My Outdoor Spigot Froze and Broke—Now What?

Freezing temperatures in Colorado can do a number on your home’s plumbing—especially if your outdoor spigot wasn’t winterized. If you’ve discovered a cracked or leaking outdoor faucet this spring, don’t panic. With the right steps, you can fix the issue and prevent it from happening again.

Here’s what to do when your outdoor spigot freezes and breaks, and when it’s best to call in a professional plumber in Denver from Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical.

What Happens When an Outdoor Faucet Freezes?

When water inside your hose bib or outdoor faucet freezes, it expands—often cracking the pipe or spigot without you knowing. You might not even notice a problem until warmer weather arrives and you try to use it again.

Common signs your spigot is damaged:

• Water leaks from the spigot or wall when turned on
• Low or no water pressure
• The faucet won’t fully shut off
• Visible cracks or corrosion

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

Before doing anything else, locate the indoor shut-off valve for your outdoor spigot and turn it off. This prevents further leaking or water damage inside the wall. Then, open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water.

Can’t find your shut-off valve? Many are located in the basement, crawl space, or near where the pipe exits the wall.

Step 2: Assess the Damage

Now check the spigot and surrounding area:

• If only the spigot is cracked, you might be able to replace it yourself
• If you notice water leaking inside the wall, a section of pipe may have burst—this calls for a professional plumber

Also look for signs of moisture, mold, or water stains inside your home near the spigot line.

Step 3: Replacing a Broken Spigot (DIY Option)

If you’re comfortable with basic plumbing tools, replacing a frost-damaged hose bib is usually straightforward:

What you’ll need:

• Pipe wrench or adjustable pliers
• Teflon tape
• Replacement spigot (preferably a frost-proof model)

Instructions:

1. Unscrew the broken spigot from the pipe (counterclockwise)
2. Clean the threads and wrap them with Teflon tape
3. Screw on the new spigot tightly by hand, then finish with a wrench

Pro Tip: If your spigot is soldered (not threaded), or you’re unsure what you’re working with—stop and call a pro to avoid further damage.

When to Call a Plumber in Denver

You should bring in a professional if:

• There’s leaking inside the wall
• The pipe is burst or inaccessible
• You can’t locate the shut-off valve
• The spigot is soldered and not easily replaceable

At Bell, our licensed plumbers can quickly assess the damage, make the repair, and even upgrade you to a frost-proof spigot to avoid future headaches.

How to Prevent a Frozen Spigot Next Winter

After you’ve fixed the issue, take steps to protect your plumbing from future freezes:

• Disconnect hoses before the first freeze
• Shut off the indoor valve and drain the spigot in fall
• Install an insulated faucet cover for extra protection
• Upgrade to a frost-free outdoor spigot

Call Bell for Outdoor Plumbing Repairs in Denver

If your outdoor spigot froze and broke, don’t risk water damage or a DIY mistake. Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical can repair or replace your spigot fast—and help you winterize your system for next time.

Give us a call or schedule a Denver plumbing service today!