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Outdoor faucets usually come with a risk of being affected by weather and temperature changes, mostly in extreme conditions where there is either the risk of too high or too low temperature.
Low temperature or cold will often block or slow down your water flow, especially in the outdoor faucets that are not insulated or protected by any covering which keeps them warm under freezing weather.
You must think it is silly to go out and do anything outdoorsy during the freezing cold temperatures, but what about cleaning and looking after your plants? You cannot stop doing normal tasks, though, with a little help, and your water flows for outside tasks will remain uninterrupted if you use faucets that are free-proof or frost-less.
What you need is an outdoor faucet that doesn’t freeze or block water flow, so the shut-off valve should drain out all the remaining water in the pipeline. The sillcock should also be freeze-proof, not internally bursting at low temperatures.
Make sure to select a good material (sometimes a mix of materials) that goes well with your plumbing system because not all faucets will come with universal connections.
This article will act as your guide in finding the best freeze-proof outdoor faucet types and a short buying guide that will assist you in selecting the faucet based on some main features.
Best Freeze-Proof Outdoor Faucets – 6 Best Picks
After proper research, we came up with the best freeze-proof outdoor faucet:
Freeze-Proof Outdoor Faucets Comparison | ||
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Editor’s PickSharkBite 12 Inch Frost Free Sillcoc
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SUNGATOR Push Fit Frost Free Sillcock
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American Valve M71QT 1/2" Hose Bibb
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Woodford 22CP-10-MH Horizontal Freezeless Faucet
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Eastman 10 Inch Frost Free Sillcock
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Prier P-164D04 Quarter-Turn Frost Free Anti-Siphon Outdoor Hydrant
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This article will present the top six frost-free outdoor faucet brands ideal for winter.
SharkBite 12 Inch Frost Free Sillcock
Specifications
- Brand: SharkBite
- Material: Copper
- Weight: 1.37 pounds
Price: $
Dimensions: 17.65 x 2.28 x 3.17 inches
Temperature: 33 F
When it comes to shielding the faucet from icy settings and harsh weather, this Sharkbite sillcock is as dramatic as it sounds. It has a 3/4 exit, a 1/2 push-fit inlet, and a shut-off that drains any remaining water from the pipelines to prevent it from freezing, which would obstruct the water flow.
The SharkBite Frost Free Sillcock’s handle is composed of coated ZN Alloy. A wedge is included in the SharkBite frost-free sillcock to help in installing the valve with the necessary 5° pitch. Also, the inlet prevents the outer valve from freezing, allowing you to move it without difficulty, regardless of how cold it is. The best feature of this faucet is that it is ideal for installation in enclosed locations.
It has universal settings and can quickly and connect with most types of pipes with a push. With simply a push, the faucet can be connected to your fittings without the use of any additional tools or glue, making the installation process quick and clean. This outdoor faucet’s ability to be fitted in wet lines is an additional benefit.
Customers of this product have remarked that this frost-free faucet system is needed in cold weather. Without the need for soldering, installing this faucet is simple and prevents a lot of clutter and damage. Users all concur that installation is simple and that the faucet leaks only after turning on the water quickly.
Pros
- It comes with a mounting flange that protects the valve.
- It has a vacuum breaker that prevents backflow.
Cons
- None.
SUNGATOR Push Fit Frost Free Sillcock
Specifications
- Brand: SUNGATOR
- Weight: 1.41 pounds
- Material: Brass
Price: $
Dimensions: 17.52 x 3.94 x 2.91 inches
Temperature: 33 F
The outdoor sillcock by Sungator, another addition to this list, is likewise incredibly simple to install without requiring any deconstruction, soldering, or superglue usage to keep the valve in place. The faucet easily attaches to the earlier fittings.
You may always uninstall and reinstall it with a disconnect clip if you are unsure of the installation. This faucet may be put in small places and is detachable. It has an anti-siphon feature and an in-wall function to prevent pipe water from freezing.
With additional resilience to freezing temperatures, the lead-free brass material does not rust over time and lasts a very long time, preventing the faucet from breaking or blasting. The backflow is prevented from contaminating clean water by the vacuum breaker. For your peace of mind, it is also NSF and ANSI certified. Copper makes connecting to it simple. Plumbing might be PEX or CPVC.
Users claim that the replaceable push connector at the end of the faucet is the main reason they chose it. I really wanted to enlarge the brick’s hole to only what it already was. This faucet works flawlessly and is completely sealed up after it is fitted.
Pros
- This faucet is made of lead-free material.
- This faucet is free and corrosion-proof.
Cons
- None.
American Valve M71QT 1/2″ Hose Bibb
Specifications
- Brand: American Valve
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Material: Brass
Price: $
Dimensions: 5.23 x 1.1 x 2.72 inches
Temperature: 33 F
The 1/2″ valves on this Hose Bibb by American valve have dual inlets soldered within and NPT extended garden hose threads outside. Although it is mostly made of lead-free brass, it also includes other premium components like stainless steel, which is excellent for water and safe for outdoor and food applications.
Although naval brass is ideal for water systems, the faucet itself is corrosion-proof. The customers tested the valve handle and nut using a magnet, claiming that despite being made of 400 series stainless steel, they feel just as magnetic as carbon steel.
Even after many years of usage, the valve shows no symptoms of rust, and its general operation is very simple. It is a ball valve that the user can open for water to flow fully after an endless number of partially open positions. Whatever water flow you desire is available. The valve has a 200 CWP rating, and the handle closes the valve facing left.
