Watering and hoses
Hose bib vs spigot vs sillcock
If you have searched for parts for your outdoor tap, you have probably met four names for it: hose bib, spigot, sillcock and outdoor faucet. In everyday use they often mean the same thing, but there are small differences.
Updated 26 Oct 2026 · Facts checked against the sources at the end.
The words
| Word | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Hose bib (or bibb) | A faucet with a threaded outlet made for attaching a garden hose |
| Spigot | A general word for a tap or faucet; in the US often used for the outdoor tap |
| Sillcock | An outdoor faucet mounted through the wall of the house, near the sill plate |
| Frost-free sillcock | A sillcock whose valve sits inside the heated wall, so the outside part drains when you turn it off |
| Outdoor faucet / outside tap | Plain-English name for any of the above |
Which one do you have?
- If the handle sits on a short body right against the wall, it is likely a standard sillcock.
- If the pipe runs a long way into the wall behind the handle (you may see a long body from the basement side), it is likely a frost-free sillcock.
- If it has a small cap or dome on top, it has a built-in vacuum breaker to stop backflow; see backflow preventers.
Why the frost-free type matters
On a frost-free sillcock, the valve, seat and washer sit well inside the wall. When you close it, the water left in the outer part drains out, as long as the pipe slopes slightly down toward the outside. A hose left attached in winter can trap that water, so remove hoses before freezing weather even on frost-free taps. See garden hose winter care.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hose bib the same as a spigot?
In everyday use, yes. A hose bib is an outdoor tap with a hose thread; spigot is a general word for a tap. Both are used for the outdoor faucet.
What is a sillcock?
An outdoor faucet mounted through the house wall. A frost-free sillcock has its valve inside the warm wall so the outside part drains.
Do frost-free faucets need a hose removed in winter?
Yes. A connected hose can stop the faucet from draining, and trapped water can freeze and split the pipe inside the wall.
Related
Sources
- Structure Tech: How to winterize your outside faucets
- Colorado State University Extension: Home Sprinkler Systems, Backflow Prevention Devices
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.