Check Your Outdoor Spigots and Hoses: A Summer Plumbing Essential for Athens Homeowners

When summertime rolls into Athens, Georgia, there’s a certain kind of magic in the air. The grass is greener, the gardens are blooming, and families all over town are spending more time in their yards—watering plants, filling up kiddie pools, washing off patio furniture, and turning on the hose for a quick rinse after mowing the lawn.

But with all that extra activity and outdoor water use, there’s one area of your plumbing system that deserves more attention than it usually gets: your outdoor spigots and hose bibs.

These often-overlooked fixtures work hard throughout the summer, and if they’re damaged, worn, or leaking, you could be wasting hundreds of gallons of water every month – and not even know it.

Why Outdoor Spigots Matter More Than You Think

Your outdoor spigot (also called a hose bib) is more than just a place to connect your garden hose. It’s a critical access point to your home’s water system. And during the heat of a Georgia summer, it’s often in constant use.

Unfortunately, spigots and hoses are also some of the most frequently overlooked components in a plumbing system. They sit outside, exposed to the elements year-round. Temperature changes, UV rays, hard water, and even physical wear from frequent use can lead to:

• Worn or cracked rubber washers

• Loose or corroded fittings

• Minor drips that grow over time

• Hidden leaks inside walls or foundations

• Mold or mildew forming around siding or brick

And while it might seem like a little leak from a hose connection isn’t a big deal, the numbers add up fast. Just one slow drip can waste over 300 gallons a month—and that doesn’t include any water lost from a leak deeper inside the wall or underground.

What to Look For: Signs of a Problem

Before you hook up that hose and go about your yardwork, take a few minutes to inspect your spigots and hose bibs for any signs of trouble:

• Do you see water dripping, even when the spigot is turned off?

• Is the connection loose, rusty, or corroded?

• When you turn it on, does the hose sputter or leak at the base?

• Do you hear water running or dripping inside the wall behind the spigot?

• Has your water bill jumped unexpectedly, with no other explanation?

If you notice any of these issues, don’t ignore them. What starts as a small leak outside can become a major plumbing issue inside.

Plumber Pro Tip: Use a Pressure Gauge to Check for Hidden Leaks

If you suspect a leak but can’t see one, there’s a simple test you can perform:

1. Attach a pressure gauge to the outdoor spigot.

2. Turn the water on fully and note the reading.

3. Turn the water off and leave the gauge in place.

4. Watch the needle for a few minutes.

If the pressure drops slowly over time, that could indicate a hidden leak in the line, especially if the spigot is connected to indoor plumbing behind the siding or inside a wall cavity. This is a clear sign that you should call in the professionals.

Why Athens Homeowners Trust Plumber Pro Service & Drains

At Plumber Pro Service & Drains, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Athens stop small problems before they become major headaches. Our experienced team uses professional-grade tools, thermal imaging, and non-invasive diagnostics to detect leaks that the average homeowner simply can’t see.

Whether it’s:

• Replacing a cracked or leaking spigot

• Sealing and securing hose connections

• Diagnosing unusual pressure loss

• Repairing underground or in-wall supply lines

We’ll get the job done right the first time, with the same care and integrity we’d want in our own homes.

We’re not just a plumbing company—we’re your neighbors, and we take pride in being the #1 most trusted plumber in Athens, with more 5-star Google reviews than the next 10 plumbers combined.

Your Summer Starts with Strong Outdoor Plumbing

So before you pull out the slip ‘n slide, water the zinnias, or wash off the dog after a muddy adventure, do yourself (and your wallet) a favor: inspect your outdoor spigots and hoses.

A five-minute checkup today could save you from:

• Costly water damage

• Foundation repair bills

• Mold and mildew issues

• Skyrocketing utility costs

And if something doesn’t look or feel right? Don’t guess. Call the best.

Call Plumber Pro Service & Drains Today

If you want peace of mind this summer, call Plumber Pro Service & Drains—the most trusted name in plumbing across the Athens region. Our team is standing by to help with repairs, inspections, and full-system checkups to make sure your outdoor water setup is in peak condition.

Enjoy your summer without leaks, surprises, or headaches. Call Plumber Pro today—because around here, plumbing isn’t just about pipes. It’s about people.