There are many outdoor faucet types available, and each serves a specific purpose.
Read on to learn more about their differences and how they can fulfill your outdoor water requirements.
Outdoor faucets are great for anyone who wants quick access to fresh water and snacks without relying on the common indoor plumbing we know so well.
The faucets also play critical roles in landscaping and irrigation.
The 5 Main Types of Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets come in a variety of diverse designs and styles that suit a variety of different outdoor situations.
Here is a roundup of the most popular outdoor faucet types:
Hose Bib Faucets
Hose-bib faucets connect to a water source using a hose and have a bib for dispensing water.
You can use them to fill water buckets and pots, draw drinking water, and create a drinking fountain. They’re also great for providing easy access to water for animals.
There are a variety of styles and designs, ranging from traditional hose bibs to retractable models that are easy to store away when not in use.
Some hose bibs even include a bottle opener, allowing you to easily open a can of soda while on the go.
Yard Hydrant Faucets
This faucet design is typically a single-handle spigot connected to a hose.
A hydrant faucet usually consists of stainless steel designed to last for many years.
Some hydrant faucets feature a built-in shut-off valve, which can help protect your water supply from contamination.
Frost-Proof Faucets
Frost-proof outdoor faucets are compression valve faucets that can operate in temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. These types of faucets deliver dependability in colder climates.
You can also choose freeze-proof faucets, which typically comprise heavy-duty materials.
These faucets are an excellent choice in rural areas where water may be difficult to come by.
Compression Valve Faucets
Compression-valve faucets are a great way to reduce your water bill without sacrificing water pressure.
This type of faucet has a shoulder that restricts water flow through the valve to maximize conservation while maintaining adequate pressure.
Compression valve faucets have a straightforward design that’s easy to use. They can be turned with a simple turn of the faucet handle and work well for most outdoor situations.
Anti-Siphon Outdoor Faucets
Anti-siphon faucets prevent siphoning. The latter is when water flows backward after you turn the tap off. Anti-siphon faucets are considerably safer.
This is because they keep exterior contamination at the tap from flowing back to your water source.
Anti-siphon faucets typically comprise robustly built parts, making them an excellent choice for outdoor use.
The 5 Main Outdoor Faucet Handle Types
There are many different faucet handles, and knowing what you need can help you choose the best handle for your home.
Lever Handles
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A lever handle is common in standard outdoor faucets. Because there is a lever inside the handle, you pull it down to turn the spout on and off.
There are also many different designs and finishes to choose from, making them a stylish and functional addition to your kitchen.
Wall-Mounted Handles
You can find wall-mounted faucet handles on various types of faucets. These may include traditional pull-down, twist, and sprayer faucets.
A wall-mounted handle comes with its own separate mounting bracket that allows it to be attached to your bathroom or kitchen wall.
Wheel Handles
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Wheel faucet handles are another popular option found on various types of faucets. They are mainly used to turn the spout on and off, and they don’t usually come with extra features.
You can find wheel faucet handles in various finishes, with many designed for both right-handed and left-handed people.
Cartridge Handles
These handles are attached to a faucet spout, but they are also actually attached to a cartridge.
This cartridge contains two handles that allow the user to turn the water on and off easily. This design is excellent for hotels, restaurants, or other commercial settings with outdoor jacuzzis.
Tub spout Handles
Tub spout handles are a type of wheel lever handle designed specifically for tub spouts.
The handle is shaped like a standard handle but has three prongs for adjusting water pressure and temperature.
Outdoor Faucet Buying Guide
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Depending on various factors, some outdoor faucets may be more versatile than others. You can choose outdoor faucets based on:
Conditions
If you live in a dry area, go with a faucet made to resist corrosion and rust. If you live in a wet area, choose a faucet that resists rust.
Most faucets don’t resist corrosion in wet climates because they’re designed for use in areas that don’t get wet too often.
A frost-proof faucet may be more practical if you live in a cold climate. You should also consider choosing a bib faucet over a compression valve faucet.
Utility
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If you prefer to be able to operate the faucet with a simple turn of the handle, a compression valve faucet is the best outdoor option for you.
A hose bib faucet is another good option if you want more control over when and how much water is used.
Durability
Outdoor faucets often get subjected to harsh outdoor conditions. Make sure you consider the durability of a faucet before purchasing it for outdoor use.
Choose products that carry a warranty for replacement in the event of damage from corrosion.
Design
If you want your outdoor faucet to be as inconspicuous as possible, you may want to consider a design that blends in with its surroundings.
