Hose Bibs and Spigots: A Practical Homeowner's

Outdoor faucets, commonly called hose bibs or spigots, are a small but essential part of any home’s plumbing. Whether you’re upgrading old fixtures or choosing new ones for a outdoor project, understanding the options can save time and prevent leaks.

What you’ll find here: an overview of common types, installation considerations, maintenance tips, and how to troubleshoot typical issues. This guide is written for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who want clear, practical guidance.

Types of hose bibs and spigots

Hose bibs come in several configurations, including frost-free, standard compression, coreless (screw-in) street or sillcock, and angled models. Frost-free bibs extend the valve back into the heated part of the house, reducing the risk of frozen pipes in cold climates. Standard compression bibs are common and easy to install, but they require winterization in freezing regions. Angled models direct water flow differently and can fit tighter spaces.