Hose Bib vs. Spigot: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

When it comes to outdoor water access, the terms  and spigot are often used interchangeably. But are they really the same thing? While they serve similar functions—allowing water to flow outside your home—they’re not quite identical in every sense. In this post, we’ll unpack the key differences bettween hose bib vs. spigot, clear up the terminology, and help you decide which type is best for your needs.

What Is a Hose Bib?

A hose bib is a specific type of outdoor faucet that connects to a garden hose. It’s typically found on the exterior of a home, garage, or other building, and provides a convenient way to access water for gardening, washing cars, or filling buckets.

Most hose bibs are threaded to accommodate standard garden hoses and feature a simple valve mechanism that opens or closes the water flow. They are generally made from brass or stainless steel to withstand outdoor conditions.

Key Features of a Hose Bib:

• Threaded spout for hose connection
• Manual shut-off valve
• Typically installed on a home’s exterior
• Comes in frost-free versions for colder climates

What Is a Spigot?

The term spigot is more of a general descriptor. It refers to any simple valve that controls the flow of liquid from a pipe or container. While many people use “spigot” to refer to outdoor faucets, it can also describe indoor valves, like those found on water heaters or beverage dispensers.

When used outdoors, a spigot and a hose bib are often one and the same. However, in plumbing and hardware terminology, “spigot” can also describe the pipe end that fits into a fitting (like in PVC or copper plumbing), adding another layer of confusion.

Key Features of a Spigot (in outdoor context):

• Can refer to a basic water outlet
• May or may not be threaded for a hose
• Might lack freeze protection
• Used in a broader range of applications than hose bibs

So, Are They the Same?

In practice, yes — in terminology, not always.

In everyday language, most homeowners call their outdoor water faucet a “spigot” or “hose bib” regardless of technical accuracy. However, there are subtle differences:

Frost-Free Hose Bibs vs. Regular Spigots

One key advantage of many hose bibs—especially in colder climates—is that they come in frost-free varieties. These are designed with a long stem that shuts off water inside the wall, preventing pipes from freezing and bursting in winter.

Traditional spigots, particularly older models, may not have this protection and are more prone to freeze damage unless winterized properly.

Installation & Maintenance

Both hose bibs and spigots are relatively easy to install or replace for someone with basic DIY skills. Here are some tips:

• Shut off the water supply before removing or replacing either.
• Use Teflon tape on threads to prevent leaks.
• For hose bibs, ensure the slope is downward to allow drainage and prevent freezing.
• In colder regions, always consider upgrading to a frost-proof hose bib.

Maintenance for both types involves checking for drips, ensuring the valve seats properly, and winterizing the unit if necessary.

When to Choose One Over the Other

Go with a Hose Bib if:

• You need to attach a garden hose regularly
• You want freeze-resistant options
• You live in an area with varying weather
• You’re doing landscaping, irrigation, or car washing

Go with a Spigot if:

• You just need a basic water outlet
• You’re dealing with non-garden uses (e.g., in a shed or garage)
• You’re using the term generically and not purchasing a specific fitting

Conclusion

While hose bibs and spigots often serve the same function and look similar, there are subtle distinctions that matter—especially when shopping for replacement parts or installing new plumbing fixtures. If you’re connecting a hose, you’ll likely want a hose bib. If you’re working with general plumbing or simply referencing an outdoor faucet, “spigot” is fine.

In the end, the choice often comes down to context, climate, and intended use. Knowing the difference ensures you get the right fixture for the job—and helps avoid those awkward hardware store conversations where you ask for one thing but mean another.