Outdoor water faucets are fixtures that supply water from an outdoor hose connection. The faucet is submerged or mounted through an outside wall, and a shut-off valve regulates the water pressure flow.
Outdoor faucets are built to endure weather conditions. They can be used in spas, swimming pools, and other outdoor spaces requiring waterproof maintenance. Solid brass and stainless steel are only a few materials used to make outdoor faucets. To assist in stopping leaks, many outdoor faucets feature rubber washers on their base. Additionally, different finishes are available for outdoor faucets, including chrome, bronze, brass, and copper.
If you are looking for an outdoor faucet, you have come to the right place. We will review some of the best outdoor faucets and tell you all you need to know about them.
How We've Made Our Selection
We thoroughly researched all the available outdoor faucets on the market. We looked at all the available faucets and chose the ones that offered the best value for money. As our final selection criteria, we looked at customer reviews for durability. We have shortlisted four outdoor faucets, which we will now review.
Best Hydrant & Freeze-less Design- 1. Aquor House Hydrant
Best Installation- 2. SharkBite Hose Bibb Faucet
Best All-Brass Design- 3. EZ-FLO Irrigation Hose Bibb
Best Copper Freeze-less Design- 4. Woodford Wall Faucet
4 Best Outdoor Faucets
What We Love
- Easy hose connection with a leak-proof push and twist mechanism.
- Foam covers are unnecessary when you have Aquor due to the sub-zero freeze protection of up to -30° Fahrenheit, and it is a frost-free outdoor faucet.
- Its structure is made of sturdy, 100 percent lead-free stainless steel and crush-proof polymer.
What to Keep in Mind
- It is pricer than other outdoor faucets.
The Aquor House Hydrant is a frost-free outside faucet with a simple push-and-twist, leak-free mechanism that lets you quickly connect the garden hose. There is no requirement for a foam faucet cover because it offers protection from sub-zero freeze up to -30° F.
It is 100 percent lead-free stainless steel, and a crush-proof polymer is produced. The Aquor house hydrant includes four mounting screws, a dark grey straight hose connector, an 8-inch stem, and a 3.75 inches overall length.
It is a wall-mounted faucet with a lever handle and a single-hole installation method.
What We Love
- Sharkbite Hose Bibb outdoor faucet offers an instant push-fit connection for improved usability.
- This hose bibb faucet does not require glue, clamps, unions, or soldering at the time of fitting.
- It connects tubes in any arrangement and has a sturdy design.
What to Keep in Mind
- Crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing the fitting to ensure a proper and leak-free connection.
The simplest way to install new or replace hose bibbs is with the SharkBite, a brass push connecting a 45° multi-turn hose bibb. Sharkbite hose bibb has a valve ideal for hydronic and potable water applications that require a shut-off.
This faucet can even be rotated after assembly for simpler installation in confined places. SharkBite brass push multi-turn hose bibb's innovative design is rapid and easy to install and enables rapid without the need for tools.
What We Love
- Features 1/2 inch MIP and MHT connections for compatibility with various hoses and pipes.
- Made from durable brass to withstand harsh weather conditions and resist rust and corrosion.
- Has a simple, easy-to-use design that allows for quick and easy connections to your outdoor water supply, making it a convenient and reliable solution for irrigation needs.
What to Keep in Mind
- It's important to understand the specific needs of your outdoor water supply and ensure that the hose bibb's connections and specifications are compatible with your existing plumbing.
The EZ-FLO Irrigation Hose Bibb is a durable and reliable solution for your outdoor irrigation needs.
Its brass construction ensures it can withstand harsh weather conditions and resist rust and corrosion for long-lasting performance. The hose bibb features both 1/2 inch MIP and MHT connections, making it compatible with a wide range of hoses and pipes for easy and convenient use.
The simple design and easy-to-use functionality, makes the EZ-FLO Irrigation Hose Bibb a great addition to any outdoor water supply.
