🚰 Outside Hose Bibb Replacement in Bloomington, IL

We recently got a call from a homeowner in Bloomington, Illinois, who noticed water dripping through their finished basement ceiling. What started as a small damp spot quickly turned into a visible leak, and they knew it was time to call Sunkel Plumbing.

After inspecting the area, we found that the outside hose bibb, sometimes called outside spigot, or faucet, had split inside the ceiling. The cause was a common one — the garden hose had been left attached through the winter. When freezing temperatures hit, the trapped water inside the faucet expanded and caused the pipe to burst. Over time, water from the damaged line started seeping down and soaking into the finished ceiling below.

To make the repair, we carefully opened a small section of the ceiling to access the leaking line. Once the area was exposed, we replaced the damaged faucet with a frost-proof hose bibb, designed to help prevent this kind of freeze damage in the future. We also advised the homeowner to always remove garden hoses before the first frost each year — it’s a simple step that can prevent costly water damage later on.

If you notice stains or drips coming from your ceiling — especially near an exterior wall — it could be a sign of a hidden leak from an outdoor faucet. Catching it early can save you from major repairs down the road.

Need help with a leaking hose bibb or hidden plumbing issue?

Call Sunkel Plumbing — we’re here to help protect your home from water damage before it spreads.

📞 (309) 829-5320

Service provided: Plumbing Repairs & Replacements

Location: Bloomington, IL