There are many options when choosing an outdoor water spigot, it’s often difficult to know which one will best suit your needs. Ultimately, your choice will come down to a few factors such as regional climate, durability needs, land size and water control. Each type of water spigot listed below has specific advantages that are better suited for certain environments over others. This guide is meant to help simplify the process of determining the type of water spigot needed for your yard and help you make a decision before summer begins!
Hose Bib / Outside Spigot
A hose bib or outside spigot is the most familiar type of outdoor water spigot. This is a water spigot attached to the exterior of many homes and is often used to connect a garden hose or lawn sprinkler system to a home’s water source. This type of spigot is generally easy to install and can last many years if cared for properly. For people with homes in colder climates, the water flowing to the hose bib must be turned off during periods of cold weather to prevent potential damage from freezing.
Summary:
- Simple to install
- Functional and durable
- Best for small to medium sized yards
- Risk of freezing if water not turned off in cold seasons
Frost-Free Faucet / Frost Proof Faucet
A frost-free faucet solves the problem of a traditional hose bib by allowing home owners more peace of mind during frigid seasons for regions that experience harsh winters. A frost-free faucet is like a hose bib with a long posterior connection that allows the internal shutoff valve to be located within the home environment. This helps protect the faucet from freezing and reduces the likelihood of a pipe burst in the event of an unexpected freeze event. This type of spigot is recommended for homeowners with small to medium sized yards who live in regions that experience freezing temperatures frequently. It is important to note that although this type of faucet reduces the risk of freezing, water should still be turned off during winter for regions that experience regular winters.
Summary:
- Similar to hose bib
- Reduces risk of freezing
Ball Valve
A ball valve is an inexpensive faucet valve that contains a steel ball inside the faucet to help control the water flow and temperature. This type of valve is a great option for home owners who wish to control water flow to a specific limit, or have distinct water temperature needs for outdoor use. An observed con of the ball valve is that the inner workings contain many intricate parts that can wear out over time and will require replacement or repair after significant use.
Summary:
- Similar to hose bib
- Allows for control of waterflow and temperature
- Faster buildup of wear and tear
Yard Hydrant
Yard hydrants are used by property owners who own large plots of land and have consistent water needs in various parts of their property. Some examples of properties that utilize water hydrants are campgrounds, golf courses and farms/agricultural plots. Yard hydrants are tall pipes that are fitted into the ground below the frost line. The depth of installation varies depending on the climate of the property. Some of the most common types of yard hydrants are the classic Woodford Y34 or the Everbilt hydrant. Due to the larger area of these properties, water security is a relevant concern for property owners with yard hydrants meaning proper measures need to be taken to mitigate these risks.
Summary:
- Installed below the frost line
- Used for large plots of land
- Landowners at higher risk of water theft
Ultimately, the water spigot that works best for your property depends on the type and location of the property. Landowners with larger plots of land and high water needs will prefer to install a yard hydrant whereas a smaller yard with occasional water needs will elect to install a simple hose bib. Variations such as the ball valve and frost-free provide unique advantages to individuals in certain climates or with specific outdoor water needs. So with spring in full gear, reflect on your outdoor water needs and make a decision that is best suited for your property.
