Is there an outside water faucet that doesn’t freeze?

Having access to an outdoor water faucet is incredibly convenient for tasks like washing cars, watering plants, or filling pools. However, in climates where temperatures drop below freezing in the winter, outdoor faucets can be damaged by frozen water inside the pipe. This results in no water flow and leaks once the pipe thaws. Thankfully, there are options for outdoor faucets that resist freezing even in frigid conditions.

What causes outdoor faucets to freeze?

Outdoor faucets are vulnerable to freezing because some of the pipe containing water is exposed to cold exterior temperatures. When water inside the pipe drops below 32°F, it expands as it turns to ice. This expansion puts pressure on the pipe and can cause cracks or splits. Once the ice thaws, these cracks lead to leaks and water damage.

The most common types of outdoor faucets have a hollow cavity inside the faucet body itself. This cavity is directly connected to the water supply line. Cold air can penetrate the faucet body and freeze any water sitting in this cavity. This stops water flow completely and often causes permanent faucet damage.

Options for freeze-proof outdoor faucets

There are three main options for outdoor faucets that resist freezing:

Frost-proof sillcocks

Frost-proof sillcocks (also called freeze-proof or anti-siphon faucets) are designed so that no water sits in the faucet body itself. The shutoff valve is located 8-12 inches behind the wall instead of inside the faucet. This means only the stub-out end of the pipe is exposed to freezing temperatures.

These sillcocks often have a longer nozzle and operate with a compression seal rather than washers. When winterizing, the valve is shut off inside and the stub-out is left open to drain. As long as no water remains in the exposed pipe, this design resists freeze damage.

Freeze-resistant compression faucets

These faucets have an exposed stem and seat washer similar to a typical sillcock. However, the hollow faucet body has been redesigned to prevent water from collecting inside.

The body is sloped so water drains out automatically after use. Shutting off the interior valve and opening the faucet allows any remaining water to drain out before freezing temps arrive. Freeze-resistant compression faucets are durable and easy to repair.

Indoor shut-off faucets

Faucets with an indoor shut-off have a valve in the basement or crawlspace connected to an outdoor pipe. Since the actual faucet body is not outside, it can’t freeze. The outdoor pipe is sloped to allow drainage.

For winter, the indoor valve gets closed and the outdoor pipe opens to drain. This protects all the working faucet components from freeze damage. A disadvantage is that the faucet must be turned on and off from inside rather than at the outdoor faucet itself.

Key tips for preventing outdoor faucet freezes

Even freeze-proof faucet designs can fail if not winterized properly. Here are some key tips for getting outdoor faucets ready for winter:

– Shut off the interior water supply valve and open the outdoor faucet to drain. Leave it open throughout winter.

– Detach and drain any hoses or other accessories attached to the faucet.

– Cover the outdoor faucet with an insulated faucet cover.

– Wrap outdoor pipes with heat tape or pipe insulation if they will be exposed to freezing temps.

– Install faucet insulation inside wall cavities exposed to the cold.

– Caulk any openings around pipes leading outdoors.

– Consider installing a freeze-proof sillcock designed for cold climates.

Signs your outdoor faucet is frozen

How can you tell if your outdoor faucet has frozen? Here are some telltale signs:

– No water comes out when the faucet is turned on.

– The faucet handle is stiff and difficult to move.

– There is visible ice or frost buildup on the faucet body.

– Icicles are dripping from the faucet or pipes.

– You hear the pipe hammer or bang when water starts flowing.

– Water leaks out around the handle or spout.

– You notice damage like cracks or splits in the faucet or pipe.

If your faucet is frozen, do not attempt to thaw it with an open flame. This can damage the pipe and faucet. Your safest option is using a hair dryer or waiting for warmer weather.

Alternatives if your faucet does freeze

If you find your outdoor faucet is frozen, there are a couple options:

– Use an alternate water source like an indoor faucet or neighbor’s outdoor faucet until it thaws.

– Temporarily connect a garden hose to an indoor faucet and run it outdoors.

– Pour warm (not boiling) water over the frozen section of pipe to gradually thaw ice blockages.

– Use a hair dryer on the low setting to gently heat frozen components. Avoid heating too rapidly to prevent pipe and faucet cracks.

– Be patient and wait for warmer weather if there are no urgent water needs. Shut off the water supply indoors so a leak doesn’t occur when thawing happens.

– Call a plumber to replace the faucet with a freeze-proof model if it’s damaged.

Preventing future outdoor faucet freezes

If your outdoor faucet has frozen this year, there are things you can do to help prevent freezing in the future:

– Have a plumber replace it with a frost-proof sillcock designed for cold climates.

– Better insulate any water pipes leading outdoors.

– Caulk or foam any openings around the pipe where cold air can enter.

– Disconnect and drain garden hoses during winter months.

– Install pipe heating tape and insulated pipe covers.

– Make sure the faucet interior valve is completely closed before temps drop.

– Maintain faucet insulation inside the wall cavity and exterior pipe coverings.

– Shut off the interior water supply and open the outdoor faucet to drain before freezing weather arrives.

Choosing the best outdoor faucet for cold climates

If you live in an area with sub-freezing winter temps, choose an outdoor faucet built to resist freezing:

Recommended features

– Frost-proof/freeze-proof/anti-siphon design

– Shutoff valve located deeper inside away from cold

– Sloped body to fully drain water

– Durable brass or copper construction

– Longer, freeze-resistant nozzle and handle

– Compression seal system with no washers

Top-rated freeze-proof faucet brands

– Woodford: Reliable, durable brass freeze-proof sillcocks made in the USA.

– Prier: Well-designed frost-free faucets at lower price points.

– Arrowhead Brass: Heavy-duty commercial grade anti-siphon faucets.

– Jones Stephens: Broad range of freeze-proof faucets for residential and commercial use.

– Dynasty Hardware: Affordable frost-free faucets with industrial grade metal construction.

Costs

Basic freeze-proof sillcocks start around $30-60. High-end commercial models are $90-150. Installation costs $100-250 if a plumber is needed.

Conclusion

Freezing temperatures can certainly cause problems for outdoor faucets. But freeze-proof sillcock designs prevent the pipe water supply from being exposed to winter conditions inside the faucet body. Combined with proper winterization steps, these faucets allow continued outdoor water access even in cold climates. Investing in a freeze-resistant outdoor faucet suitable for your climate can save the headache of frozen pipes down the road.