Plumbing can be an intimidating subject for some homeowners. But others have learned through the years that they can take care of more plumbing issues than thought. Putting in or repairing exterior faucets may seem like one of the more easier home maintenance tasks, but the key to any home repair task is knowledge. Do your research before tackling exterior faucet replacement or repair.
Overview
Exterior faucets are the faucets on the outside of a building. When you are searching for information about installing or repairing exterior faucets, an interchangeable term is outdoor faucets. Though exterior faucets are the most likely faucets to freeze in very cold weather, they are also easiest to protect. This article will mention a couple different solutions to protect faucets placed in such a vulnerable area.
Homeowners may also face the task of repairing or replacing exterior faucets for reasons other than cold weather at some point in the life of their house. These tasks can be taken care of by a careful, knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer with the help of useful exterior faucet products.
Review
There are frost-proof faucets that can be bought from venues like hardware stores and departments, plumbing specialty stores, big-box home improvement centers, and even online. These frost-proof faucets can go by several names, including freezeless or frost-proof hose bib, sill cock or faucet.
When you have to replace an exterior faucet for whatever reason, you might want to look into getting a frost-proof model. Ask before you buy if you are unsure whether the faucet is frost-proof. One brand of exterior faucet is Moen, which has several styles available. The Moen Cold Outdoor 8 in. Sill Faucet at Home Depot has a frost-free design even though there is no mention of it in the name. Arrowhead Brass and Plumbing manufactures the 450 series frost-free standard lawn faucets. Simmons Manufacturing makes a no-lead frost-proof yard hydrant. This is a free-standing hydrant and provides water access year-round.
Pros
Frost-proof exterior faucets will protect from the freezing conditions that could lead to burst pipes in wintertime. Regular outdoor faucets are susceptible to extreme cold temperatures because the connection between the supply pipe and the faucet is outdoors where the water traveling through the connection can easily freeze. Most frost-proof faucets are sold at a reasonable price, usually in the range of $25$35.
Cons
Regular exterior faucets cost less than half the cost of frost-proof exterior faucets. You may find you have invested in a frost-free faucet when you could have simply bought a faucet covered specifically designed to insulate outdoor faucets in cold weather for a few dollars. Another con is you will need to take time to gather do-it-yourself information before you install an exterior faucet. You should call your local plumber to be sure of the plumbing regulations relating to exterior faucets in your area. Your supply pipes may need to be a certain diameter in size and you may need an approved shut-off valve and vacuum breaker. You should know plumbing regulations before buying a faucet because you may need special materials.
Replacing and maintaining exterior faucets are two of the many obligations of home ownership. Do-it-yourselfers should feel confident fulfilling these obligations themselves after they have learned all they need to know about exterior faucet plumbing. Don’t hesitate to use the advice of local plumbers and experts at the home improvement or hardware store of your choice. You will find exterior faucets and related parts at these stores so you can go home with the knowledge and the materials necessary to complete the task.
