Best Freeze Proof Outdoor Faucet (2024 Review)

Last Updated On December 1, 2024

Updated on January 11, 2024

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Best Freeze Proof Outdoor Faucet (2022 Review)

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 look for in the best freeze proof hose bibs?
  • Best outdoor frost free outdoor faucets reviewed!

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Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On December 1, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick: SharkBite 24636LFA Frost Free Sillcock

This hose bib installs quickly and works with a wide range of pipe materials, including PEX, copper, CPVP, and RT. It also includes a mounting flange. 

An air gap air flow prevention system prevents back siphonage. 

It comes with a multi-turn handle. 

Our Top 5 Picks for Product

What's In This Guide?

      What Is The Best Freeze Proof Outdoor Faucet?

      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. 

      Buyers-Guide-for-50-Gallon-Electric-Water-Heaters-USA-usage

      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. 

      Experiencing cold water inside? That’s no good! Read this to resolve the issue of no hot water coming into your house

      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 happenes when you need to remove the easy-to-install sharkbite connectors? Read our guide on how to remove push fit plumbing 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.

      Our #1 Rated Pick: SharkBite 24636LFA Frost Free Sillcock

      This hose bib installs quickly and works with a wide range of pipe materials, including PEX, copper, CPVP, and RT. It also includes a mounting flange. 

      An air gap air flow prevention system prevents back siphonage. 

      It comes with a multi-turn handle. 

      Pros

      • Back siponage prevention
      • Extra long 18” pipe
      • Tested for up to 200 psi and 200°F

      Cons

      • Not rated to work with steel 
      • Handle may be difficult to operate
      • You will need to cut the pipe

      Our #2 Rated Pick: Freeze Miser Freeze Proof Outdoor Faucet Protector

      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. 

      Pros

      • Easy to install
      • Saves water
      • Can attach to a hose

      Cons

      • Short spout drips water on house
      • No backflow preventer
      • Only tested  up to 200 psi

      Our #3 Rated Pick: Prier P-164D04 Quarter-Turn Frost Free Anti-Siphon Outdoor Hydrant

      This hydrant is well-constructed from high–end materials, including brass, and has a high-end handle designed for easy use, even in inclement weather. 

      The 4” spout comes with vacuum breaker technology and connects in heated portion of the home to help prevent freezing. 

      Both ends fit a ½” connection. 

      Pros

      • Sturdy construction with high-end materials
      • Vacuum breaker technology
      • Easy-to-use handle

      Cons

      • Requires ¾” adapter for hose
      • Reports of leaks at vacuum break
      • Intermediate installation

      Our #4 Rated Pick: SUNGATOR Push Fit Frost Free Sillcock, 10″ Anti-Siphon Hydrant

      Use a push connector to attach this wall hydrant to your current pipe fitting in your home’s wall. The tape and disconnect tool come included. 

      The device uses both a backflow preventer and anti-siphon technology to prevent your faucet from freezing.

      A multi-turn handle gives you the ultimate control over how much the value is opened or closed. 

      The brass material connects to copper, PEX, and CPVC pipes. 

      Pros

      • Corrosion-resistant
      • Push connect installation
      • Lead-free

      Cons

      • Not suitable for steel 
      • Plastic connector
      • May lose disconnect tool

      Our #5 Rated Pick: Hometopia Outdoor Faucet Cover for Winter (4 Pack)

      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.

      You will then attach the new spout to the plumbing using a soldering iron or sharkbite connectors. 

      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

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      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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