What We Love
- Designed to prevent freezing in cold temperatures for year-round use.
- Features an integral backflow preventer to protect your water supply from contamination and ensure safe and clean water.
- Made from heavy-duty materials for long-lasting performance in outdoor environments.
What to Keep in Mind
- Proper installation is crucial to ensuring its freeze-less design and anti-siphon protection work effectively. Ensure to follow all manufacturer instructions and local plumbing codes, and consider seeking the help of a professional plumber if needed.
The Woodford Wall Faucet is reliable and durable for outdoor water needs. Its freezeless design ensures it can be used year-round without worrying about freezing in cold temperatures.
The integral backflow preventer protects your water supply from contamination, ensuring safe and clean water for your outdoor activities.
Made from heavy-duty materials, this wall faucet is built to last in harsh outdoor environments. The Woodford Faucet is a great addition to any outdoor water supply with its easy-to-use design and dependable performance.
Types of Outdoor Faucets
There are two categories of outdoor faucets. The first one is traditional, and the other is modern.
Traditional outdoor faucets or traditional spigots are made primarily of copper or iron and are intended to be utilized when you don't have access to municipal water. They can also be used with a hose, but permanent plumbing code is not their primary use.
Modern outdoor faucets are composed of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel. They have a more streamlined form than conventional outdoor faucets and frequently have a modern appearance that complements contemporary residences.
Below are the top 7 most commonly available standard outdoor faucets.
Outdoor Spigot Faucets:
Spigot faucets are most commonly utilized for outdoor use, like watering a garden or grass. They feature a valve that regulates the water pressure flow and is connected to a water supply line. Since they are not freeze-proof, most outdoor spigots must be shut off and drained before the arrival of cold weather. Outdoor spigots are typically strong, but with time, corrosion or freezing conditions may cause damage.
Spigots are frequently found on residential properties because they make it simple to use a watering hose to irrigate gardens and plants. The ability to connect hose spigots to an automatic sprinkler system makes them extremely practical. It is easy to install garden hoses to spigot faucets. Spigots are also simple to use with a lawn sprinkler system.
Utility Sinks:
Utility sinks include a drain hole in the bottom for straightforward cleanup after use and are larger than spigots. Utility sinks come in various sizes, from little buckets containing only one gallon to large 55-gallon barrels holding hundreds of gallons of water.
Hose Bib Outdoor Faucet:
Hose bib faucets use a compression valve to regulate water pressure flow. When the tap is turned off, a washer is tightened against the valve opening to control the water flow. The faucet handle is mostly made of plastic or rubberized covering for improved grip. Hose bibs are not freeze-proof, and a frost-free outdoor faucet, like a spigot tap, makes them more prone to damage. Usually, these faucets require more frequent replacement.
Standard hose bibs and outdoor faucets can be attached to garden hoses quickly. It comes in various durable materials, like cast iron, brass, or aluminum. Hose Bibs have a sturdy construction of metal, which makes them durable.
Yard Hydrant:
Yard hydrants are used to supply water for irrigation in yards and gardens. A valve that can be opened to release water is located on a pipe that is buried in the ground. They also serve other uses, like extinguishing fires. You can find these hydrants in your home, neighborhood, and open spaces. They are frequently used to supply water for outdoor use and activities like gardening. Yard hydrants are often easy to install by homeowners and require minimal maintenance compared to other kinds of water supply.
Ball Valve Faucets:
A common type of outdoor faucet that has been around for a long time is the ball valve tap. It is constructed of stainless steel or solid brass and is easy to install. The ball valve tap is a terrific option for your home because it has some unusual features.
A ball is used to control the water flow in a ball valve tap as a form of shut-off valve. The ball moves to open or close the valve when the lever is turned. Ball valve faucets are used in many different ways, including chemical processing, plumbing, and the making of automobiles. They may be modified to function with various materials and are ideally suited for usage in high-pressure systems.
