Frost Free Spigots 101: What Homeowners Should Know 

Spring has arrived, and summer is just around the corner. For homeowners, it’s the perfect time to prepare gardens, install sprinklers, and give outdoor plumbing the attention it needs before the warmer months take hold. If you’ve found yourself dealing with frozen hose bibs, burst pipes, or unexpected leaks in the past, you might have heard about “frost free spigots” as a solution. But what are frost free spigots, how do they work, and are they really necessary for homes in Northern Nevada? 

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about frost free spigots. We’ll explain how they protect your plumbing, why they’re a smart upgrade especially in our high desert climate, and the best practices for keeping yours in top shape. Plus, you’ll learn when it’s wise to call in a professional like All Hours Air to handle installation or repairs. 

What Is a Frost Free Spigot? 

A frost free spigot (sometimes called a frost proof hose bib or faucet) is a type of outdoor faucet designed to prevent water inside the pipe from freezing when temperatures drop. Unlike traditional hose bibs that can trap water close to the exterior wall, a frost free spigot tucks the water shutoff valve deeper inside your home, where it’s less likely to freeze. 

How it works in simple terms:  

When you close a frost free spigot, the valve actually stops the water flow several inches inside the wall. The part that sticks out (what you attach the hose to) drains itself out, so there’s little or no water left in the exposed section to freeze. This design greatly lowers the risk of burst pipes and cold-weather leaks. 

Anatomy of a Frost Free Spigot 

• Long stem: The spigot has an extended pipe (“stem”) that reaches into the heated area of your house. 

• Washer/valve seat: The shutoff is located at the back, further inside the wall. 

• Self-draining: When properly installed and used (more on this below), the spigot allows water to drain out after each use. 

• Backflow prevention: Many frost free spigots also come with an integrated vacuum breaker to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into your home’s supply. 

Why Frost Free Spigots Matter in Reno & Sparks 

Reno and Sparks might not get the punishing winters seen in the Midwest, but overnight temperatures can still drop below freezing throughout late fall, winter, and spring. Outdoor faucets are particularly vulnerable spots for freeze damage, since pipe sections jutting past the house wall lose heat rapidly. In fact, when temps fall to 20°F or below, it can take just four to five hours for exposed pipes to freeze and possibly burst—meaning serious trouble can develop in a single cold night. 

Frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience. They can burst, causing leaks, flooding, and a chain reaction of problems: 

• Major flooding and water damage inside your home or crawl space—impacting walls, floors, ceilings, and personal belongings.  

• Costly plumbing repairs 

• Mold growth from lingering moisture 

• Ruined walls, floors, and insulation 

• Increased water bills from unnoticed leaks  

• A frost free spigot acts like a suit of armor for one of your home’s most exposed plumbing lines, and that’s why so many new builds in the Reno/Sparks area already include them as standard. If your house is more than 10-15 years old, however, you might still have standard outdoor faucets that leave your plumbing vulnerable. 

Key Benefits of Frost Free Spigots 

1. Protection Against Freezing and Bursting 

The most obvious advantage is prevention of freeze-related damage. By keeping the water shutoff inside where it’s warm and letting the outer pipe drain, frost free spigots help you avoid winter messes. 

2. Less Maintenance, Fewer Worries 

Traditional hose bibs require you to take extra steps to prevent your pipes from freezing. These steps can be a hassle and are easily forgotten. These include: 

• Shutting off a separate inside valve every autumn 

• Venturing into damp crawl spaces or basement corners 

• Drain lines using bleeder valves (and hope you got all the water out) 

With a frost free spigot, you don’t need to remember these extra steps. Simply remove your hoses and close the faucet before freezing weather, and your spigot protects itself. 

3. Longer Lifespan for Outdoor Plumbing 

Because frost free spigots are less likely to suffer internal damage from freezing and thawing cycles, they tend to last longer. That means fewer replacements and more reliable water flow when you need it. 

4. Added Home Value and Curb Appeal 

Homebuyers increasingly look for smart, low-maintenance plumbing features. Upgrading to frost free spigots is a small investment that offers peace of mind, especially in the variable climate of Northern Nevada. 

