Winter can become a nightmare for the lack of a frost-free sillcock valve. A frozen hose bib can cost you hundreds, even thousands of bucks. To ensure stress-free sleep in the winter, best frost free sillcock valve must be installed.
These come at an affordable price but saves you from paying a surprising thousand dollar water bill! In this article, we will guide you through the best products, how can you install the best frost-free hose bib and many more. Keep reading!
Image | Name | Findings | Price |
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Inlet: 1/2 inch Outlet: 3/4 inch Length: 12" Build: Steel Rating: 9.5/10 | |||
Inlet: 1/2 inch Outlet: 3/4 inch Length: Upto 18" Build: Steel Rating: 9/10 | |||
Inlet: 1/2 inch Outlet: 3/4 inch Length: 12" Build: Brass Rating: 8/10 |
1. Aquor Frost-Free House Hydrant V1, 12-inch Aquor Blue
If you ask me about the best frost free sillcock, I’ll instantly pick this. This is high quality, easy to use, looks beautiful and made to last a lifetime.
This shiny beauty is made with marine-grade high-quality stainless steel and hard polymer materials to give you a maintenance-free experience for a long time.
Its twist to connect and untwist to disconnect is a feature that attracts almost everyone who gets to know about this. With this hydrant installed, you don’t need to waste time connecting the hose. It connects with a twist and starts flowing water through the hose.
There is a cool mechanism in this sillcock! When this is installed, you don't need to do anything except plugging in the hose connector to make the water flow.
Its polymer hose connector is made to withstand thousands of connections and can endure rough and tough abuses for a long time.
This well-designed hose bib is drip-less and leak proof. So, with this sillcock installed, you don’t need to worry about getting an unexpected water bill! You pay for the amount you use, nothing more.
The built-in debris cover protects it from dust and enhances beauty. And the color? It comes in two color to give you the option to choose a model that best matches your outdoor.
When it comes to drawbacks, we have not found anything negative about this product except being expensive.
Highlighted Features
- Build with High-quality stainless steel and polymer
- Drip-less and leak proof
- Instant twist to connect feature
- 7x better frost-free protection
- Well-designed product enhances the beauty
2. SharkBite 24628LF Frost Free Sillcock Review
Looking for a product that is easy to install, high quality and leak-free? This SharkBite product has all these things to satisfy you. The brand has been in the industry for a while and they are already renowned for their highest standard products.
This frost-free sillcock model from Sharkbite is easy to install for its push to connect mechanism. All you need to do is to push the pipe to it and the pipe will be locked with its stainless steel teeth. Don’t worry! This won’t come out once it is installed. The rubber grip along with the stainless steel teeth secures the pipe with the sillcock and make the connection leak proof.
This sillcock can withstand 200 psi water pressure and up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit heat.
It is made to connect with various types of pipes, such as- PEX, CPVC, PE-RT, and Copper! So, you need not worry about your pipe types when you need a frost-free sillcock. This model covers almost all types that are used in American homes.
The built-in anti-siphon technology prevents any type of backflow. So, you don't need to worry about getting the water contaminated.
And you know what? Most of the products are only made for either residential or commercial use. But this model from the SharkBite does not differentiate. Whether you are looking for a product for any commercial area or your own home, you are covered by this.
It comes in different sizes from 8 inches to 18 inches allowing you to choose the one that best fits you.
You should have already guessed! For its features and build quality, this is our pick for the best value for money category!
Highlighted Features
- Easy push to connect installation
- 200 psi pressure absorbance
- Connects with PEX, CPVC, PE-RT, and Copper
- Leak-free anti-siphon connection
- Good for both residential and commercial use
- Comes in 8 to 18 inches size option
3. MIDLINE VALVE 8434Q Sillcock Pipe
When you want to save some money, yet need a frost-free sillcock, this is the tool for you. This product is made of brass and can work just fine.
It can work at 150 PSI pressure smoothly without any problem.
The large plastic valve is included to turn on and off the valve easily. So, you need less force to open the valve and less to shut it off.
Since it comes at an affordable price point, the manufacturer has made a significant compromise in the build material.
The product is not so durable and starts leaking after a year or two. You’ll feel the corrosion happening inside of it after a few months of installation.
Highlighted Features
- Brass made sillcock
- Large plastic valve for easy operation
- 150 psi water pressure absorbance
- Not so durable, leaks after a few months
4. Prier P-164D12 Quarter-Turn Frost Free Anti-Siphon Outdoor Hydrant
The USA made Prier model is one of the best frost-free hydrants that you can have today! This is well-built, easy to use and has all that feature to have a stress free sleep.
