As a homeowner, one of the essential components of your property is the outside faucets. Often referred to as a hose spigot or hose bib, these fixtures play a crucial role in maintaining your outdoor space, from watering your garden to cleaning your car. There are different types of outside faucets, from stainless steel to those with plastic parts, but they pretty much all do the same thing: give you water outside when you need it.
However, it’s important you know what you’re doing when protecting the spigot, especially when it comes to preventing freezing, leaks, and maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we cover the ins and outs of outdoor faucets, empowering you to make informed decisions and ensure the longevity of your plumbing system.
What are the Different Types of Outside Faucets?
Outdoor faucets come in various types, each designed to suit different needs and preferences. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right one for your home.
Traditional Hose Bibs: These are the most common type of outdoor faucets found in homes. They come out from the exterior wall and feature a knob or handle to turn the water on and off. Traditional hose bibs are durable and versatile, making them a popular choice among homeowners.
Frost-Proof Faucets: Also known as freeze-proof or frost-free faucets, these fixtures are designed to prevent freezing during colder months. They feature a long stem that extends into the home, where the shut-off valve is located. By keeping the valve indoors, frost-proof faucets reduce the risk of freezing and bursting pipes.
How to Turn Off Water to Outside Faucets
Knowing how to shut off the water supply to your outdoor faucets is crucial, especially during winter months or when repairs are needed.
Locate the Shut-Off Valve: The shut-off valve for outdoor faucets is typically located inside your home, often in the basement or crawl space. Look for a valve connected to the outdoor faucet’s water line.
Turn the Valve Clockwise: To turn off the water supply, rotate the valve clockwise until it’s fully closed. This action prevents water from flowing to the outdoor faucets, minimizing the risk of freezing and leaks.
How to Winterize Outside Faucets
Winterizing your outdoor faucets is essential to prevent freezing and costly damage to your plumbing system. Before the temperatures drop, disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water. Storing hoses indoors helps prolong their lifespan and prevents damage from freezing temperatures.
Consider installing insulated frost covers over outdoor faucets to provide an additional layer of protection against freezing temperatures. These covers help retain heat and prevent water from freezing inside the pipes.
What is the Difference Between a Spigot and an Outdoor Faucet?
The terms “spigot” and “outdoor faucet” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two. While both terms refer to fixtures for accessing water outdoors, a spigot typically denotes a simple tap or faucet without a valve. On the other hand, an outdoor faucet typically includes a valve mechanism for controlling the flow of water.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) About Outdoor Faucets
How do I prevent outside faucets from freezing?
To prevent freezing, insulate outdoor faucets with frost covers and disconnect hoses before winter.
What should I do if outside faucets freeze?
If outside faucets freeze, turn off the water supply, and apply gentle heat using a hairdryer or heat lamp to thaw the pipes.
How can I fix a leaking outdoor faucet?
Leaking outdoor faucets may require replacing worn-out washers or seals. Turn off the water supply and consult a professional plumber for repairs.
How often should I inspect my outdoor faucets?
Regularly inspect outdoor faucets for signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage. Perform seasonal maintenance before winter to prevent freezing.
Are there any eco-friendly options for outdoor faucets?
Consider installing water-saving fixtures such as low-flow outdoor faucets or drip irrigation systems to conserve water and reduce environmental impact.
Can outdoor faucets be used for hot water?
Outdoor faucets are typically connected to the cold water supply. While it’s possible to install a hot water line outdoors, it requires specialized plumbing and insulation to prevent heat loss and freezing.
Outdoor faucets are essential components of your home’s plumbing system, providing convenience and functionality for various outdoor tasks. By understanding the different types of faucets, proper maintenance techniques, and how to address common issues, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your outdoor water supply.
If you ever have any questions about keeping these items in tip-top shape, let us know. We can help keep things frost free during the winter months. We can also recommend frost-proof materials to protect your water supply and prevent water damage.
Have More Questions? Work With the Experts
When it’s time to repair or replace your outdoor spigot, partner with someone experienced in all aspects of plumbing. This includes outside water faucet plumbing–you want to make sure everything gets done right. That’s why Meticulous Plumbing in Portland is the best choice for maintaining your home’s plumbing system.
We have years of experience working with residential clients on projects ranging from small repairs to major overhauls. Maintaining an outside water faucet is essential for keeping your home safe and functional. It should work properly through all kinds of weather conditions and seasonal changes.
It’s important to understand how outside water faucet plumbing differs from indoor plumbing. This way you can spot any potential problems quickly before they become major problems. When it comes time to repair or replace your outdoor spigot, trust Meticulous Plumbing in Portland, Oregon — the most respected resource for all your plumbing needs.
