Unknown to most homeowners, there is a massive scale of different hose bibs that can be used at home available in the market. Each type holds a specific quality that makes it unique and impressively effective to one setting compared to any other hose bib. There is a specific fixture that makes it withstand elements and factors that make its assigned area harmful and possibly damaging to any other hose bib variation. These variations are key to finding the best suitable pair for your tap may it be situated outdoors or indoors. In every home, it is important that the fixtures fit the needs of the home. There are numerous types of damage that the plumbing system may encounter when the homeowner installs a fixture that is not equipped to handle the needs of the system. To help you gauge the needs of your home, here are 5 of the most helpful and commonly used hose bibs you might need:
1. Loose Key Hose Bib
This type of hose bib is detachable from the tap to give you the option of whether or not you want the tap running or otherwise. This type of hose bib gives you the ability to remove or reinstall it whenever you need. A loose key hose bib is also perfect to use in properties where there is more than one occupant. This will give the owner of the property free reign on who uses the tap at a certain point. This item will also be beneficial in preventing unauthorised usage of the tap. Loose Key Hose Bibs can also be found in connections between the supply mains and appliances and bathroom fixtures that need to be in direct line to the water supply pipe or those that will need to be disassembled at some point in the future.
2. Round Plastic Hose Bib
A Round Plastic Hose Bib can often be found connected to water heaters for easy detachment under certain situations such as replacement, repair or during clean up and maintenance of the appliance. This will give the homeowner or the plumber an easy time cleaning and detaching the appliance when needed. To disassemble the unit from the water supply, activate the shutoff valve for the appliance, turn the hose gently and gradually pull and the hose should come off easily.
3. Knobbed Hose Bib
This is another hose bib type that is perfect to use on water heaters because it proves to be useful in hassle-free draining the unit and this characteristic of the bib is useful during maintenance of the appliance. However, when you need to disassemble this bib, you will need a strong grip and muscle the hose bib loose.
4. Old Type of Hose Bib
This is the most basic and conventional type of hose bib you can ever find. This is usually found in old residential forms that have not been updated for years. This is best suited for tropical areas or those that do not have to deal with winter and frost. This item does not have any defence mechanism against frost, bursting and other problems brought about by the cold seasons.
5. Frost Free Hose Bib
In contrast to the old type of hose bib, this is very much equipped for cold weather. In fact, this is a primary element for winter plumbing. It has non-frost mechanisms that keep the hose bib, pipe and tap from freezing or bursting during the winter. If you plan to install a Frost Free Hose Bib in your property, pick up a shut off valve before heading to the checkout counter since the item requires one.