The soft rubber grip is a cool feature of this hydrant as you will not feel any pressure when opening or shutting it down.
Its anti-siphon vacuum breaker is another feature that prevents the water from draining back.
Apart from that, you will have a perfectly built brass body sillcock that lasts long. It is made by combining different materials like brass, copper, stainless steel and rubber making it one of the most durable products out in the market.
And guess what? This product is easy to install and operate.
Now about the drawback! This little beast is an overall high-quality product but we noticed some of the previous users complaining about the leak after a few years of installation.
Highlighted Features
- Made in USA product
- Rubber made soft grip allows easy handling
- Anti-siphon technology
- Made with durable materials
- Easy installation
- Can leak after a few years of installation
5. Homewerks VFF-ASP-C19PA Anti-Siphon Frost Free Sillcock
Homeworks is a renowned brand when it comes to plumbing tools. They provide high-quality products at the lowest possible prices.
This model comes with high-quality freeze protection to make your pipe protected from freezing temperatures.
It is easy to install. Thanks to its ½ inch male pipe thread!
If you are looking for a product that does not leak or drip, yet affordable in price, This product is the go-to for you.
Its corrosion-resistant feature is another thing that most of the sillcocks lack. Even expensive products than this one lack this feature. So, a great move from the manufacturer.
It is built with anti-siphon backflow protection so that the water does not go back to the mainline instead of draining outwards.
The 3-year limited warranty is a plus on all those features considering the price point it comes. For its overall positivities and the affordable price point, this is our pick for the cheapest frost free sillcock.
Highlighted Features
- High-quality freeze protection
- Easy to install
- Corrosion-resistant design
- Strong built quality
- Anti-siphon backflow protection
- 3 year limited warranty
6. Quarterball ¼-Turn Ball Valve Frost Proof Sillcock
Quarter ball has been in the industry for a while and it's making durable products since its inception. This solid brass-made sillcock can handle up to three hundred thousand on-off cycles, making it one of the most durable product in its category.
The design is quite simple, without any ceramic disc, o-ring, or compression washer, it is built to last with brass and chrome combination.
The outdoor water faucet can prevent backflow and siphon, making it a safe outdoor spigot for the money.
The pure brass product is easy to install and use, thanks to its simplistic design. Compared to other outdoor hose bibs, you'll feel comfortable using this.
Key Features
- Great for Garden Hose
- Backflow Prevention and Anti-siphon
- Good For Cold Weather Plumbing Projects
- Doesn't require Frequent Maintenance
- Discharges Excess Water
- A bit expensive
7. Woodford 17PX-12-MH Model 17 Wall Faucet
If you are looking for an outside spigot with durable design, made to withstand cold water, and easy to install, then this Woodford outdoor water faucet is what you need.
It comes with a die-cast aluminum handle and a notched flange design. It can withstand temperatures drop pretty easily when installed on thick walls. You need to place the valve on the warmer part of the wall, so that water doesn't freeze.
The sturdy design of this outdoor faucet will ensure long-lasting service without frequent maintenance. The only thing you need to ensure that the water remaining inside is discharged fast.
Key Features
- Durable Construction with Aluminum and Stainless Steel
- Value For Money Outdoor Water Supply
- Leak Prevention Mechanism
- Good for Garden Hose Connection
8. B & K 104-827HC 10" WALL HYDRANT
Looking for a pure brass wall hydrant? This B & K is here to cover you in this regard.
For using outdoor water pipes in cold weather, this B & K water faucet is an affordable choice.
It is durable compared to other similarly priced outside spigot, and easy to install in thick walls. Thanks to its heavy cast brass body, you don't need to worry about water freezing issue again.
The seat valve inside is a quality one, ensuring long-lasting service without much maintenance.
For its chrome plated body and sturdy design, it became a popular choice for plumbing projects across America.
Key Features
- Chrome plated brass body
- Durable Construction for Long lasting service
- No worry of freezing outdoor water
- Can work with a garden hose attached
9. Legend 108-155 T-550 Quarter Turn 12" Anti-Siphon Frost Free Sillcock
Legend Anti-Siphon Frost Free Sillcock is a high quality product. This is an anti-siphon sillcock that has an integral vacuum breaker. The quarter-turn will shut off the water supply to prevent freezing and the rubberized handle ensures a secure grip in any weather conditions.
