather arrives, check your spigot to make sure it is ready for constant use in the coming months.
The best time to remove a malfunctioning spigot is before summer. This will ensure that you can continue to use water outdoors in a convenient way. If your spigot shows any of the following signs, consider replacing it.
When the water pressure is low
If the water pressure of your spigot is unusually low when you use the spigot, this is a sign that you might need to replace it. There could be a number of problems with your spigot, such as internal corrosion, or a faulty aerator.
When your spigot leaks
Worn spigots may begin to leak as they age. A leaky spigot may not seem like a big problem at first, but over time, even a minute leak can cause a number of costly issues. If water begins to pool near your home, the water could damage your home's foundation or nearby structures such as fences. And all manner of pests, such as termites, rodents, and ants, need a ready water supply to breed and thrive.
When the handle squeaks or is loose
Sometimes, a squeaky handle is just an indication that the area where the spigot turns needs some lubrication. However, in some cases, the aerator may be faulty, which then requires the services of a plumber to replace the aerator. If you have no experience with taking spigots apart, hire a plumber to look at your spigot when it squeaks.
When your spigot has mineral deposits
Mineral deposits on the outside of your spigot could indicate that the inside of your spigot has mineral deposits too. The mineral deposits could be accompanied by rust and corrosion too, so you may need a plumber to replace the spigot and the pipes connecting to it.
When you notice cracks in your spigot
Spigots are exposed to the elements, such as sunlight, rain, and cold temperatures. Eventually, exposure to the elements causes cracks to form in worn spigots. Even hairline cracks may worsen and cause a spigot to fail, especially during a hot summer.
When your water needs increase
If you only have one or two spigots, but your water needs are about to increase for the coming summer, take the pressure off your outdoor plumbing system by having a plumber add more spigots to your yard. For instance, if you plan to build a swimming pool, consider adding one or more spigots to your yard.
For more information on outdoor spigots, contact a professional near you.
What was the first thing you did when you got up this morning?
If you answered "go to the bathroom," "get a drink of water," or "brush my teeth," then it's important to realize the role that a plumber has already played in your day. The plumber who installed your plumbing made that morning routine possible! Some other plumbers may have worked on the system over the years, also contributing to your experience. Plumbers have a bigger impact on our daily lives than we often realize. In fact, that's one reason we write this blog — to make our readers more aware of their plumbing.