An outdoor water spigot is more than a convenience. If your family spends much time outdoors, it’s necessary. Discover everything you need to know about outdoor water spigots, including the cost of installing and replacing one and tips for choosing the right type for your yard.
What is an Outdoor Water Spigot?
Outdoor water spigots are a necessity for outdoor living solutions. Whether for washing your car, watering your plants, or something fancier, like an outdoor shower, you need water when you spend time outdoors.
There are many types of outside water spigots, and there’s no reason you can’t install one yourself. First, you must decide what type you want and where to install a water spigot. Explore your options by learning about water spigot’s key features and functions.
Key Features and Functions of a Water Spigot
Water is the source of life, and you may not realize how important it is in your backyard until you don’t have it.
Here are some of the main reasons people need water spigots:
- Connecting to hoses for gardens and landscaping
- Washing vehicles
- Washing decks and patios
- Hosing down outdoor pet areas
- Washing artificial grass
- Filling swimming pools, hot tubs, and other outdoor water features
- Connecting to an outdoor sprinkler or drip irrigation system
- Providing water supply to stock animals
- Connecting to splash pads and children’s backyard play areas
Different Types of Outdoor Water Spigots
Many names know water spigots, sometimes used interchangeably. However, many names technically refer to specific types of water spigots.
Hydrants, hose bibs , sill cocks, spouts, valves, outdoor taps, and faucets are some of the most common names you’ll hear, but what type is right for your yard? Whether you’re installing one yourself or hiring a professional, it helps to learn more about the different types of outdoor water spigots.
Traditional Hose Bibbs
People often use hose bibbs in various ways. They have an end that attaches to a regular garden hose, and you can install them on the exterior of a house and attach them to interior plumbing.
You can also place hose bibs on posts, fences, and walls, depending on where your plumbing is located. They are the least expensive option for getting water to your yard.
The cost to install or replace a hose bibb averages between $10 and $40, not including installation. The parts you need to install a simple hose bib on the exterior of your house vary depending on the type of plumbing you have.
Tips for Installing a Traditional Hose Bibb
You should always install an isolation valve so that you can turn the water off from the inside. This is particularly important in regions that have freezing weather during the winter.
Ensure that the hose bib slopes down to the outside so that it will drain completely when it’s isolated and left open. Use caulk to seal the area to prevent rodents and insects from entering your home.
Frost-Free Hose Bibbs
The weather conditions in your region will play an important role in the type of outdoor water spigot you use, which is why many people in northern climates choose frost-free hose bibs.
The main difference between frost-free and traditional hose bibbs is the valve location. The valve on traditional hose bibbs is directly behind the valve handle, and with frost-free spigots, it’s located at the end of the stem body, which is safely inside your house.
Frost-free hose bibbs are a little more expensive but well worth the money to prevent damage from freezing. They typically cost about $30 to $50, not including installation and other parts that you’ll need.
They have a built-in anti-siphon valve, and when shut off, the water drains out of them to keep the water from freezing.
Frost-free sill cocks come in various lengths, with common sizes ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches. The thickness of your wall (including the exterior siding) determines the length you need.
Tips for Installing a Frost-Free Hose Bibb
Using an isolation valve to separate the plumbing to your frost-free hose bibb is always a good idea. Valves are inexpensive and can save you a lot of trouble if you need to repair your frost-free hose bibb.
When selecting a frost-free spigot, choose one with fittings that match your indoor plumbing. Some have SharkBite fittings, making installation with Pex plumbing easy. They also come with different size hose connections. Most garden hoses are ¾”, but you can also find hose bibbs with ½” connections.
Yard Hydrants
Yard hydrants work because they have a drain hole at the bottom of the pipe that allows the water to drain out of the stem pipe whenever the hydrant is turned off.
The average cost of a yard hydrant is between $75 and $150, not including installation. They come in various heights and sizes, and the size you choose will depend on how deep your water line is buried.
How deep your water line is buried depends on where you live. Some water lines in northern climates are buried five to six feet deep to prevent underground freezing. They may have seasonal-use spur lines for irrigation that aren’t buried more than 24 inches.
Yard hydrants are the best solution for year-round water use in any climate. For example, a yard hydrant is the best choice if you need water to supply a stock tank.
Tips for Installing Yard Hydrants
Determining the length of the yard hydrant you need can be a little confusing. A 6-foot bury hydrant is designed for water pipes that are buried six feet deep. They are 8½ to 9 feet long because you are supposed to install them with the hydrant about 24 to 30 inches above the ground.
Placing washed river rock or pea gravel at the base of your yard hydrant will prevent sediment from clogging the drainage area and ensure that your water hydrant doesn’t freeze.
If your yard hydrant has stopped working, you may be able to fix it by replacing the components above ground, which costs a lot less money. Water spigot replacement parts are available for all yard hydrant parts, including the plunger and head.