It has a heavy-duty cast brass body with a luster chrome finish to ensure durability. With this outdoor spigot installed, you'll have no issues of pipe bursting due to water freeze in cold weather conditions.
The frost proof sillcock is fairly priced compared to its close contenders and hence, you won't regret picking this when it comes to anti-freeze outdoor water faucet.
Key Features
- Durable and Easy to Install
- Prevents Water Accumulation and Freezing
- Fairly priced outside spigot
- Prevents backflow efficiently
Best Frost Free Hose Bib Buying Guide
Before making any decision on which product you are purchasing, it is a must to know why and how should you pick the perfect sillcock for your home. We have outlined a few checklists by which you will easily be able to pick the authentic frost free sillcock in no time-
1. Lowest Winter Temperature
The first thing you need to know about is the lowest temperature recorded in your area in the last decade. Knowing this will help you to figure out the perfect frost free hose bib.
Since different products are made differently and their lowest temperature endurance level can differ, it will be difficult to pick a product that best suits your area without knowing the average temperature.
2. Length of the Sillcock
The length of the sillcock is the second thing to see when you need to purchase one. The length should be more than the thickness of your wall.
Apart from the thickness, you should ensure that the shut-off valve of the sillcock must come in a place where the temperature is much warmer than the outside.
3. Build Material
For purchasing any type of product, checking the quality of the build material is a must. It is not at all different in the decision making of the frost-free hose bib selection.
The better the build material is, the better the service will be. Generally, stainless steel and polymer combinations are best for sillcocks as these materials are rustproof and made to withstand temperature fluctuations.
4. Durability
Durability is another key factor for any buying decision. A perfect hose bib must be durable so that you do not need to change the hose bib every year.
So, we recommend selecting the best possible product for better durability. Otherwise, it can happen that you are saving 10-20 bucks now by purchasing a low-quality hose bib and it is gone within a year. Eventually, you’ll be spending more than what a high-quality product requires you to spend.
5. Drip and Leak Proof
Everyone knows about leaks and dripping problem. But very few care before they end up purchasing a product that drips or leaks.
A sillcock that leaks can do considerable damage to your property and will increase the water bill. When a faucet starts dripping that means it will eventually fail within a few months.
6. Easy to Install
No one wants to hire a professional to install a sillcock. For installing sillcocks by yourself, you must ensure that the product is easy to install.
We have found the Aquor and the Sharkbite products are the best in this category.
7. Water Pressure Absorbance
How much pressure the sillcock can withstand is another important factor for buying decisions. A low absorbance hose bib will not be durable if you install it on a high-pressure pipeline.
So, we recommend using the standard products that are made to withstand around 150 to 200 psi water pressure.
Benefits of Using a Frost Free Sillcock
Now that you know what is the best frost free sillcock valve we must let you know why should you buy one. What are the benefits of having a frost-free faucet installed? Let’s find out-
1. Prevent Pipes from Bursting
When winter is gone and you are ready to go back to your favorite garden, you’ll open the spigot and boom! It’s not working. This happens because the water is frozen at the end of the sillcock that is preventing the flow of water.
This has some more dangerous side effects like a pipe bursting. If that happens, your basement should already go underwater and get ready to pay an unexpected water bill.
To prevent water from freezing at the end of the sillcock and bursting pipe, frost-free sillcock is used. These are made with a long hose where the shut-off valve placed inside the warmer part of your house. So that the freezing temperature does not freeze the water.
2. Prevent Contaminated Water from Flowing Back
Almost all of the frost-free sillcocks come with anti-siphon backflow protection technology to prevent contaminated water from flowing back to your pipe. So, this a very important thing to consider to make yourself safe from water-borne diseases.
3. More Durable than Ordinary Hose bibs
Apart from the above two, frost-free sillcocks are made to withstand more pressure and can absorb a significant amount of temperature fluctuations. So, these are typically way more durable than the ordinary hosebibs.
Read our take on PEX Expansion tools as well!
How to Install a Frost Free Hose Bib
Installing frost-free sillcocks are not that difficult. You need to spend a bit of time, some common tools, and the sillcock itself to complete the process. Here is the step by step guide for you-
Supplies Required
- Hammer Drill
- 1-1/4 Masonry bit
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Small Tubing Cutter
1. Find the Right Spot to Install the Hose bib
Free frost hose bibs have a certain length, generally 8 inches to 14 inches. So, you need to find a suitable spot to install the sillcock where the water supply is present and you have enough clearings for working on it.
