Submitted by David Heffner of Heffner Plumbing

A common call for plumbers this time of year is that the customer's hose bibb is leaking. The first question is always, “Where is it leaking from?”

If the answer is right under or behind the handle, then it may just be that the packing nut is loose. With an adjustable wrench or a pair of pliers, gently turn the nut clockwise (righty-tighty, lefty-loosey).

If this doesn't fix the problem, then it's time to schedule a service call. If the hose is leaking where it connects to the hose bibb, be sure that there is a washer in place and that the connection is tight.

If water is coming through the wall/siding of the house or you can hear it leaking inside, the hose bibb is more than likely freeze damaged and will have to be replaced.

If a hose bibb is located in a place that is not convenient for whatever reason, don't think that you are stuck with this forever. Sometimes there are some solutions that can make access much easier by either adding a permanently mounted extension or relocating the hose bibb altogether.

David Heffner is a licensed plumbing contractor in the state of Indiana and is bonded and insured. Heffner Plumbing is a highly rated company with Angie’s List and has received the Super Service Award every year since 2004. Heffner received the 2009 Contractor of the Year Award by the Greater Indianapolis Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (GIPHCC) and is a complaint free company with the Better Business Bureau.

As of Oct. 21, 2011, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.