Enhance Your Spring Home Maintenance with Plumbing Improvements 

As winter becomes a distant memory, it’s the perfect time to assess your home’s plumbing system and consider enhancements that could make life easier and more efficient. There are several plumbing improvements you can undertake this spring to elevate your living experience. Among them is the addition of more hose bibs.

Why Hose Bibs Matter

Hose bibs, also known as outdoor faucets or spigots, play a crucial role in carrying out various outdoor tasks such as watering the garden, washing the car, or cleaning outdoor spaces. However, many homes are equipped with only one or two hose bibs, which can sometimes be inconveniently located. Adding more hose bibs strategically around your property can offer several benefits:

• Convenience: With multiple hose bibs strategically placed, you can eliminate the hassle of dragging hoses across long distances or navigating obstacles to reach your outdoor spaces. This convenience can save time and effort, making outdoor chores more enjoyable.
• Accessibility: Placing hose bibs in different areas of your yard ensures easy access to water wherever it’s needed. Whether you’re tending to plants in the backyard, washing muddy paws in the driveway, or filling up a kiddie pool, having nearby hose bibs simplifies the process.
• Water Quality Considerations: When adding additional hose bibs, it’s essential to consider water quality, as it can significantly impact certain outdoor activities. For instance, water used for the lawn, plants, or gardens should ideally not be softened, as the salts in softened water can harm vegetation. However, adding a hose bib that utilizes softened water near the driveway could be recommended for washing the car, where softened water can help prevent water spots and streaks. Understanding your water quality and its effects on various outdoor tasks can inform the placement and type of hose bibs you install.

Planning Your Hose Bib Installation

Before adding more hose bibs to your property, consider the following factors to ensure optimal placement and functionality:

• Strategic Locations: Identify areas where you frequently engage in outdoor activities or tasks that require water. Common locations include the front yard, backyard, garage, and side of the house. Placing hose bibs near these areas will maximize convenience.
• Accessibility to Water Lines: Ensure that the chosen locations are accessible to your home’s water supply lines. Consulting with a professional plumber from Reliance^® can help determine the feasibility of adding new hose bibs and the best routes for connecting them to your existing plumbing system.
• Quality Fixtures: Investing in high-quality hose bibs and accessories helps ensure durability and longevity. Opt for brass or stainless steel fixtures that can withstand outdoor elements and resist corrosion over time.

As you embark on your spring home maintenance journey, don’t overlook the importance of optimizing your outdoor plumbing system. Adding more hose bibs to your property can streamline outdoor tasks, enhance convenience, and promote efficient water usage. By strategically planning the placement of these fixtures and investing in quality materials, you can enjoy a more functional and enjoyable outdoor living space throughout the spring and beyond.

Remember, when it comes to plumbing enhancements, consulting with a professional plumber is always recommended to ensure proper installation and compliance with local building codes. With the right upgrades in place, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of the warmer months ahead, without the hassle of wrestling with long hoses or struggling to access water outdoors.

Interested in learning more about your home plumbing systems? Be sure to read our Ultimate Plumbing Guide.