5. Easy Year-Round Use 

Want to fill the kiddie pool in late March or water the tomatoes after a cold snap? Frost free spigots allow you to use your outdoor water earlier and later in the season, with less risk. 

Best Practices for Frost Free Spigot Installation & Use 

Upgrading or maintaining your frost free spigot doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your spigot lasts and performs at its best for years to come. 

1. Choose the Right Size and Length 

Frost free spigots come in several lengths (usually between 4 and 14 inches). The right length depends on how thick your home’s exterior wall is. Only the valve at the very end of the spigot should be inside the warm part of the house. Too short, and it won’t protect against freezing; too long, and you’ve made unnecessary holes in your walls. 

Tip: For most homes in Reno/Sparks, a 6- to 12-inch spigot covers typical wall construction, but a professional plumber can recommend exactly what you need. 

2. Maintain Proper Slope for Self-Draining 

Frost free spigots must be installed with a very slight downward slope from the indoor valve to the outdoor spigot. This allows any remaining water to drain out after you close the faucet.  

If the spigot is installed level or with the slope running backward, water can collect at the valve and freeze, defeating the whole purpose of the frost-free design. 

3. Disconnect Hoses Before Hard Freezes 

Even with a frost free spigot, always remove hoses and splitters before freezing weather. A connected hose can trap water in the spigot and prevent it from draining.  

It only takes a minute and helps safeguard your plumbing for the entire season. 

4. Check for Leaks or Drips 

If your frost free spigot drips with the handle turned off, it could mean the washer or valve is worn, or that water is trapped and freezing somewhere in the assembly.  

Don’t ignore slow leaks or visible cracks; minor issues can quickly escalate. 

5. Look for Backflow Preventer Maintenance 

Many frost free spigots include a vacuum breaker to meet local plumbing codes. Occasionally, check that your device isn’t clogged with debris or showing signs of rust, as this can reduce performance. 

6. Trust Professional Installation 

A poorly installed frost free spigot might be more vulnerable to freezing than a traditional one! If you’re not comfortable with plumbing repairs, or if your spigot is inside a wall with tricky access, it’s best to call an experienced local plumber. 

Signs Your Spigot Might Need Replacement 

How do you know if your existing outdoor faucet needs upgrading or repair? Watch for these red flags: 

• Water leaks from the base, handle, or spout 

• Reduced water pressure or uneven spray 

• Cracking or corrosion on the faucet body 

• Damp areas on the wall inside your home (a sign of hidden leaks) 

• The spigot never stops dripping, even when “off” 

If you spot any of these issues, don’t wait until winter to take care of them. Early intervention is your best bet for preventing expensive repairs and water loss. 

Seasonal Care Tips for Frost Free Spigots 

Proper seasonal care is essential to keep your frost free spigots functioning efficiently and to avoid costly damage. By following a few simple maintenance steps, you can protect your spigots year-round. 

Spring and Summer 

• Inspect your spigot for winter damage before watering lawns or filling pools. 

• Reconnect hoses but always use those with washer gaskets to prevent leaks. 

• During heavy watering, periodically check for drips or water pooling around the base. 

Fall and Winter Prep 

• Disconnect hoses and accessories before first freeze. 

• Make sure the spigot is turned off securely, then check for any leaks. 

• If you plan to be away for an extended period over winter, consider a quick inspection or ask a plumber for a look before you leave. 

Why Homeowners in Reno & Sparks Should Take Action 

Reno’s wild weather swings and Rocky Mountain cold snaps can catch anyone off guard. While spring is the perfect time to enjoy your yard and garden, it’s also the best moment to make improvements to your plumbing. Upgrading to frost free spigots or inspecting your current ones for wear and proper installation will give you peace of mind all year long.  

Need Help? All Hours Air Has You Covered 

If you’re not sure about the status of your outdoor plumbing or you want a professional opinion on installing or upgrading to frost free spigots, All Hours Air is your neighborhood expert. Our licensed plumbers are experienced with the unique climate conditions of Northern Nevada and can quickly diagnose, repair, or install the right spigot for your home. Contact us or schedule your service consultation online today. We’re here to help you keep your home protected through every season!