Do you live in an area that gets cold in the winter and need a faucet that can withstand the weather without freezing? A frozen faucet can lead to a number of different problems including a pipe burst.
Avoid all that mess by getting an exterior faucet made for freezing temperatures.
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
What is the best freeze proof outdoor faucet for your house?
How do freeze proof outdoor faucets actually work?
What are the different types of freeze proof faucet options?
What do you lookfor in the best freeze proof hose bibs?
The outdoor faucet located on the exterior of your home is also known as a hose bib, and gives you access to outdoor water often on both sides of the house. Gone are the days of carrying buckets. You simply open the valve to get cold water, or attach a garden hose to the water faucet when you need more reach.
You won’t be able to get hot water out of your hose bib since it’s connected to your cold water supply. This doesn’t pass through your home’s water heater.
In freezing temperatures, these faucets become frozen more quickly than your indoor faucet due to their exposure to the elements, and lack of hot water.
If you live in a location that experiences cold winters, your outdoor faucet may freeze if any water remains in the faucet when temperatures get below freezing. A frozen hose bib can lead to a leak or a burst pipe and extensive water damage repairs.
Whether you live in the North or the South, all states, including Hawaii, all experienced below-freezing temperatures in 2021. You can’t take anything for granted just because you live in a state with traditionally high temperatures.
Some homeowners attach insulation to the hose bib in preparation for winter in the form of an outdoor faucet cover. However, you can eliminate the need for covers or insulation if you install a freeze proof outdoor faucet. It will last for years and produce much better protection against freezing than a regular hose bib.
Since cold weather affects most homes, you may already have a freeze proof hose bib. Old houses may still use a conventional faucet, but most new homes use this new technology (even in the South).
A freeze proof outdoor faucet also prevents water inside the pipe from freezing in a couple of different ways.
How Do Freeze Proof Outdoor Faucets Actually Work?
A freeze proof outdoor faucet may contain an additional metal tube that extends further inside your home than a standard exterior faucet, meaning the shutoff valve is located further inside the home as well.
A standard outdoor faucet, on the other hand, has the valve located behind the spout, allowing water to freeze due to its proximity to the outdoor air.
The deeper placement ensures that water doesn’t reach the outdoor spigot, keeping it warm behind your wall and preventing it from freezing. Most faucet products include a valve that closes when temperatures fall below a certain temperature to prevent backflow.
A frost free faucet may also promote proper drainage so that standing water doesn’t remain in the pipe, preventing the ever-dreaded faucet freeze.
What Are The Different Types Of Freeze Proof Outdoor Faucets?
Anti-Siphon Frost-Free Sillcock
To prevent backflow siphonage thanks to pressure, many freeze proof outdoor faucets use an anti-siphon vacuum breaker in the form of a check valve.
The check valve will close the opening if the system detects a reduction in water pressure. When closed, the water can’t reach the outside temperatures, ensuring it stays warm.
Push To Connect Hose Bib
New connections can make the job easier. To install a hose bib in the past, you used to have to solder the faucet to the pipes.
Many products today still require more in-depth installation. However, advanced products can install quickly using sharkbite connectors.
What Do You Look For In The Best Freeze Proof Hose Bibs?
Handle Type
There are typically three types of handles for your hose bib:
Round Wheel Handle – A round wheel handle is a popular option. You will turn the wheel to the left to open the valve and to the right to close it.
Turn Hose Handle – A ball hose handle provides a lever that turns a quarter of the way for access to a full stream of water.
Outdoor Faucet Handle For Better Grip – These advanced handles are larger and made from easy-to-grip material.
Construction Material
Construction material plays a big role in how long your new faucet will last since it will need to withstand the elements outside. It needs to be able to handle cold weather without freezing but also hot weather and moisture without deteriorating.
Solid brass produces the best results, but stainless steel also holds up well.
A copper pipe can produce adequate results but not as great as solid brass or stainless steel. Furthermore, excessive copper levels in potable water can create a health concern. Avoid products with high amounts of plastic.
Best Products Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
This faucet protector works by using the minimal amount of water, as opposed to the manual drip method that relies on consistent water flow. The method also contributes to personal water conservation efforts.
The attachment installs to your current faucet easily in two simple steps and no tools.
If you’re on a strict budget, use this faucet cover instead of faucet replacement. It’s made from waterproof and anti-freezing oxford fabric that allows you to prevent freezing without breaking the bank.
The outdoor faucet covers measure roughly 7” x 10”, making them significantly larger than most covers.
Install simply with a velcro strap that also gives you the ability to remove and reuse the cover on another faucet.
Pros
Cost-effective
Oxford fabric material
Velcro installation
Cons
Less effective than more expensive options
Difficult to attach to some faucets
Not as much insulation as styrofoam models
Freeze Proof Outdoor Faucet Installation
To attach a freeze proof hose bib you will remove the original spout. You may need to enlarge the hole to accommodate a larger pipe, in some cases.
Carefully install the bib at the best angle to allow for proper drainage (usually 5 degrees). Without proper drainage, the freeze proof faucet won’t work as expected. If you don’t feel comfortable, you may want to enlist the help of a professional plumber.
Final Thoughts On Freeze Proof Outdoor Faucets
A frost free hose bib or wall hydrant allows you to prevent your outdoor plumbing from freezing in the winter. A frozen pipe can result in frustrating and extensive repairs, especially if the pipe bursts.
We hope our review helps you find the best freeze proof faucet for your home before the cold weather comes.
FAQs For Anti Freeze Hose Bib Faucets
How do I protect my outside faucet from freezing?
To prevent your faucet from freezing, install a frost proof faucet or a hose bib cover.
How do I know if my outdoor faucet is freeze-proof?
You will know that your faucet is freeze proof based on the location of the shut off valve and how the faucet reacts in cold weather. You can check the name and model, if visible.
Do freeze-proof faucets work?
With proper installation, freeze proof faucets work extremely well in freezing temperature year after year.
Who makes the best outdoor freeze-proof faucet?
We believe Sharbite makes one of the best outdoor freeze proof faucet thanks to how easy it is to install and its effective vacuum breaker technology.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