You can consider painting your outdoor faucet a color that blends with your home’s décor.
Price
The price can vary depending on several factors, such as the material used and the complexity of the design. Make sure you consider these factors when making your purchasing decision.
Accessory Options
Many outdoor faucets come with additional accessories, such as a hose bib, so you can easily connect your faucet to an outdoor spigot or hose.
These accessories can be helpful. But it would help if you kept in mind that they may affect your faucet’s overall aesthetics and functionality.
Safety
If you plan to use your outdoor faucet with children or pets, you may want to choose a model that includes safety features, such as a built-in shut-off valve.
Parts of an Outdoor Faucet
Do you know what goes into making an outdoor faucet? Let’s take a look at the parts of an outdoor faucet.
Spigot
The spigot is the part of the outdoor faucet that connects to the faucet line. Spigots come in two different types: compression and compression-less.
A compression faucet has a compression washer that fits around the spigot and attaches it to the water source. A compression-less faucet does not have a compression washer. Instead, it relies on the water pressure to close.
You will most likely be using a compression-style spigot. This spigot type connects to the faucet line by a compression fitting. This fitting will compress when water is in it and expand when water is out of it.
Faucet Housing
The faucet housing is usually made of plastic and is attached to the spigot and faucet line. It has holes that the hose and other fittings fit into. Depending on the model, it may also have a removable spout.
Hose
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The hose is part of the faucet that connects to the faucet line. The hose is made of rubber or plastic and may be colored to match your hose and fittings. It must be long enough to reach from the outdoor spigot to your indoor faucet.
You will use this to attach an outdoor faucet to an indoor faucet. You can also attach the hose to the spigot of the indoor faucet to deliver water to the outside. Further, you can use the hose to connect more than one indoor faucet to one outdoor spigot.
Stem Washer
The stem washer is part of the handle. It’s a rubber ring that sits on the stem of the outdoor faucet.
It stops water from leaking into the handle and causing damage. The stem washer is usually black and will be the same color as the stem of the outdoor faucet.
Packing Washer
The packing washer is made of rubber and is again the same color as the stem of the outdoor faucet. It stops dirt and debris from getting into the outdoor spigot and causing damage.
Spindle or Stem
The spindle is part of the outdoor faucet that connects it to the faucet line. The spindle is usually made of plastic or metal. It may be different colors for the faucet hose and valve.
Handle
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The handle is usually made of metal and attached to the spigot of the faucet. In most cases, there is a lever attached to the handle. It could be a pull or push handle. The lever could also be a rotary handle or a button-type handle.
You will also find handles that have a built-in spout. You can use the lever to lift the spout high enough to fill pots easily. Therefore, you don’t have to use the hose to dispense water.
Packing Nut
The packing nut is a nut with a washer on the end of it. You will use it to tighten the packing washer onto the spindle. It’s available in various sizes to fit onto the spindle while tightening.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Purchasing an outdoor faucet is not a decision you should take lightly.
It’s important to care for the equipment you buy since you are making an investment in your home, property, or business.
Below are some frequently asked questions on how to maintain your outdoor faucet.
How do I maintain my deck faucet?
To keep your deck faucet running smooth and prevent scale buildup, turn off the spigot while not in use, and flush out the filter every few weeks.
Also, replace the filter every 12 months. And, before the weather dips below freezing, be sure to cover it with an insulated foam cover.
How do I care for my garden tub?
For your garden tub faucet to work well, clean it regularly with a brush, dish soap solution, and water. If you have a hose bib connected to the garden tub faucet, drain it every few weeks to keep it running smoothly.
How do I clean my hand shower faucet?
Clean the rubber o-rings on the hose connection and the connection to the faucet. These o-rings can become covered with soap scum and dirt, preventing the faucet from operating properly.
Regularly clean the connections on the hose with a hose attachment or a brush. If the tap develops calcium deposits, you’ll need to clean the faucet body periodically to prevent it from clogging.
How do I clean my bar faucet?
Outdoor bar faucets are handy if you love hosting cocktail parties. To keep your faucet operating smoothly, clean the bar faucet and the outside spigot every few weeks with a brush and dish soap, and water solution.
So, What Are the Types of Outdoor Faucets?
There are many types of outdoor faucets. Some types of outdoor faucets are easier to install and maintain than others, so it’s essential to know which kind you have.
For some types, regular maintenance is essential, especially for faucets that don’t have access to an outside water source.
But for most, you’re fine just covering it in the winter and changing the o-ring once every couple of years.