The maintenance of the outdoor area is essential for neat and clean exterior space and to maintain the area, you may need several things. One such item is the faucet. Faucet helps in watering the garden, washing vehicles and removing debris from the driveway. If you have moved to a new house that doesn't have a faucet in the outdoor area, plan to install one. In this article, we discuss more options and the factors to consider before choosing the faucet.
Tips to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Faucets
An outdoor faucet is a functional element that requires wise selection depending on several factors discussed below:
Cost of Installation
Faucet installation in the outdoor area is an easy task. An experienced plumber can install it easily if the plumbing source from the main line is connected to the faucet's location. However, when it comes to installing a yard hydrant, it's costly and complex. The cost varies depending on the type of faucet.
Easy to Use
Before deciding on the faucet, be sure as to who will use it. For example, if you have kids at home, installing faucets with a round twist-style handle might be a good idea. Whereas, with elderly or someone with a disability, the same faucet will be a wrong choice because elderly people can't use it easily.
Extent of Maintenance and Longevity
Always select a low-maintenance and durable faucet for the outdoor area of the house. However, no matter what you choose, regular cleaning of debris from the handle and valves is always required. As the winter season approaches, it's important to flush the pipes and then close them to avoid bursting and freezing.
Backflow Water Prevention Mechanism
A backflow preventer is a device attached to the outdoor faucet to prevent water from flowing backward into the system and polluting the water supply. Hence, it's essential to attach a backflow preventer to the outdoor faucet.
Design and Finish
The style and finish of almost all the faucets are similar. However, expensive faucets are available in more designs. Decide the desired style you want to have in the outdoor area and select the faucet accordingly.
Consider Climate
Climate is one of the most important factors to consider. You should only opt for frost-free faucets when living in extremely colder regions. At the same time, spigots are not an option for cold weather.
Budget
Another important factor to consider is budget. All your choices and preferences undoubtedly are of utmost importance, but they should be under the proposed budget.
Can Spigots and Outdoor Faucets Be Used Interchangeably?
Though both terms are used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. A spigot is a simple tap without a valve, whereas outdoor faucets have a valve to control the water flow.
Different Outdoor Water Spigots/Faucets
There are multiple outdoor faucets, and all have distinct names and features. Here is the list of types of outdoor faucets:
Spigot
It is one of the simplest and most commonly used faucets in residential properties, as it is easy to attach a hose to water plants in the garden. Spigot has an internal compression valve to block the water flow when the handle is turned on. The other advantages are- that it can be easily attached to automatic sprinklers, is highly durable as it is made of steel or brass, and is easy to repair in case of leaks.
The disadvantage is that it is prone to harsh weather conditions. It can freeze during the winter.
Frost-Free
These faucets are best suited for colder climates as faucets don't freeze. It is designed with a downward angle to allow water to drain to prevent freezing. Another reason for its frost-free features is that the water control valve is connected to water pipes inside the house. The pipe inside the house remains at room temperature and prevents freezing.
The disadvantage is that it is costly compared to spigot outdoor faucets.
Hose Bibb
It uses a compressor valve that controls the water flow. The water flow is controlled when the hose bibb is in the off position. It is highly durable as it is made of brass, plastic, steel or cast iron. It is cost-effective and can be easily attached to hoses.
The disadvantages are- it is prone to freezing and leaks.
Yard Hydrant
These faucets are used in regions with extremely low water pressure. It requires plumbing from the home to the yard hydrant's location. It is mostly used in rural areas and farmlands.
The disadvantage is that it is difficult to install, expensive, and not suitable for yards located far from the residence.
Ball Valve
It has a spherical valve to control the water flow. It is suitable for hot and cold climates owing to its resistance to extreme temperatures and is also the best fit for high-pressure applications. It is a low-maintenance option.
The disadvantage is that it doesn't have much control over the water flow.
Anti-Siphon
As the name suggests, it does not allow water to flow backward into the pipe and prevent contamination. These faucets are the best choice when connected to a drinking water supply. In some of the municipalities, it is mandatory to have anti-siphon valves.
The disadvantage is that it could be costly.
Conclusion
Selecting an outdoor faucet is a functional requirement. It requires a detailed understanding of the types of faucets to see their compatibility with your requirements. Hence, compare the pros and cons of the different types of outdoor faucets and decide the one you would prefer.