How To Install a Frost-Proof Faucet with PEX Piping

When the temperature starts to dip, the pipes leading to your outdoor faucet could burst if you don’t turn off the water supply and fully drain them. This could lead to water damage and costly repairs. To eliminate the risk of water freezing within your pipes, frost-proof faucets, called sillcocks, are available. We’ll tell you how to install a frost-proof faucet with PEX piping and what you can do to maintain your PEX piping system. Our guide also includes a video featuring This Old House’s plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey as he puts in a frost-proof faucet and plastic tubing.

Benefits of Frost-Proof Faucets

A sillcock, or frost-proof faucet, has an extended stem that travels back into your house. When you turn off the faucet outside, the water drains through that stem so that there isn’t any left in the exterior portion. It’s a simple design that nearly eliminates the conditions for frozen pipes and water damage. Not only do these sillcocks reduce the risk of your pipes bursting, but there are a few other advantages, including the following:

• Extended outdoor water access in colder months
• Improved energy efficiency by reducing heat loss
• Lower maintenance requirements

Introduction to PEX Piping

PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a flexible plastic piping that many plumbers use today. They opt for PEX piping for many different plumbing projects, such as the installation of outdoor faucets.

Although copper piping has been the standard for plumbing for many years, the PEX technology is slowly changing that. Here are a few reasons to choose PEX piping over other options:

• Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than copper piping
• Durability: Resistant to freezing, corrosion, and scale buildup
• Easy installation: Requires fewer fittings and connections than rigid pipes
• Flexibility: Easily bends around corners and obstacles

Preparing for PEX Piping Installation

There are a couple of things you need to do before you get started. Collecting the tools and materials beforehand will help you keep this project on track and safe. 

Tools and Materials You Need

• 1-inch drill bit
• Caulk gun
• Drill/driver
• Frost-proof sillcock
• Pliers
• PEX cutter
• PEX expansion tool
• PEX fittings and connectors
• PEX piping
• Propane torch
• Teflon tape
• Silicone sealant
• Stainless steel screws

Safety Considerations 

Since you have to work with power tools, make safety a top priority. Check that you have the appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and work gloves. You can also avoid water damage by turning off the water before beginning this or any other plumbing work.

Step-by-Step PEX Piping Installation Process

Now you’re ready to install your frost-proof faucet with PEX piping. Follow this guide carefully for a proper and leak-free installation.

1. Preparing the Installation Site

Turn off the water supply then drill a 1-inch diameter hole through the exterior wall and into the basement or crawl space. This hole is where you’ll place the frost-proof sillcock and PEX piping.

2. Running the PEX Piping

Feed a length of PEX piping from the basement or crawl space out through the hole to the house’s exterior. Make sure you have enough length so that you can make all necessary connections. Avoid leaving any sharp bends or kinks in the piping.

3. Connecting the Sillcock

Wrap Teflon tape around the male threads of the frost-proof sillcock. Use pliers to tighten a brass transition fitting onto the sillcock. Then, attach the sillcock to the PEX piping using an expansion tool.

4. Securing the Sillcock

Apply silicone sealant around the hole in the exterior wall to create a watertight seal. Press the frost-proof sillcock tightly against the wall and secure it with two 1 5/8-inch stainless steel screws. Check that the sillcock is level and fastened well.

5. Making Interior Connections

Inside the basement or crawl space, connect the PEX piping to the existing water supply. If you’re connecting it to a copper pipe, clean the pipe end with emery cloth and apply flux before you solder on a copper PEX connector fitting. Since soldering will melt the plastic piping, solder the fitting before attaching the PEX.

6. Supporting the PEX Piping

Attach the PEX piping to overhead floor joists with 1-inch PEX clips. Install a clip on every other joist to give your piping enough support to prevent sagging and minimize the risk of damage.

7. Finalizing Connections

Cut the PEX piping to the appropriate length using a PEX cutter. Use the expansion tool to join the PEX piping with the installed copper connector soldered onto the water supply pipe. Check that all the connections are tight.

8. Testing the Installation

Now that you’ve secured all your connections, turn the water supply back on and test the new frost-proof faucet. Open and close the faucet several times as you check for water flow and leaks.

Maintenance and Care for a Frost-Proof Faucet

By maintaining and caring for your new outdoor plumbing system, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding potential issues and extending the life of your PEX piping. Here’s how:

Regular Inspections

By taking a proactive approach to maintaining your PEX piping, you’ll avoid smaller issues from turning into larger ones. Checking the exterior of the faucet for signs of wear or damage is one way to do this. Inspect the area around the faucet for any signs of water leakage or moisture accumulation.

Winterizing

Although frost-proof faucets prevent freezing, you can still disconnect and drain any hoses before the temperature drops. This will empty any water from the system and help you reduce the risk of damage. You can also add insulation for exposed pipes, especially if you experience harsh winters in your area. 

Addressing Potential Issues

If you notice any leaks or reduced water flow, take action immediately. In most cases, you’ll likely just need to tighten connections or replace worn washers or O-rings to solve the problem. For more persistent or complex issues, contact a professional plumber for help.

Our Conclusion

You can upgrade your outdoor water access by installing a frost-proof faucet with PEX piping. This combination will give you superior freeze protection and long-term durability. It’s also relatively easy to install. By following the steps outlined in this guide and explained by Trethewey in the video, you’ll complete the project and have reliable outdoor water access year-round. Remember to inspect your plumbing regularly and address any leaks or water flow issues you notice.