The Eight Types of Outdoor Faucets to Consider for Your Home

Are you curious about the types of outdoor faucets you can install on your property? Do you know which type of faucet best suits your needs? Here, we break down the most common outdoor faucets and their unique benefits to help you make the best decision.

When you are ready to install your new outdoor faucet, contact University Heights' reliable plumbers, Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. We provide fast and reliable plumbing installation services.

Eight Common Types of Outdoor Faucets

So, you’re searching for the right outdoor faucet for your home. Maybe you aren’t sure how to pick the best fixture for your outdoor spaces. Where one homeowner only wants a simple faucet for their backyard, another might need something with more protection or style.

We’re here to help you learn the pros and cons of numerous outdoor faucets. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of the most popular types of outdoor faucets.

One - Simple Spigots

A traditional and simple outdoor spigot is a common choice for homeowners. You might also find this faucet under the name “compression valve faucet.”

Know that if you live in a colder climate, the outdoor spigot will tend to freeze due to a lack of weatherproofing.

Two - Hose Bib Faucet                               

Hose bibs are another standard type of outdoor fixture with multiple names. Some consumers might know them as sillcocks or spigots. The main difference from the previously listed spigot is that these fixtures depend on a globe valve.

Like simple spigots, these faucets aren’t ideal for cold climates without investing in additional weatherproofing materials.

Three - Frost Proof Faucet/Freeze Proof Faucet

If you live in an area that regularly reaches freezing temperatures, you’ll want to invest in a frost-proof or freeze-proof faucet. These fixtures use specialized built-in features to prevent issues with the water source in colder climates. The results mean fewer worries over the cold season.

It is vital to remove the hose from the faucet immediately after each use, even if it has weatherproofing protection. Doing so ensures the hose doesn’t freeze solid.

Four - Ball Valve Faucet

A ball valve faucet relies on a perfectly fitted ball with a hole to control the flow from your home’s water source. The drawback with these fixtures is that they offer no variable flow, only the essential on/off function. In most cases, this functionality will suffice for most of your general watering needs.

Five – Anti-Siphon Faucet

Anti-siphon faucets prevent contaminants from flowing backward into your home’s water supply. You might not think it possible, but hoses can hold dirt and debris along with water. When someone lifts the hose with water still inside, gravity can push that water back into the supply line.

You can purchase an outdoor faucet with this valve style already in place. Or, you can replace the existing valve with an appropriately fitted anti-siphon part.

Six - Exterior Shower Faucet

You might think that shower heads are only for use as indoor faucets. If you have a backyard pool patio and want to avoid bringing chlorine or other unwanted debris inside, consider this type of exterior faucet setup.

You don’t have to limit your outdoor shower to cleaning off after a dip. You can also use it to wash pets or keep your shoes squeaky clean. You can choose from a simple cold-line hose hook-up or even install hot and cold taps for maximum comfort.

Seven - Exterior Sink Faucet

Another outdoor faucet you might enjoy is an exterior sink faucet. These faucets are a fantastic choice for backyard patios and grilling areas that would benefit from a nearby clean-up point.

This faucet essentially gives you an outdoor kitchen. When grilling, for example, you’ll be able to quickly wash hands and utensils without back-tracking into the house.

Eight - Yard Hydrant

If you need more versatility, consider installing a yard hydrant to meet your goals. These personal hydrants allow for a variable flow for every use. They can provide a trickle for your garden to a full-strength flow to support your pressure washer.

Another advantage of a yard hydrant is its superior tolerance to cold climates. It features increased size and insulation, along with a connection to underground water lines. These facets mean that the lines are less likely to freeze up in a time of need.

Additional Outdoor Faucet Considerations

Depending on your household, you might have to carefully weigh the type of faucet handle you install on your outdoor fixture. Explore all the available faucet handles to ensure the best fit for your lifestyle requirements and aesthetic goals. For instance, older family members and residents may need a more ergonomic style of handle.

Keep the following handles in mind for your faucet installation:

• Wheel - Available in flathead or radial styles
• Lever - Allows water pressure control, but can be difficult to use for those with mobility limitations
• Slide bar – A simple sliding mechanism that adjusts water flow
• Tee – A simple straight lever
• Tub spout - Adjusts temperature and pressure
• Cartridge - Prevents heat transfer and burns

Professional Plumbing Services

As you’ve just learned, there are plenty of outdoor faucet options to meet your every need. You only have to consider which fixture best accommodates your outdoor usage and backyard design goals.

When you are ready to move forward with your plumbing project, turn to the experts at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. Our services include but are not limited to:

• New construction plumbing
• Plumbing repair
• Backflow testing and installation
• Pipe replacement

Now that you know more about the different types of outdoor faucets, you likely feel more ready to start your installation project. Call (440) 943-0033 today to speak with the Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. team. We’ll give you a free estimate for our expert plumbing services in University Heights, OH, and the surrounding areas.

You can also call us to learn about the effects of hard water on your plumbing.