Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs or sillcocks, can be a convenient way to access water for yards, gardens, and exterior cleaning. However, in climates where temperatures drop below freezing in winter, using regular outdoor faucets can be problematic since the water inside the faucet can freeze and expand, potentially breaking pipes. Freeze-proof, frost-free, or anti-siphon outdoor faucets are designed to prevent this problem by shutting off the water supply from the inside and allowing any water remaining in the faucet to drain out.
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How do freeze-proof outdoor faucets work?
Freeze-proof outdoor faucets work by having a valve deep inside the warm area of the house that shuts off the water supply to the outdoor faucet. This allows the water to drain out of the exposed exterior portion of the pipe, preventing any water from being trapped in the faucet where it could freeze and break the pipe. There are two main types of freeze-proof outdoor faucets:
- Vacuum breaker spigot: This type of faucet has a vacuum sealed valve inside the warm area of the house. When the faucet handle is turned off, the vacuum is released and any remaining water in the exterior portion of the pipe drains out.
- Frost-free sillcock: This type of faucet has a long stem that extends into the warm area of the house. Inside this stem is an automatic drain valve. When the faucet is turned off, the valve opens to drain out any remaining exterior water.
Both types shut off the water supply and drain the exterior portion of the pipe. The key difference is the vacuum breaker spigot uses a manually operated valve, while the frost-free sillcock has an automatic drain valve. But in both cases, no water is left sitting in the exposed outdoor portion of the faucet, preventing freeze damage.
Do they work effectively?
When installed properly, freeze-proof outdoor faucets are very effective at preventing freeze damage. Here are some key factors that allow them to work well:
- Proper installation: The faucet must be solidly anchored to an interior wall that is deep inside the house protection. This allows the stem and valve to be fully within the warm interior space.
- Insulated valve box: High-quality freeze-proof faucets include a foam insulated box surrounding the valve components inside the house. This protects the valve even in very cold exterior wall conditions.
- Vacuum seal: Vacuum breaker valves create a tight seal so when shut off, all water drains from the exterior portion of the pipe.
- Automatic drain: Frost-free sillcocks have automatic drain valves that ensure water is drained every time the faucet is shut off.
- Pipe slope: The exterior pipe should slope downward from the faucet to encourage draining.
With proper installation and design, freeze-proof outdoor faucets effectively shut off the water supply and drain all exterior water anytime the faucet is closed. This prevents pipes from freezing and bursting in cold temperatures.
Considerations
There are a few factors to keep in mind with freeze-proof outdoor faucets:
- Installation cost: They are more expensive to install than regular outdoor faucets since the valve components must be secured deep inside the warm wall of the house.
- Leaking: If the vacuum or automatic drain valve fails, it can leak water into the wall cavity or interior of the home when shut off.
- Freezing at valves: In extremely cold climates, the valves themselves can still freeze if they are not adequately protected inside the home.
- Maintenance: Vacuum seals and automatic drains need occasional maintenance to keep working properly.
Overall, when properly selected for your climate and correctly installed, freeze-proof outdoor faucets are very reliable. But regular inspection and occasional maintenance may be required.
The best freeze-proof outdoor faucet models
Here are some of the top-rated freeze-proof outdoor faucet models:
Woodford Model 19
- Solid brass vacuum breaker valve
- 10-year warranty
- Manual drain
- Insulated box included
Woodford Model 17
- Heavy-duty frost-free sillcock
- Bronze bodied valve
- Self-draining
- 10-year warranty
Arrowhead Brass FB-282
- Lead-free brass
- Pre-assembled valve components
- Foam insulated box
- 1-year warranty
Prier C-164
- Durable zinc and copper construction
- O-ring stem seal
- Foam insulated box included
- 5-year warranty
Be sure to select a model rated for your climate. The level of freeze protection required for warm climates differs from extreme cold regions. Consulting with a plumbing professional is recommended.
Conclusion
When properly installed and maintained, freeze-proof outdoor faucets effectively prevent cold weather pipe damage by shutting off water supply and draining all exterior water. Models with vacuum breaker valves or frost-free automatic drains allow water to drain out of the exterior portion of the faucet. Top-rated brands like Woodford, Arrowhead Brass, and Prier offer reliable freeze prevention for your climate. Considering the installation cost and maintenance requirements, freeze-proof outdoor faucets are a smart investment for homeowners in colder regions.