In a climate where it freezes in winter, like here in Bellingham and Whatcom County, WA, it makes sense to have the new frost-free  hose bibbs. When I do home inspections and find that the faucets, or worse yet, the pipes to the faucets are exposed to the weather then I know that one of two things will happen in winter. (1) The homeowner is going to have to find a shutoff and drain the pipes or (2) they will end up frozen.

The best tip I can give is for the purchaser to install frost-free hose bibbs or frost-free yard hydrants. It saves lots of hassle. I know that first hand because, up until last year, my wife's outside garden faucets were not yard hydrants and they would freeze prior to yours truly getting the water shutoff in the winter. Happened more than once. This year I can go to Mexico in January and not sweat that one.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith