How A Plumber Installs A New Outside Spigot In A Convenient Place
An outside spigot comes in handy for many things. You may already have a spigot in the front and back of your house, but they may not be in ideal locations. If you'd like an outside spigot that's positioned in a more convenient place for washing hands, rinsing feet before getting in the pool, or watering a garden in your side yard, talk to a plumber about having a new spigot installed. Here's a look at the installation process for an outside spigot.
Choose The Materials
The plumber selects a spigot to be mounted outdoors and a shut-off valve that's mounted either inside or outside. An advantage of mounting the valve inside is that it won't freeze in the winter. The plumber may also recommend buying a spigot that is freeze resistant.
These have a long stem attached so the rubber seals are away from the spigot as well as on the end that stays inside your house so they won't freeze. This can keep your water spigot from spewing water or freezing up. In addition to the spigot and valve, the plumber needs supplies for connecting them to an existing water line.
Drill The Hole For The Spigot
Be sure to choose the ideal spot for your outside spigot so the plumber drills a hole right where it's needed. The plumber can drill a hole through the wall of a slab-on-grade home as well as a home built on a basement foundation. The hole can be drilled through wood, concrete, or brick, so you can have a spigot just about anywhere you want one.
A hole is necessary so the spigot can be mounted on the outside wall and connected to a water pipe inside the house. Once the hole is drilled, the spigot can be mounted to the wall with screws. Then work on the inside can begin.
Attach The Spigot To The Water Line
The closer the spigot is to an existing water line, the easier it will be to hook it up. The plumber has to cut the water line open to remove a small section so a T-piece can be soldered in that will connect to the spigot. This requires using a few adapters that screw on or are soldered so the connections are watertight.
If your home has PEX tubing instead of copper, installation is done the same way except instead of soldering, the connections are made watertight with pinch clamps. When the outside spigot is connected, the water is turned back on so it can be tested to make sure water flows out properly and that there are no drips or leaks in the water lines or valves.
Contact a local plumber to learn more about installing outside spigots.