How to Install an Outdoor Faucet

Do you know what the toughest part of installing a faucet is? That there are too many choices of faucets available in the market. Go to any hardware store or home center and you will understand what this means. The good news though is that with improved design and engineering, many of these new faucet assembly models are relatively easy to install with minimal room for errors. Since we are installing a faucet for the outdoors, make sure that having a frost-proof sill cock and anti-siphon device are taken into consideration. Here are some tips on how to install an outdoor faucet in your home.

Preparing the Layout

Before you begin any installation process, make sure that you measure your existing plumbing. This will be the basis on the layout of the new plumbing line for your outdoor faucet. It will also help you identify the length of pipe and number of fittings that you would need depending on where these parts would go. Take note which parts should be threaded, solvent-welded, or any other features. Take note of the description and size of each part to ensure that you buy the right one.

Normally frost-proof, anti-siphon sill cocks are sold in diameters of ½ or ¾ with lengths of 8, 10, or 12 inches. Which one do you need? You would need to consult with your local plumbing code for that decision. Make sure as well that the length would match with the thickness of the outside wall with a bit of working room inside where the pipe and fittings can be attached.

A good tip to consider is to install a ¾-inch full port ball valve to have an unobstructed flow of water. The handles properly indicate the direction to open or close the valve and there are no neoprene washers that can get worn out. Less worry and more efficiency for your outdoor faucet. In case you cannot find the parts from your local hardware or home center, try to go to plumbing specialty stores.

Doing the Installation

Let us assume that you have made the layout and successfully bought all the necessary parts, it is now time to put everything together. As with any type of plumbing work you do at home, the first step is to always make sure that the water supply is turned off from the main line or the shutoff valve. The next steps are:

• Open the sill cock and make sure that the water is drained from the line;
• By using a pipe wrench positioned at the back of the old sill cock, remove it by turning the pipe wrench in a counterclockwise direction;
• Gently screw in the replacement sill cock and reassemble the rest from the inside;
• Going from the end of the old pipes to the new sill cock, solder the fittings. Make the task easier by soldering copper fitting to copper pipes;
• Screw into the hard-to-sweat components like the sill cock and the ball valve;
• Make sure to solder the coupling last.

Once you have completed these steps, make sure that the pipe hangers are adequately loose to provide maximum movement for the plumbing work of your new outdoor faucet.

The installation of the anti-siphon valve would depend largely on how the sill cock is plumbed. It is important to note that plumbing codes require the permanent installation of anti-siphon valves or sometimes referred to as vacuum breakers. Make sure that the anti-siphon valve you purchase and install has a setscrew that will grip the spout threads or any feature that would make it almost impossible to unscrew the valve once it has been installed.

Are you ready to install a new outdoor faucet in your home? Another option, and perhaps a more sound one is to call Scott English Plumbing and let them do the job for you. Call them today and find out how you can save time and money in getting a new outdoor faucet.