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A spigot and an outdoor faucet are essentially the same thing. Spigot is a catch-all that can describe any type of faucet or tap that controls water flow to an output like a garden hose or sink. There are different types of faucets and valves, with hose bibs being one of the most common in North American home exteriors.

You shouldn’t shower while a sump pump isn’t working. Although household wastewater isn’t supposed to go into the sump pit, it’s best to wait to shower until your sump pump is running properly and able to move excess water out of the basement. If you need to shower when the sump pump isn’t working, aim for a short shower.

Yes, pipes can freeze during the winter months. If temps dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for six or more hours, your insulated pipes are more at risk, while uninsulated pipes can freeze if temps fall below 32 degrees for around 12 hours. Exterior pipes are more likely to freeze than interior pipes. The best way to prevent freezing pipes is by insulating your pipes, keeping your home’s temperature above 55 degrees, opening cabinets and doors containing pipes to promote circulation, dripping faucets, and disconnecting hoses.

To file a claim against a plumber, you’ll need to contact their liability insurance company. You can ask your plumber for information about their insurer, or you can refer to the documentation you collected before you hired them. Let the company know you need to file a claim, and they’ll provide you with the next steps. Alternatively, you can ask your homeowner’s insurance company to help you file.