A frost free outdoor spigot, also known as a frost free faucet or freeze proof faucet, is a type of outdoor water faucet designed to prevent water inside the faucet from freezing during cold weather conditions. Unlike a standard outdoor faucet, a frost free spigot has a long stem that extends through the exterior wall and into the warmer interior space of a building. This allows the vulnerable water-containing components of the faucet to be safely positioned on the warm interior side of the wall, away from freezing exterior temperatures.
Frost free spigots are an important tool for providing outdoor access to running water during cold weather while avoiding burst pipes and other freeze damage. They allow continued use of outdoor taps and hoses during winter without needing to manually shut off and drain water from the system each time. This provides major convenience for tasks like washing cars, watering plants, and more. Below we’ll explore what makes frost free spigots work, the different types available, installation and maintenance tips, and reasons you may want to choose frost free faucets for your home.
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How Do Frost Free Spigots Work?
Frost free spigots work by extending the shaft of the faucet back through the exterior wall, keeping the shutoff valve and other working parts safely on the warmer interior side. This allows water to flow through the wall to the exterior spigot without risking freezing. There are a few key components that enable frost free outdoor faucets to prevent freezing:
– Long stem design – The stem of a frost free spigot that passes through the wall is typically 8-12 inches long. This positions the shutoff valve and working components in the warmer interior space instead of the freezing exterior.
– Vacuum breaker – There is a vacuum breaker at the exterior end of the stem. This allows air in so any water in the exterior spigot or hose can drain out after use. Draining the water prevents it from freezing.
– Interior shutoff valve – On the interior end there is a shutoff valve for manually turning water flow on and off to the spigot. This drainable design and shutoff let all water drain back after use.
– Freeze sleeve – Insulated freeze sleeves are used around the stem where it passes through the wall. This prevents freeze damage at this vulnerable point.
So in summary, frost free spigots use a long stem to position the working parts inside, vacuum breakers to drain out water, and insulation to prevent freezing. This allows leaving exterior spigots on even in freezing weather since the water supply drains out automatically.
Types of Frost Free Spigots
There are two main designs for frost free outdoor faucets:
Woodford Model 25
The Woodford Model 25 is one of the most common. It has a long stem that angles 90 degrees through the wall. At the end is an anti-siphon vacuum breaker and spigot for attaching a hose. This model relies on a drainable design to prevent freezing.
Woodford Model 17
The Woodford Model 17 sits parallel with the wall. It has a backflow preventer rather than just a vacuum breaker. This model has the added advantage of an automatic draining feature. A small amount of water is released through a bleed hole when the faucet is shut off, ensuring full drainage.
Some other features that may vary between models include:
– Spigot design – Some have round spigot ends and others have rectangular spigot ends to fit different hose connectors.
– Materials – Brass, stainless steel, and frost-proof polymers are common material choices.
– Anti-siphon options – May have just a vacuum breaker or full backflow prevention based on code requirements.
– Valve type – May have a ball valve, compression valve, or ceramic disc valve as the interior shutoff.
– Insulation – Some have larger freeze sleeves or foam insulation to provide better freeze prevention.
So in summary, while all frost free spigots have a drainable extended stem design, the exact spigot end design, materials, valves, and insulation details can vary.
Installing Frost Free Spigots
Installing a frost free spigot takes a bit more effort than a standard outdoor faucet. But it’s a straightforward project for a knowledgeable DIYer. Here are the key steps:
Pick an Installation Location
– Choose an exterior wall location that aligns with an accessible interior space. The stem will need a clear path through interior walls.
– Typical height is 18-24 inches above ground. But consider snow depth when positioning height.
– Allow enough exterior clearance for accessing the spigot and attaching hoses.
Drill the Entry Hole
– Drill a 1-1.5 inch hole at the desired faucet location from the inside through exterior wall. Angle hole slightly down.
– Hole should be large enough for spigot stem to pass through.
Install Interior Assembly
– Shut off main water supply and drain lines.
– Attach the interior faucet components to supply lines. Include shutoff valve.
– Seal threads with Teflon tape and tighten.
Install Exterior Assembly
– Feed spigot stem through hole. Attach exterior spigot end.
– Place insulation sleeve over stem where it passes through wall.
– Seal exterior holes with silicone caulk for weatherproofing.
– Attach anti-siphon device to spigot end.
Turn Water Back On
– Slowly turn main water supply back on and test for leaks.
– Open shutoff valve to test faucet and check drainage.
– If leaks occur, tighten connections or re-caulk as needed.
The main steps are choosing an installation site, drilling the entry hole, installing interior and exterior assemblies, and testing operation. With the right tools and care, frost free spigot installation can typically be completed in 60-90 minutes.
Maintaining Your Frost Free Spigot
Like any outdoor faucet, frost free spigots require some periodic maintenance to keep working properly and prevent issues like leaks. Here are some maintenance tips:
– Inspect annually – Check for leaks, loose parts, damage. Repair issues immediately.
– Protect from freezing – Insulate or cover spigot in extreme cold. Avoid attaching hoses when freezing.
– Flush spigot – Turn on full blast in spring to flush sediment from lines.
– Lubricate parts – Use plumber’s grease on o-rings and moving parts if stiff operation.
– Drain spigot – Fully drain water from spigot before winter.
– Check backflow preventer – Clean screen and test backflow device for proper operation.
– Monitor insulation – Make sure insulation sleeve is intact without gaps or tears.
– Consider cut-off switch – Acut-off switch can fully drain water when temperatures drop below a set level.
With occasional inspection for problems and protection from freezing, a quality frost free spigot should provide years of reliable service. Call a plumber for extensive repairs. Annual servicing can prevent more serious issues.
Reasons to Choose Frost Free Spigots
Here are some of the benefits that make frost free spigots a smart choice for many homes:
– Avoid frozen pipe damage – No more burst pipes, cracked fittings, and leaks during winter.
– Prevent exterior faucet shutdown – Keep using outdoor faucets year-round.
– Reduce draining effort – No need to manually shut off and drain exterior taps when freezing looms.
– Gain convenience – Easily wash cars, water plants, fill pools in winter. No need to disconnect hoses.
– Get peace of mind – Don’t worry about frozen or burst pipes when away from home.
– Save money – Prevent costly repairs from freeze damage over standard spigots.
– Increase property value – Frost free spigots add value and sellability to homes.
For most homeowners in colder climates, the advantages of reliable freeze protection and convenience are well worth the small additional cost of choosing frost free outdoor spigots during new construction or replacement projects.
Conclusion
Installing frost free spigots is a smart way to avoid the hassle, damage, and expense of frozen pipes during winter. Their drainable extended stem design is engineered to position vulnerable components safely on the interior side of walls away from freezing temperatures. While requiring a bit more initial installation effort, frost free faucets pay off with years of convenient, worry-free performance in cold conditions. Following proper installation and seasonal maintenance practices will keep your frost free spigots working smoothly year after year. If considering spigot options for new construction or replacement projects, consult with plumbers to decide whether the benefits of frost free models are right for your specific home and climate conditions.
