Hose Faucet

Hose Faucets are known by different names so let's get this clear before we take a deeper dive into these multiple names of these devices and the best application for them.

• Outside hose faucet
• Hose bib
• Spigot
• Sillcock
• Hose hydrant

Now that we've identified most of the names for a Hose Faucet, let's distinguish the two most common types.





ASI Plumbing recommends Frost Proof Hose Faucets for most replacements and new installations because of the effectiveness of the design against freezing if used and maintained properly. As the name suggests this design is made to reduce the risk of freezing and bursting when the weather drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Although a Frost Proof Hose Faucet is the best choice if the installation dimensions will accommodate, it's not without problems and maintenance.

Unfortunately, ASI Plumbing replaces many of these hose faucets every year because homeowners fail to disconnect the garden hose before the first freeze. Because the seal on these faucets is set inside the home where it's warm & safe from freezing, the body of the faucet will hold water if a garden hose hasn't been disconnected and therefore is subject to freezing. Always disconnect the hose from the hose faucet before the first freeze.

If the garden hose was left on the Frost Proof Hose Faucet during freezing temps, there is now a chance that the body of the hose faucet has split open. Remember the seal has done what it was designed to do: holding back any pressurized water from entering the body of the faucet at this point. Alas, most homeowners are unaware of the frozen and busted body of the hose faucet. Then, in spring on the first warm day, they decide to turn on the hose faucet and wash the car while the split and busted hose faucet inside the home is now unknowingly gushing water into the home and causing damage. In most cases, they don't even know until they decide to go back into the home to find water everywhere. Sounds horrible, right? Frost Proof Hose Faucets are still the best choice when the hose is removed from the hose faucet before the first freeze after warm weather.

The second type is a standard hose faucet and is usually used when the budget won't accommodate a frost-proof or the dimensions of the installation won't allow the size of a frost-proof hose faucet. These faucets cost a bit less and will still do the job they're designed to do. When it comes time to winterize these hose faucets, shut off the valve inside the home that serves that hose faucet, go back outside, open the hose faucet, and disconnect the garden hose.