2. Drill the Hole For the Sillcock
Measure the depth of the wall that you have selected for installation. Use a masonry drill with a 1-1/4 bit to drill the hole.
Drill from the outside of the house and keep a company inside to notify you about any error.
3. Cut the Pipe for Installation
After the hole is created, find the washer that controls the water flow. Turn off that and double-check it to prevent water spill.
Now, take the measurement for installing a T connection and use a tube cutter to cut the pipe accordingly.
4. Install the Sillcock
After cutting the pipe, install the T fittings first. Then, go outside and slide the sillcock through the hole and fix it in position with screws.
Make the connection inside with threads or soldering whatever is available to you.
5. Check for Leaks
Before starting to use the free frost hose bib, check the connections again thoroughly. Turn on the water supply line to flow water through the installed hose bib.
If you don't see any leaks in the connections, you are good to go!
FAQs on The Best Frost Free Hose Bibs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about frost free sillcocks-
1. What is a Frost Free Sillcock?
A faucet that is made to prevent water from freezing inside the pipe. The idea is that the shut off valve of the ordinary sillcocks are at the end of it from where the water flows. But in the frost-free hose bibs, the shut-off valve is made way inside of the hose so that the water does not get exposed to the freezing temperature in the winter.
2. How Do You Measure the Length of a Frost-free Sillcock?
There are different sizes of frost-free sillcocks and you need to find the one that best suits your house. The measurement must be taken by the wall of your house. Generally, freezing temperature does not reach the inside of the wall and thus, the temperature inside is warmer.
So, take a measurement where the shut off valve comes inside the house so that the water is not exposed to the outside temperature.
3. How Does a Frost-free Hose bib Work?
As we have already discussed, the idea is that the shut-off valve is built way inside of the hose so that the water does not expose to the freezing temperature and eventually remain liquid.
The difference between the ordinary and frost-free sillcock is the placement of the shut off valve. In ordinary hose bibs, it is placed where the knob is placed but for making the hose bib frost-free, it is placed inside the hose so that the water remains in the warmer side of the house.
4. Do I Need to Turn off the Water Outside in the Winter?
If you have the best frost free hose bibs installed, you don’t have to. You can remain the water supply for the whole year by installing these affordable devices.
But for ensuring safety, make sure you have perfectly shut the valve after the use, drained all the remaining water from the pipe and remain vigilant for any leaks or drips.
5. Is it Difficult to Install a Frost-free Faucet?
No, it is not. Most of the manufacturers make the frost-free sillcocks in a way so that an ordinary person can install the faucet without any problem. We have found the Sharkbite model to be the easiest to install.
So, if you are looking for easy installation, you can pick that for your home.
6. How Do I Know if my Faucet is Frost-free?
If your faucets shut off valve is placed inside the warmer part of your house, it is frost-free. But when the shut-off valve is not inside rather at the end of the sillcock, it will freeze when the temperature falls.
7. Can You Use Outdoor Faucets in Winter?
Of course, why not? But you need to have a frost-free faucet installed so that the water does not get stuck and make your life harder than ever. When the water is not exposed to the low temperature and is protected from any leak or drip, you can use the outdoor faucet in the winter too.
8. What is the Difference Between a Hose bib and a Sillcock?
Although we generally use these two terms interchangeably, they are not the same. Sillcocks are those which have the shut-off valve placed inside the pipe for making it frost-free.
On the other hand, hose bibs are those which have the shut-off valve exposed to the outside temperature. So, these are not frost-free.
But as we have already said, these terms are used interchangeably by the customers and there is nothing wrong with it as long as you make it clear whether you need a frost-free sillcock or a normal hose bib.
Read Also: Best Wood Sandpaper!
Final Words
Now that you end up here after reading the whole article, you should already know what is the best sillcock and why should you have one for your home.
We recommend our best pick unless you have budget limitations. Our best value pick is also a great product to have.
If we have missed anything, let us know in the comment box below. We will be there to help you!
Read Our Take on Top Humidifier For 1000 Square Feet Large Space
When the sill cock is closed in winter ( 8 degrees) and water does not run when opened, is the sill cock stuck or possibly frozen? Do I just wait for the spring thaw to use it?
There are no cracks or breaks in the line or the valve.