There is also a high-flow spigot for a compact gravity-fed system that feeds water to a pressure washer. You can get a 3-4GPM out of a 6′ garden hose at 3′ height. This ball valve has a full bore and is entirely uncontrolled. This is undoubtedly the highest throughput a garden hose will ever achieve. Users state this heavy-duty faucet as having a solid structure.
Pros
- It features a low-lead brass construction.
- This faucet comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Cons
- None.
Woodford 22CP-10-MH Horizontal Freezeless Faucet
Specifications
- Brand: Woodford
- Material: Brass
Price: $$
Dimensions: 19 x 8 x 4 inches
Temperature: -120 F
The Woodford hot and cold faucet is great for a year’s worth of use without any interruptions in your daily water usage because it is suitable for both hot and cold temperatures. This water system’s CP inlets have a 1/2-inch male pipe thread and are suitable for walls up to 10 inches thick.
Unlike those made by other firms, this faucet has a built-in backflow prevention mechanism and does not need a separate vacuum breaker. It is possible to manually manage the temperature while preventing cross-contamination thanks to the separate hot and cold entry tubes.
If the hose is unintentionally left running by you, this faucet has patented pressure relief valves that stop the faucet from breaking in freezing conditions. This type is ideal for outside chores like cleaning and gardening. Users claim that the Woodford mixing tap is nicely manufactured, with a solid bronze head, tap handles that are coated in aluminum powder, and stainless hardware that secures the tap handle to the long stems.
Anyone who has some experience installing hardware will find plumbing to be simple. The Woodford 22 faucet is quiet, properly blends hot and cold water, and is regarded by consumers as a significant improvement.
Pros
- The faucet has a solid finish and offers heavy-duty performance.
- It is durable in the long run.
Cons
- It can be noisy at times.
Eastman 10 Inch Frost Free Sillcock
Specifications
- Manufacturer: EZ-FLO
- Material: Iron
- Weight: 1 pound
- Price: $
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 16.1 x 9.5 inches
- Temperature: 33 F
Another frost-proof faucet valve that works well in cold climates and where bursting pipes and obstructed water flow are commonplace is the Eastman sillcock. It is simple to install without additional tools or connections in both new fittings and existing settings. It is built of a strong, long-lasting iron and brass material that won’t corrode over time.
The faucet has a sizable wheel handle that remains flexible and free-moving even in freezing temperatures. Moreover, a vacuum breaker is included to stop backflow. This faucet’s flange has been notched for simple installation. The maximum pressure for this faucet is 120 PSI, and cold weather has no adverse effects on the flow.
Pros
- The ceramic seal of this faucet comes with drip-free technology.
- This faucet is ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
Cons
- It is not lead-free.
Prier P-164D04 Quarter-Turn Frost Free Anti-Siphon Outdoor Hydrant
Specifications
- Brand: Prier
- Material: Brass
- Weight: 1.06 Pounds
Price: $
Dimensions: 5 x 8 x 8.7 inches
Flow rate: 1.2 GPM
The Prier P-164 is a simple quarter-turn valve with a proven compression-type seal that is incredibly smooth, simple to use and doesn’t stiffen or lose grip over time. Use of this outoodr hydrant faucet is necessary year-round, especially during freezing temperatures. The threat of freezing is eliminated by the hydrant valve’s connection to the supply piping in the heated area of the building.
It is constructed from various high-quality materials, including solid brass for the main body and brass for the valve stem cap, seat, and stem ends while the stainless steel screws ensure strong performance, and the satin nickel-plated body preserves an appealing and stain-resistant finish.
It also includes an operating key and an expanded lockshield that is vandal-proof. All consumers concur that this tool is reliable, with an easy-to-use rubber-coated handle that can be rotated through 90 degrees. No matter how frequently you use them, the design and finish remain sturdy and durable.
The 1/4 turn-on-off feature is a dependable safeguard against overtightening, which could damage the seal and gasket. Also, the length of this item is ideal. The price of this faucet is another benefit that users mentioned which attracted them.
Pros
- It is free of lead and safe to use.
- The water flow is not compromised.
Cons
- None.
What to look for in a freeze-proof outdoor faucet?
It is important to keep in mind the following special features when getting a freeze-proof faucet for outdoor use.
Material & design:
The faucet handles come in various designs, like the ones with a left-to-right movement or the wheel-shaped valves that rotate. Choose the one that you find most convenient to use for all family members (young and elderly). The material should always be corrosion and lead-free so that it doesn’t stain, rust, or scratch easily. You will find iron, brass, and copper materials as you look for the best.
Size, flow, & pressure:
You will want to ensure that the sizing, design, and installation do not compromise the pressure and flow of water. Most outdoor faucets you will find online or in stores are ½-inch or ¾-inch in diameter. The ¾ naturally provides more pressure and flow as compared to the ½-inch faucet.
Warranty & Maintenance:
Some of the faucets will provide you with a year warranty, while others will come with a 90-day return or guarantee. The maintenance depends on the material and design you invest in, so make sure it is of high quality, should have weightage, and provides heavy-duty performance.
FAQs
Is it an issue to leave the outdoor faucets on during winter?
What usually happens is the pipelines still have water inside of them, and when it gets cold, the water freezes within the pipes causing water blockage, plus you won’t be able to turn the valve on. So before the weather gets too cold, you can shut the valve off to avoid this condition.
Is there another way to prevent the faucets from freezing in winter?
You can always use additional insulation and faucet warmers to keep the valve cover.