Anti-Siphon Faucets:
These faucets feature a mechanism that stops water from returning through the water pipes from the indoor faucet. It's an excellent concept to ensure your outdoor faucet is anti-siphoning. If you use your home's faucets as a source of drinking water, it can help prevent contaminated water from getting into your kitchen tap. Your outdoor faucet's standing water is vulnerable to bacteria or dirt that could get into the water supply through the spigot's mouth.
The anti-siphon mechanism typically comes into play when the water flow exceeds a specific limit, which is often around 1 gallon per minute. This ensures that your hot water will not be drained from your tank if you have a leaky pipe or your children are playing with water toys.
Frost-Free and Freeze-Proof Outdoor Faucet:
Frost-free faucets, also known as freeze-proof faucets, are made to avoid freezing in cold winters. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water begins to freeze and expand. The cold temperatures may burst pipes, resulting in water damage and pricey repairs. Frost-free and freeze-proof faucets are created to avoid this situation. They have a visible, lengthy stem that enters the pipe, and insulation covers this branch.
The frost-free faucets, unlike most faucets, prevent freezing. So the tap will not freeze, explode water, or burst pipe even in the coldest weather. Any home in a cold environment needs freeze-proof and frost-free faucets, which can save you a lot of money on repairs.
Best Outdoor Faucets Handle Types
Depending on your faucet, you can access water farther down in your yard or prevent water from freezing during colder climates inside the pipe. However, you should also consider the lever handles style and type you install on your outdoor faucet because it can simplify using the water system and other outdoor chores related to outdoor faucets.
The handles on faucets come in a wide variety. While some are simple, others have unique qualities.
Below is a list of some of the most typical kinds:
- Wheel Handle
- Tee Handle
- Turn Hose Handle
- Oversized Handle
- Wall-Mounted Handle
- Lever Handle
- Side Bar Handle
- Tub Sprout Handle
- Cartridge Handle
How to buy the Best Outdoor Faucet?
There are several functions and purposes for outdoor faucets. When it comes to outside tasks like washing and watering, they significantly increase convenience. This is because using water that was collected from within the house would be more difficult than obtaining it from a nearby source. An outdoor faucet can thus help you save time and money.
Depending on various variables, some outdoor faucets could be more adaptable than others. The important considerations are discussed and mentioned below before buying the best outdoor faucet. The best outdoor faucets can be selected based on the following:
Utility of the Faucet:
A compression valve tap is your best durable outside option if you like to be able to open the faucet with just a turn of the handle. Another great choice if you want more control over when and how much water is utilized is an outdoor hose bib faucet.
Price:
Several variables, like the type of material utilized and the level of detail of the design, might affect the price. Make sure these things are taken into account before purchasing the best faucet.
Weather Conditions:
Choose a faucet made to withstand corrosion if you live in a dry environment. Similarly, choose a tap that resists rust if you live in a moist location. Since most faucets are made for use in places that get little rain, they do not withstand corrosion well in humid environments. If you live in a cold climate, a frost-proof faucet might be more beneficial as it will also prevent the freezing of faucets when the temperature falls.
Design and Style:
Consider a design that fits in with the surroundings if you want your outdoor faucet to be as unnoticeable as possible. You can think about painting your outdoor faucet with a color that complements the style of your house.
Buyers should consider the local weather conditions and how frequently they will use the faucet. You will need a faucet that can withstand the cold if you live in freezing temperatures. It is also essential to consider the water pressure you will require. For example, if you have got a garden hose, you will need a higher-pressure faucet. Then, think about your finances and availability. Do you need something that will last for years, or can you replace it regularly? Lastly, keep in mind the outside architect's design of your home. See if it requires a traditional faucet or a modern faucet design.
Do you need to have a faucet cover?
Investing in a faucet cover is important to prevent your house from water damage. Taking care of the faucets will protect your investment and help you prevent future costly repairs. Outdoor faucets are exposed to the weather, which increases their risk of freezing, rusting, and rupturing during winter storms. Especially in cold weather, outdoor faucets tend to block the water supply because of the freezing temperatures.
