Having an outdoor faucet on your home provides a convenient water source for tasks like washing cars, watering plants, or filling up a kiddie pool. But often, this faucet is located in an inconvenient spot–tucked under the eaves, around the back of the house, or too far from your landscaping.
Crawling through mud or dragging a hose across your yard to reach your main outdoor faucet can be a pain. Fortunately, adding an outdoor faucet extension can provide water access exactly where you need it. With an extension kit, you can extend the reach of your existing outdoor faucet to any spot on your property.
How an Outdoor Faucet Extension Works
An outdoor faucet extension involves installing underground piping that runs from your primary external faucet to a new, above-ground water spigot placed wherever you choose. This gives you a new water source right where you need it, whether in a flower bed, near the edge of your yard, or closer to your garage or outbuildings.
Main Faucet Connection
The underground piping connects to the main outdoor faucet on your house, which is known as a hose bib or sillcock. This is typically a frost-free model that self-drains to prevent freezing. Teflon tape helps create a tight seal when attaching the new piping to the existing faucet outlet.
Underground Piping
Plastic PEX or galvanized steel pipes are buried underground, running from the main faucet to the location you want for your new spigot. Galvanized steel is the preferred choice since it is durable and weatherproof. The piping is buried in a narrow trench approximately 12-18 inches below ground.
New Above Ground Spigot
A new spigot or hose bib is installed above ground, mounted to a wall or post. This provides an accessible water source right where you need it. The spigot is connected to the underground piping using fittings and joints.
Shut-Off Valve for Control
A shut-off valve is installed near the main faucet. This allows you to turn the water supply to the extension on or off. When not in use, the water can be shut off to prevent leaks and unnecessary usage.
Choosing the Right Location
Deciding where to place your new outdoor faucet extension will depend on your needs. Key factors to consider are accessibility, hose length to reach plants, aesthetics, and getting water where it’s required.
Accessibility
The new spigot should be easily reached without obstacles or tripping hazards in the way. Avoid placing it too close to fences or in narrow spaces. Consider height as well–mount it at a comfortable level for attaching hoses.
Hose Length
Factor in the length of your hoses when choosing the spot. Locate the spigot within reach of all areas you want to water. You can always use hose extenders as needed.
Aesthetics
Choose a location that won’t be an eyesore. Position the new spigot close to the house, fence line, or discreetly behind foliage to reduce visibility.
Water Access
Most importantly, locate the spigot where you need water access the most–near gardens, the garage for washing cars, patios and decks for cleaning, or wherever convenience is needed.
What’s Included in a Faucet Extension Kit
Outdoor faucet extension kits contain all the components needed for DIY installation. While contents vary by brand, here are some of the key items included:
Galvanized Piping
20-30 feet or more of galvanized and threaded steel piping is included. Galvanized piping has a protective zinc coating that prevents rust and corrosion.
Fittings and Attachments
The kit includes fittings like elbow joints, T-joints, couplings, bushings and other parts needed to connect the piping and spigot.
Spigot
An outdoor-rated spigot or hose bib is included that mounts above ground. Brass or zinc constructions resist rust.
Shut-Off Valve
A shut-off valve near the main faucet allows you to control water flow through the extension piping.
Backflow Preventer
This device prevents contaminated water from flowing back into your home’s water supply.
Trenching Shovel
Some kits include a shovel for easy trench digging to bury the underground piping.
Hose Protector
A flexible hose protector prevents kinks where the hose connects to the new spigot.
Installation Process Step-by-Step
Installing an outdoor faucet extension is a DIY-friendly project. Here are the key steps:
Trenching for Underground Piping
Dig a trench approximately 12-18 inches deep along the path where you want to lay the piping. Remove rocks or debris as you dig. Lay piping in the trench.
Connecting Pipes and Fittings
Use Teflon tape on all threaded joints. Connect the pipes, elbow and T-joints, couplings and other fittings following the layout. Use a pipe wrench to tighten.
Attaching Spigot and Accessories
Attach the new spigot head to the piping using proper fittings. Install any other accessories like backflow preventers and hose guides.
Testing Water Flow and Shut-Off
Turn the main water back on and open the shut-off valve. Check for leaks at all joints and connections. Test turning the water on and off.
Finishing Touches
Refll the trench and patch any holes or landscape damage. Run water through the new spigot to clear debris before first use.
Preventing Kinks and Freezing
An outdoor faucet extension presents new challenges like preventing hose kinks and avoiding freeze damage. Here are some tips:
Hose Protector/Guide
Installing a hose protector guide at the new spigot helps prevent kinks. This coiled device adds flexibility. Ensure your kit includes one, or purchase separately.
Frost-Free Sillcock
Use a frost-free, self-draining sillcock that extends into your warm basement to prevent freezing temperatures from damaging pipes. This type of spigot is essential for cold climates.
Winterizing
Drain all the water from your outdoor faucet extension before winter if it doesn’t drain independently. Shut off the water valve and disconnect hoses to avoid freezing.
Benefits of Installing a Faucet Extension
Adding an outdoor faucet extension offers many helpful advantages:
Convenience
An extension provides easy water access anywhere you need it without having to drag hoses across your yard or crawl through landscaping.
Flexibility
Locate your water source wherever it’s most useful. Run multiple hoses without obstacles or limitations.
Functionality
Easily attach sprinklers, soaker hoses and other devices. The shut-off valve allows you to control flow.
Accessibility
People with limited mobility can benefit from a closer, more accessible water source.
Control
The shut-off valve allows you to easily turn water flow on or off as needed to prevent waste.
Costs and Considerations
Installing an outdoor faucet extension does require an initial investment. Here’s an overview of costs:
DIY vs Professional Install
DIY install kits cost $60-$300 depending on length and materials. Paying a plumber costs $200-$500 or more for labor.
Variations in Cost
The length of piping needed and type of materials (galvanized steel vs. plastic) impact cost. More accessories also increase price.
Consider Winterizing Needs
In cold climates, a frost-free sillcock is a must to avoid needing to winterize. Think about your winter preparations when buying parts.
Factor in Location
The complexity of digging and laying trenching may be higher in some yard locations, raising cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should the piping be buried underground?
12-18 inches down is the recommended depth to protect from freezing while still allowing water to flow properly and avoiding hitting underground utility lines.
Can I install an outdoor faucet extension myself?
Yes, these projects are designed for DIY installation. The process involves basic skills like trenching, connecting pipes and fittings, and mounting the spigot. No plumbing experience is necessary.
What obstacles impact installation cost?
Having to route piping around trees, pool areas, pathways or structures will increase material needs and labor time, driving up project costs.
How do I winterize a frost-free faucet extension?
Frost-free spigots are designed to self-drain. But you can shut off the water supply and disconnect hoses as extra protection before winter.
Will an extension reduce my outdoor faucet water pressure?
Pressure should not be impacted if appropriately sized piping is used. Limiting flow with shut-off valves can sometimes increase pressure.
Installing an outdoor faucet extension provides the convenience of water access exactly where you need it. With the ability to position your outdoor spigot anywhere, you can eliminate drainage issues, tangled hoses, and wasted time dragging hoses to that one inconvenient spot.
With a built-in shut-off valve, extensions give you precise control over your outdoor water flow. No more wet grass or muddy patches from accidentally leaving a hose on. And you can reduce waste by only turning on the water when in use.
While an extension requires an initial investment, the ease, time savings, and control you gain make it well worth the cost. So take control over your outdoor water flow and make watering your yard easier with a faucet extension.
