The 7 Types Of Outdoor Faucets: Choose the Best Fit for Your Home’s Yard or Washing Needs

Outdoor faucets serve many purposes: they provide water to your vegetable garden, help you attach a hose so you can wash your car, or even allow you to fill up the kiddie pool with water during the hot summer months. Because having a source of water outside has many benefits, there are many different types of outdoor faucets to choose from, each with their own pros and cons.

1. Spigot

A spigot faucet follows the old adage, “righty tighty, lefty loosey,” as it is controlled by a compression valve that opens when turned to the right and closes when turned to the left. These are common faucets used to connect hoses or sprinklers or to fill up buckets and other containers, as they have a wider mouth than most other faucets.

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Most outdoor spigots are not freeze-proof and must be turned off and drained before cold weather arrives. In addition, they can become damaged over time from freezing temperatures.

If your outdoor spigot is leaking or difficult to turn, it might be time to replace it. Replacing a spigot is an easy DIY task that most people can handle in an hour or so.

Best for: Homeowners in warmer climates; those with small-to-medium-sized yards

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2. Hose Bibb

Hose Bibb faucets rely on a compression valve to control the flow of water. They are often used in conjunction with garden hoses, as they have a threaded connection that can be screwed onto the end of a hose—this is what differentiates them from traditional spigots. A washer controls the water flow when the hose bibb is off. Hose bibbs can be made from brass, aluminum, plastic, steel, or cast iron; you can opt to add weatherproof elements to them, but like spigots, hose bibbs are not freeze-proof.

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Best for: Avid gardeners; homeowners in warmer climates

3. Yard Hydrant

A yard hydrant consists of an underground pipe that emerges two or three feet above the ground’s surface, accompanied by a valve designed for water release. Unlike home-connected fixtures, yard hydrants find utility in regions with limited water access, such as rural areas or places with insufficient water pressure. Moreover, they prove invaluable in furnishing water to expansive yards positioned too far from the residence for a feasible hose connection.

Setting up yard hydrants, while straightforward, necessitates a plumbing extension from the home to the chosen hydrant location, all of which must lie below the frost line.

Best for: Homeowners with large plots of land that need distinct water sources; those in rural locations; those with lower water pressure

4. Ball Valve

The ball valve faucet typically has a long lever handle that easily controls the flow of water. The lever controls a hollow ball inside of the faucet, so when the lever is in the on position, the ball allows water to flow through. The simple design allows water to be turned on quickly and easily.

Ball valve faucets are usually made of brass or stainless steel, making them durable, able to withstand rain and snow, and easy to install. In addition, they are simple to clean as they have a removable head to wipe out any debris or dirt that gets stuck inside.

Best for: Homeowners who need higher water output

5. Frost-free

Frost-free, or frost-proof faucets are designed to withstand freezing temperatures, snow, and frost as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 degrees Celsius), making them a good choice if you live in a cold climate.

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These outdoor faucets usually come with a metal pipe that runs into your home and connects to other pipes. The indoor pipe has a valve that allows you to control the flow of water—when the valve is shut, the faucet completely empties of water; this design prevents water inside the pipes and faucet from freezing. You can buy frost-free faucets with one or two handles, which are often made from metal or plastic.

Best for: Homeowners in colder climates

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6. Anti-siphon

Anti-siphon, or “non-siphon,” faucets prevent water from backtracking into the water supply line. If, for instance, your garden hose had been sitting in a puddle and the pressure drops, the water flowing back from the puddle into the water supply line could contaminate your home’s water. The anti-siphon function is activated when the flow of water goes beyond a certain amount, usually one gallon per minute. Many new constructions are required to have anti-siphon valves in their faucets to meet plumbing codes; they are often used in bathroom and kitchen faucets in addition to outdoor ones. Check with a local faucet expert to determine if you need anti-siphon valves installed.

Best for: Most homeowners of newer constructions—many new plumbing codes require faucets to have anti-siphon components

7. Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen faucet is one that is connected to a kitchen setup—outdoor kitchen designs are growing in popularity as they offer a way to prepare food and drinks for guests or wash dishes while enjoying the sunshine. Outdoor kitchen faucets are often designed to withstand extreme weather and have higher flow rates than indoor kitchen faucets.

Make sure to look for a faucet with a stainless steel finish; stainless steel is rust-resistant and can handle the elements better than other materials. You should also look for a waterproof option, to prevent wear and tear from common use. Your outdoor kitchen faucet will likely be an additional faucet specifically for tasks you do in a sink, while you’ll need another to handle things like watering the garden, washing the car, etc.

Best for: Homeowners who like to entertain or cook outside; those who have other faucets for gardening and other outdoor tasks

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor