How to Install or Replace a Hose Bib

A frost-free hose bib has a long stem that shuts water off inside the heated envelope. Installed on a downward slope, it drains and stays intact all winter.

Common causes

• Standard hose bib freezing every winter
• Corroded threads on old bib
• No shut-off inside for winter drain
• Original install has no slope

Step-by-step

1. 01Shut off water and drain the affected line
2. 02Cut out the old bib and swap in a frost-free with 8–12" stem
3. 03Sweat or PEX-connect the interior end and pitch downward
4. 04Add a dedicated interior shut-off if not present

When to call Northbridge

• Original bib is soldered into a hard-to-reach fitting
• Hole through the rim joist needs enlarging
• New location where no line exists today
• Interior shut-off + drain-down needed