Freeze Resistant Outdoor Faucet

Preventing Damage To Freeze-Resistant Outdoor Faucet

Having the convenience of a freeze resistant outdoor faucet on the outside of the home allows water usage all year around especially in colder climates where freezing pipe are  reality. See “Preventing Freezing Pipes.”

A freeze resistant outdoor faucet has an extension rod that extends into the house and sealss the water off in that warmer space.

Installing a freeze resistant outdoor faucet can help eliminate or reduce your worry when it comes to freezing temperatures that can freeze and split water pipes and cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home.

When installed properly through a wall and sloping downwards, remaining water is forced out of the spout. This anti-siphon device is also a vacuum breaker. Most building codes now require these faucets to be installed in new and remodeled homes.

When installed improperly damage can result.   Here is one situation where we were replacing damaged wood trimaround a freeze resistant outdoor faucet and the re-installation of the faucet screws caused a water leak.  One screw penetrated the part of the faucet that was behind the water seal so the pipe only leaked when the faucet was turned on – making it harder to catch but avoiding a continuous water leak.

There is a multitude of issues surrounding this water leak.  Here are a  few ideas:

Tips to avoid damaging a freeze proof outdoor faucet

1.  Take off the handle next time so the screw goes in straight.

2.  Don’t use a short bit extension in your screw driver.  The drill body can hit the faucet handle ad make the user to tilt the driver at an angle to compensate.

3.  Use smaller screws.  Considering the material you are anchoring to – don’t over penetrate with your fasteners.

Concord Carpenter

Who is Concord Carpenter?    ~ Robert Robillard is editor of A Concord Carpenter and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts. Rob is a recognized leader in tool and how-to information for building professionals, he also hosts the Concord Carpenter Cable TV Show, offering the do-it-yourself audience in Boston's Meto West region expert advice on home repairs and maintenance. On his website, Rob covers all aspects of home improvement and remodeling, specializing in problem solving for home maintenance. Rob enjoys evaluating and reviewing tools and products and restoring vintage tools. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!":

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