Why did water come onto hardwood floor of finished walkout basement after using the garden hose the first time in spring (mid May)? Temperature has been above freezing for about a month and the hose bib pipe was drained in the fall and the water was shut off over the winter. If the pipe froze and burst over the winter wouldn't there have been a leak before the garden hose was used? How do I locate where the damaged pipe is? There was not any visible water entry from the wall or ceiling only on the floor and the garden pipe runs at the ceiling height from the main water shut off. Your response and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, OCF worried.

Why did water come onto hardwood floor of finished walkout basement after using the garden hose the first time in spring (mid May)?

Because pipe burst inside the wall and water is running down the inside of the wall to the floor level.


hose bib pipe was drained in the fall and the water was shut off over the winter.

BUT, did you open the bleeder valve on the side of the stop valve when you turned the water off for the winter? You must open the bleeder valve to let air into the pipe in order for the water in the pipe to drain out. If you don't open the bleeder valve, the water won't drain out of the pipe.



Harold,
The Left Handed Widget Maker

Did you actually see where the water was coming out? I doubt that a pipe is broken if you drained the line like you said. Could be a bad washer in the garden hose but you'd be able to see that so please reply.