Outdoor Sinks and Showers
Outdoor living solutions like sinks and showers make your backyard even more convenient and luxurious. Consider an outdoor sink or shower if you’re looking at ways to add water to your backyard.
Outdoor Sinks
The convenience of an outdoor sink is something you must experience to understand fully. Here are some reasons why an outdoor sink might be the best option for your outdoor water source.
- Wash your hands and tools after working in your yard.
- Put one next to your garden to wash your produce before bringing it inside.
- An outdoor sink near the garage is great for washing up after working on your car.
- Install one in your outdoor kitchen to reduce the number of trips indoors.
- They are great for outdoor craft projects.
The cost of an outdoor sink will vary depending on the materials you choose. You could pick up an old sink at a thrift or antique store for less than $50 or spend considerably more for something more elegant.
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor showers are convenient, especially if you live on the beach or have a swimming pool. They are also handy for washing off children and pets while playing outdoors.
An aesthetically pleasing outdoor shower can be a great addition to your backyard oasis, but they are expensive unless you install it yourself. You could pay anywhere from $100 to $3,000 for an outdoor shower, depending on how fancy it is and how much work you do.
In some areas, regulations may require you to include a drainage system and a roof for your outdoor shower, which can add to the costs. Check with your local planning office to determine what they require in your area.
Comparing the Features and Costs of Different Types
Several factors affect the cost of installing an outdoor water spigot, including how close it is to existing plumbing, the type of spigot you choose, and labor costs.
The following prices are for the fixtures. Plumbers typically charge $100 to $200 per hour, and your project may require additional parts, including piping and valves.
| Type of faucet | Features | Average cost for parts | Average total installation cost |
| Hose bibb | Has a hose connection; Isn’t freeze-proof; Can be made with brass, copper, plastic, or stainless steel parts; Can be installed anywhere | $10 to $40 | $160 to $300 |
| Frost-free bibb | Attaches to the exterior of your home; Has a hose connection; Has a long valve stem to prevent freezing; Can be made from brass, copper, plastic, and stainless steel parts | $30 to $50 | $200 to $400 |
| Yard hydrant | Made to attach to buried water pipes; Frost proof when buried deep enough for your region; Available in various heights for different bury depths | $50 to $150 | $400 to $2,000 |
| Outdoor sinks | Many different types, ranging from utility sinks to sophisticated outdoor kitchen sinks; Can be plumbed with hot and cold water | $50 to $1,000 | $300 to $1,200 |
| Outdoor showers | Price varies depending on the type of shower and drain system; Can be plumbed with hot and cold water | $100 to $1,100 | $600 to $3,000 |
Installation vs Replacement: The Cost of Outdoor Water Spigots
One of the biggest factors that affects the cost of installing an outdoor water spigot is whether you are installing a new one or replacing an existing spigot. Take a look at the cost breakdown of installing a new water spigot compared to replacing one.
Breaking Down the Cost of Installing a New Outdoor Water Spigot
Installing a new outdoor spigot requires new piping and valves, and the price varies depending on how far away your spigot is from existing plumbing.
If you have to install a new line, you may need a permit, which can cost even more. Water line costs typically start at about $1,000, and can cost from $50 to $225 per linear foot, depending on your soil type, the depth of your line, and where you live.
Understanding the Cost of Replacing an Existing Water Spigot
Replacing your outdoor water spigot is much less expensive than installing a new one. Factor in the price of materials and labor to determine the cost to add an outdoor water spigot. You can save even more by DIYing a water spigot installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Water Spigots
How much does it cost to install an outdoor water spigot?
If you install an outside water spigot yourself, it can cost you less than $40 or $50 to purchase all the materials. If you hire a plumber, it will cost about $200 to $400, on average. Most plumbers charge $100 to $200 per hour.
What is the lifespan of an outdoor water spigot?
Outdoor water faucets don’t last forever. Most types of water spigots last 10 to 20 years. Some high-quality yard hydrants will last 25 to 30 years.
What are the different types of outdoor water spigots?
The different types of outdoor spigots include traditional hose bibbs, frost-free hose bibbs, and yard hydrants. You can also use other types of outdoor water spigots, including outdoor sinks and showers.
How often should an outdoor water spigot be replaced?
Outdoor water spigots aren’t all created equal, and how long they last will be determined by the quality of their construction. Signs that your hose bibb or hydrant needs to be replaced or repaired include dripping water, rust, and cracked handles. Sometimes they make odd sounds when you run water through them, like clanking or high-pitched squealing.
Can I install or replace an outdoor water spigot myself?
Plumbers charge $200 to $400 on average to replace a water spigot, and it’s something that many homeowners can do themselves. If your spigot leaks, you will save money on your water bill, as a dripping faucet can amount to several gallons daily.
