What is a frost-proof hose bib and do I need one?

A frost-proof hose bib is a special type of outdoor faucet that is designed to prevent freezing in cold weather. The shut-off mechanism is located inside the home, several inches behind the exterior wall, so that no water remains in the exposed portion of the pipe after the valve is closed. This design prevents ice from forming and damaging the pipe or valve body. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, a frost-proof hose bib is strongly recommended to avoid winter-related plumbing failures. We install these faucets with a gentle downward pitch to ensure they drain completely and include a backflow preventer to stop contaminated water from reentering your drinking water system. If you already have an older style hose bib, we can upgrade it to a frost-proof version and install an interior shut-off valve at the same time for added protection.