Tuesday, November 17th, 2015
Freeze Alert? Frost-Free Faucets are the Business!
Frost-free makes winterizing exterior plumbing a snap.
I realized last week, while scraping frost off the car windshield, that we had completely forgotten to put the garden hoses away for the winter. DOH! A total rookie mistake. A garden hose holds “leftover” water, which can freeze, expand, split the hose and also back up into the exterior faucet causing splits in the water lines.
Luckily, we recognized our mistake before any damage was done. And, a few years ago, we had the foresight to replace our 2 exterior sill cocks with frost-free exterior versions. That was one of our best home improvements, ever.
Why Frost-Free?
As a gardener, I am a constant user of outside water. When we installed the frost-free spigots, we were able to extend our outside water usage by several weeks in the spring and fall because we no longer had to turn off the water for winterizing. It’s fantastic.
According to ehow.com: http://www.ehow.com/info_12059571_freeze-proof-outdoor-faucet-work.html, “Frost-free faucets, sometimes called freeze-proof faucets, function in the same way as ordinary spigots. They have a compression valve that tightens down on the water inlet to stop water flow. The difference is that the valve chamber of a frost-free faucet is 24 inches long — so when one is installed on the side of the house, the valve is indoors where it’s warmer. When the faucet is off, there is no water near the faucet spout to freeze”
Identifying a Frost-Free Faucet
It’s possible you have a frost-free/frost-proof faucet and may not realize it. How to tell? Typically, if the spigot handle is perpendicular to the house, it’s probably a frost-free faucet. These types of handles work by turning a long stem (about 24″ long) that closes a valve inside the house where it’s warm.
On the other hand, if the handle is at a 45 degree angle, it’s likely not a frost-free spigot and it must be drained and turned off during the cold season.
Be Sure – Ask an Expert Plumber
Uncertain? The professionals at Allied Reddi-Rooter can talk you through the identification process either in person or over the telephone.
Water You Waiting For? Life moves fast – the last thing anyone needs is a frozen pipe. Frost-free faucets can simplify home maintenance, reduce frozen pipe risks, and make outside water usage much more enjoyable. Ray’s team of trained plumbers will cheerfully support your decision to go frost-free. Call at 513-396-5300 or Contact us. We’ve been helping Cincinnati homeowners with their plumbing needs for decades and can help with yours, too. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.