Frost free outdoor faucets prevent the freezing of water lines during the cold weather months. The unit style also stops contaminated water from polluting your water system. In the past, people did not connect their outdoor faucets to the house. Instead, the faucet’s shut off valves were placed underground. The underground location was low enough to be beneath the frost line. Furthermore, the water valve was connected to the above ground faucet handle. The faucet’s location ensured that it remained free of frost. If you have an antique home or farm, then you may have one of these old units, and you should consider upgrading to new model.
About New Frost Free Units
Modern outdoor faucets feature a shut off valve that is set 8 to 12 inches inside the device’s pipe. Therefore, the water line will be inside the structure that has the faucet. You can decrease the occurrence of a burst pipe by making sure that the outdoor faucet’s mechanical elements reach deep inside a structure’s heated walls.
Shut Off Valve Details
In new frost free outdoor faucet models, the sillcock pipe runs from the unit’s indoor shut-off regulator to your home’s outdoor faucet. The pipe transports the water from the regulator to the faucet when you turn on the device. Once you turn the faucet off, the pipe is free of water. If you have an old model, then a riser pipeline completes the sillcock’s operation. A riser pipeline is a vertical pipe that shifts the water from the underground shut-off valve to your above-ground faucet.
How the Device Decreases Freezing Incidents
The system design includes a small hole called a petcock, and its purpose is to prevent the freezing of the pipe that is between the unit’s shut off regulator and exterior faucet. To do this, the unit section provides a drainage area. Since the pipe can drain into the petcock, it will remain free of water when it’s not in use. Keep in mind that older faucets may not be safe because the riser drains back into the waterline.
Benefits of Installing a Frost Free Faucet
By installing a frost free outdoor faucet, you will decrease the chances of having a pipe burst in your home. Furthermore, with the proper tools and patience, you can install the faucet type yourself.