When dealing with a water line outside your house, it usually involves either the main service line bringing water into your home from the street, or an outdoor spigot/hose bib. Main service line leaks are the homeowner's responsibility, while exterior spigots often need upgrades for freeze protection.
An exterior drainage pipe is a perforated pipe that runs along your home's foundation. It collects groundwater and directs it away from your home, preventing damage. Here's why it's beneficial: Protects Foundation: Keeps water from pooling around your home's foundation, which can lead to mold and structural damage.
Water leaking from a pipe on the side of your house is typically caused by an overflowing HVAC condensation line or a triggered water heater pressure relief valve. In some cases, it can indicate a burst plumbing pipe or a damaged outdoor spigot.
PVC pipes outside your house typically serve one of four functions: AC condensation drains, HVAC exhaust and intake vents, plumbing vent stacks, or yard sewer clean-outs.
That fixture is most commonly called a hose bib, spigot, or water spigot. It is the threaded outdoor faucet you use to hook up a garden hose, wash your car, or water your plants.
The water faucet outside your house is most commonly called a hose bibb, spigot, or sillcock. People also frequently just refer to it generally as an "outdoor faucet" or "water spigot" depending on what part of the country you are in.
You usually do not need a plumber to replace an outdoor spigot. If the faucet is simply threaded onto the pipe and unscrews easily, it is a beginner-friendly DIY project that can take about 30 minutes. However, you may want to hire a professional if the pipe requires soldering, the spigot is frozen by rust, or the pipes leak behind an interior wall.
The pipes outside your house usually serve one of three common purposes: removing wastewater (like from your sewer line), safely routing condensation away from your AC or furnace, or venting dangerous gases from your plumbing or appliances.
Whether PEX or PVC is "better" depends entirely on your project. For indoor water supply lines, PEX is the clear winner due to its flexibility and freeze-resistance. For outdoor drainage, venting, or main water lines, PVC is the superior choice.
As the homeowner, you are responsible for all the pipes within your property boundary and repairing any leaks. If you live in a rented property, it is your landlord's responsibility to repair the leak.
Sump Pump Discharge Pipe
Discharge pipes direct clear water from the sump pit to ground surface away from your home.
Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover water line breaks unless a line has undergone sudden, significant damage. For example, if you dig in your yard and accidentally damage the water line running from your meter, repairs and cleanup may be covered.
Well, luckily, it doesn't sound like a sewage leak but it may be your exterior water service line. My what? It's the underground pipe that carries fresh water to your home from the municipal water main.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Vent pipes, typically PVC, release sewer gases and regulate air pressure in the plumbing system, preventing blockages. Rodents are adept at squeezing through tight spaces, and pipes offer ideal pathways.
3 Plumbing Pipe Materials You Don't Want In Your Home
PEX pipe is highly resistant to corrosion and scaling caused by harsh chemicals commonly found in indoor plumbing systems. However, exposure to chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, and pool chemicals commonly used outdoors can weaken PEX pipe over time.
When it comes to installing an outdoor water line, PEX pipe is one of the best options. Compared to traditional materials like copper or PVC, PEX offers superior performance in terms of durability, flexibility, ease of installation and resistance to corrosion.
One of the primary causes of outside pipes leaking is corrosion. Over time, pipes can corrode due to exposure to the elements, soil conditions, and the quality of the water flowing through them. Corrosion weakens the pipe material, leading to cracks and leaks.
Look for markings or labeling on the pipe
Looking at the marking is one of the easiest ways to identify PEX pipes since most manufacturers label them for this purpose. Usually, there are markings/printing on the exterior of PEX tubing that clearly says “PEX A” or “PEX B,” indicating the type of PEX tubing you have.
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
In practice, most homeowners see a total bill around $150–$450 for a straight swap. Prices tend to be higher in expensive areas (for example, a San Jose, CA estimate is about $150–$450) and lower in rural areas.
But if you need an outdoor spigot replaced, you absolutely need a licensed plumber. A handyperson may have a good idea of what parts you'll need and know their way around pipeworks.
Yes, if the pipe isn't damaged and the spigot is threaded, it's usually a simple DIY job. Just shut off the water, unscrew the old spigot, apply plumber's tape, and screw on the new one.