When selecting outdoor faucets for your home, there are many types to choose from. Whether you need something basic and reliable or want to add a unique flair, here is all the information you should consider regarding different options available.
Spigots are a widely-used outdoor faucet, and many homes have them installed in their backyards. These spigots feature a compression valve that tightens and loosens to regulate water flow when the handle is turned.
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Spigots
Spigots are outdoor faucets that connect directly to the water supply line. They’re commonly used for attaching garden hoses, but can also be employed for filling buckets or other containers with water.
Spigots are typically made of brass or plastic and can be purchased for less than $20 at most home improvement stores. Additionally, they come in various finishes such as stainless steel or chrome.
Freeze-proof outdoor faucets are another viable option for homeowners living in regions prone to freezing temperatures. Similar to hose bibs, these fixtures extend long enough to reach the water line but feature an internal shutoff valve to avoid leaks or other plumbing mishaps.
Two types of freeze-proof faucets exist: rigid thermal foam and flexible insulated bags. The former traps heat that naturally radiates through the interior pipes to the spigot, while the latter utilizes a flexible insulated bag that fits over the spigot like a sock to keep out cold air.
If your spigot has a leak, it is imperative that you take the necessary steps to repair it quickly. Leaking outdoor faucets can cause significant property damage and costly repairs. To prevent a leak from arising, check and clean the washers on your spigot regularly; additionally, purchase a faucet cover to keep piping from freezing, expanding, or rupturing.
Kitchen Faucets
An outdoor kitchen faucet is a special type of faucet designed for outdoor use, typically more powerful than indoor faucets and featuring an eye-catching design to complement the aesthetic of your outdoor kitchen.
When selecting outdoor faucets, it’s essential to choose one that meets your requirements. For instance, stainless steel models are known for their resistance to corrosion while chrome plating or solid brass are other popular choices.
Another great option is brushed nickel, which gives your outdoor kitchen a warmer, matte appearance. However, this material tends to be more costly than other options available.
You can find faucets that swivel and feature a pull-down sprayer, ideal for outdoor kitchens with smaller sinks as they save space without compromising functionality.
Some of these faucets are touchless, making it simple to wash hands or rinse dishes without leaving behind a mess. This feature comes in handy if you have an outdoor grill station.
When selecting a faucet, the type you select has an immense effect on its lifespan. For instance, make sure your outdoor faucet can withstand temperature changes as seasons change so you don’t need to replace it too soon.
Shower Faucets
Outdoor showers are an eye-catching and practical addition to pool areas or backyards, adding visual interest. Families may use them by the pool for post-swim rinses, while others place them near their back door so residents can quickly rinse off after working out.
Showers come in two varieties: The hand-held style has a flexible pipe that allows you to direct the flow of water around your body, perfect for rinsing off beach towels, paddle boards and other gear and equipment.
Another option is a wall-mounted model, which is much easier to access. These typically measure 3-6 feet wide (0.9 to 1.8 meters) and can be constructed out of weather-resistant wood or tile.
When designing an outdoor shower, plumbing is a major consideration. A straightforward cold-water hose system works best; fixed pipes require permits from your city or county and require more expertise.
Outdoor shower fixtures can be constructed from a range of materials, but stainless steel is generally considered the best choice due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. Brass and copper also look attractive with their natural patinas; chrome on the other hand is more budget friendly but may require more cleaning efforts and be damaged due to scratches or chipping.
Hose Bibs
Outdoor hose bibs are commonly used to connect garden hoses or other water outlets to the main supply. They’re an integral part of any home and required by building codes.
They serve as vacuum breakers, stopping excess water from entering the house or draining from the plumbing system. Typically located outdoors, they’re easy to install or replace if needed.
Hose bibs, one of the oldest outdoor faucets still used today, operate by pushing down a rubber washer when you shut off the spigot. While this system has served us well for many years, eventually, its seal can wear down and let water escape.
Preventing freezing in pipes connected to your hose bib is the best way to protect them before cold weather arrives. This annual maintenance task should be completed before temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it comes to hose bibs, there are plenty of options. Standard hose bibs, frost-free bibs and loose-key bibs all exist; which one works best for your needs depends on climate and budget. Frost-free bibs offer protection in cold climates while loose-key bibs let you control who has access to the hose.
Yard Hydrants
Yard hydrants are outdoor faucets that let you connect a garden hose to water your backyard garden. They’re an ideal option for those who want to grow various plants and flowers without having to constantly haul out long lengths of garden hose.
Yard hydrants are frequently used in campgrounds and other locations without a centralized water source. This allows you to have a hydrant conveniently situated, such as in the middle of your campsite or near a pond.
One of the greatest advantages of fire hydrants is their ease of maintenance. They require minimal digging and usually self-draining and frost proof, allowing you to use them year round in colder climates.
You have a wide range of brands and styles to suit your needs. Some feature plungers, while others use O-rings. However, the O-ring type tends to wear out faster and is harder to replace, so check the label on your yard hydrant for information regarding its plunger design before making a purchase.
Selecting an outside hydrant that meets your individual requirements is essential to keep your property looking its best and to ward off potential damage from pranksters or vandals. If you’re uncertain which kind of hydrant will do the trick for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts for more information and the perfect product for your residence.
Wheel Faucets
Wheel faucets are outdoor faucets featuring a wheel-shaped valve or handle. These fixtures help regulate water pressure and flow more effectively, making them popular for watering gardens and lawns.
These faucets can be an ideal choice for people with disabilities or the elderly, as their large indentations make it easier to grip the handle securely.
These faucets tend to be more costly than other types of outdoor faucets due to the need for stronger materials that can withstand weather changes. Some even feature anti-siphon features to prevent water from backing up into the supply pipe.
If your area experiences cold temperatures below freezing, frost-proof outdoor faucets are another option. These taps are built to withstand extreme cold and may feature metal or plastic handles for extra grip.
Installing a wall hydrant or yard hydrant can give you convenient access to remote areas of your property, like gardens. These hydrants are connected to underground water sources and feature anti-siphon features which prevent them from siphoning water into indoor pipes and leading to pollution and contamination.
Ball Valve Faucets
When selecting a way to control the water flow at your outdoor faucet, ball valves are an excellent option. These common types of valves are found in home plumbing systems and offer several advantages over other styles.
Ball valves are great for homeowners with arthritis or other physical limitations because they can completely shut off or start the water flow with just a quarter turn of their handle. Not only is this convenient, but it’s also energy-saving as they require only 1/4 turn to shut off.
Another advantage of these valves is their superior resistance to freezing temperatures compared to other outdoor faucets. However, in order to install a frost-proof faucet, you will need to cut the water supply pipe at its end where the faucet connects in order to make modifications.
In addition to controlling water flow, these valves also prevent backflow into your home’s water supply. This feature is essential for safeguarding both safety and health in your family.
Ball valves boast several advantages over other valve types, including being more cost-effective and durable. Furthermore, they tend to prevent water hammer – the phenomenon where sudden changes in water flow affect pipes – from occurring.