What are the best faucet covers?
Frost King Outdoor Foam Faucet Cover
The Frost King will protect outdoor faucets from freezing weather. It is arguably the best outdoor tap cover. Even when temperatures drop below freezing, it performs effectively and has a robust construction. This 5 to 8-inch-thick polystyrene foam tap cover includes a softer, 3 to 4-inch-tall foam gasket around the base. You can use this cover on walls that have siding or other uneven surfaces since the foam gasket fills in gaps between the faucet cover and the wall or fence that houses the faucet.
Redford Double Wall Cotton Faucet Cover
Redford Supply Company's Cold Snap cover can shield the irrigation system in your yard. You can locate a soft cover to fit almost any pair of valves or backflow preventers because they come in various sizes. Most of these plumbing fittings can be covered by the 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall cover, shielding them from weather elements like freezes, rain, wind, high UV radiation, etc.
Styrofoam Faucet Covers
Foam faucet cover protects water pipes and faucets from damage caused by weather, such as blowouts, wind, heat, frost, and rain. Styrofoam faucet covers are weather-resistant, rust-resistant, water-resistant, and frost-free. They are made of a versatile material and are an excellent shield against various weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use indoor faucets for outside?
It is not recommended to use indoor faucets for outdoor use. Indoor faucets are not designed to withstand harsh outdoor elements such as extreme temperatures, rain, wind, and sunlight, which can cause them to wear out quickly and potentially leak. In addition, outdoor faucets are typically designed with additional features such as frost-proofing to prevent freezing during colder temperatures and backflow prevention to ensure a safe water supply. It's always best to use outdoor-specific faucets for outdoor use to ensure proper and safe operation.
Can outdoor faucets handle hot and cold water?
While some outdoor faucets are designed to handle both hot and cold water, most are not. Outdoor faucets are typically designed to handle cold water only, and using hot water in them can cause damage to the faucet or even the plumbing system. It's important to check the manufacturer's specifications and installation instructions to ensure that the faucet is designed to handle hot water if you intend to use it for that purpose. Suppose you require hot water for outdoor use. In that case, it's best to install a separate outdoor hot water faucet that is specifically designed for that purpose.
What is the difference between a bib and a spigot?
In the context of outdoor faucets, the terms "bib" and "spigot" are often used interchangeably to refer to an outdoor water faucet. However, depending on the specific design and usage, there can be some differences between the two.
Generally, a hose bib or hose bibb is a faucet that is mounted to an exterior wall and has a hose connection, which allows you to attach a garden hose for outdoor watering. Hose bibs are typically designed with a knob or valve that controls the water flow and may be made of brass, copper, or plastic materials.
A spigot, on the other hand, is often used to refer to any type of valve or faucet used to control the flow of liquid or gas. In the context of outdoor faucets, a spigot may refer to a standalone faucet that is mounted on a post or other structure and is typically used to fill buckets, water plants or animals, or other similar purposes.
What Option of Best Outdoor Faucet is Best for You?
Ultimately, you know what's best for your home, so it's up to you to decide which outdoor faucet option suits your needs.
From the spigot that resembles a modern kitchen tap to the classic garden hose style, plenty of options with different price points and features are available. Plus, find out more about local regulations and what type of installation is necessary for the water supply before deciding.
Good luck choosing the perfect one for you, and we want to thank you again for visiting our website!
If you have any questions or if there's anything else we can do to help, please don't hesitate to reach out anytime.
Items reviewed:
Best Hydrant & Freeze-less Design- 1. Aquor House Hydrant
Best Installation- 2. SharkBite Hose Bibb Faucet
Best All-Brass Design- 3. EZ-FLO Irrigation Hose Bibb
Best Copper Freeze-less Design- 4. Woodford Wall Faucet
