How To Install an Outdoor Hot Water Faucet

Whether you’re washing your car, bathing pets, or simply need warm water for outdoor cleaning tasks, having a hot water source outside can be incredibly convenient. In the video above, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how to install a frost-proof wall hydrant that provides both hot and cold water outdoors.

Benefits of a Frost-Proof Wall Hydrant

While it’s possible to modify an existing cold-water garden faucet, installing a frost-proof wall hydrant is a more elegant and efficient solution. These are the benefits a frost-proof wall hydrant offers over traditional outdoor faucets:

• Energy efficiency: The design minimizes heat loss by keeping the shut-off valve inside the heated space of your home.
• Improved aesthetics: A single, sleek unit looks more professional than a jury-rigged dual-faucet setup.
• Year-round use: The frost-proof design allows for use even during colder months without the risk of freezing.

Preparing for Water Faucet Installation

Before beginning the installation process, gather the necessary tools and materials and take proper safety precautions.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Acetylene torch
• All-weather screws
• Ball valves
• Copper pipes and fittings
• Drill with a hole saw attachment
• Flux and solder
• Frost-proof wall hydrant
• Pipe cutter
• Plumber’s sandpaper
• Silicone caulk

Safety Precautions

Take these safety measures before beginning installation: 

• Check for proper ventilation when soldering.
• Follow local building codes and regulations.
• Turn off the main water supply before starting any work.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.

Step-by-Step Wall Hydrant Installation Process

In the video, Trethewey demonstrates how to install the wall hydrant, highlighting how to position and seal it properly to create a watertight and frost-proof installation. Follow these steps:

1. Shut off the main water supply to your home.
2. Remove the existing outdoor faucet by cutting the cold water line using a compact pipe cutter.
3. Measure the center-to-center distance between the hot and cold connections on the new wall hydrant.
4. Transfer this measurement to the wall, using the existing cold water hole as a reference point for the new hot water hole.
5. Use a drill with a hole saw attachment to create the new opening for the hot water line.
6. Remove the stem units from the wall hydrant to protect the washers from heat damage during soldering.
7. Apply thread sealing tape to the male ends of the wall hydrant and attach copper female adapters.
8. Cut two pieces of copper pipe, approximately one foot long each, to fit through the wall.
9. Clean the inside of the female adapters and the outside of the copper pipes with plumber’s sandpaper, then apply flux to these areas.
10. Solder the joints between the adapters and pipes using an acetylene torch and solder.
11. Apply a bead of silicone caulk to the back of the hydrant and insert the assembly with pipes into the wall holes.
12. Secure the hydrant to the wall using all-weather screws.
13. Inside the house, connect the new pipes to the existing hot and cold water lines using copper pipes and fittings.
14. Install ball valves on both the hot and cold lines for future maintenance.
15. Reinstall the stem units in the wall hydrant.
16. Turn the main water supply back on and test the new installation for leaks and proper function.

Troubleshooting Common Wall Faucet Issues

While installing a frost-proof wall hydrant is relatively straightforward, you may encounter some challenges, such as the following:

• Incompatible existing plumbing: Older homes may have plumbing that’s incompatible with modern fixtures. In such cases, you may need to update a portion of your plumbing system to accommodate the new wall hydrant.
• Limited access to interior plumbing: If you have limited access to interior plumbing, you may need to open up walls or work in cramped spaces. Consider hiring a professional plumber if the installation requires extensive modifications to your home’s structure.
• Proper slope for drainage: Check for the right slope for drainage. If the hydrant isn’t installed with a slight downward angle toward the outside, water may not drain properly, leading to potential freezing issues.

Outdoor Water Faucet Maintenance and Care

To get keep your new frost-proof wall hydrant working well, follow these maintenance tips:

• Clean the fixture periodically to prevent mineral buildup.
• Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Regularly inspect for leaks or signs of wear.
• Remove hoses during winter months to prevent trapped water from freezing.

Additional Uses for an Outdoor Hot Water Faucet

An outdoor hot water faucet is convenient for various home and garden tasks. Here are a few more ways to make the most of your installation:

• Filling hot tubs and pools: Having hot water readily available can make filling hot tubs and pools faster. You won’t have to wait for the water to heat up gradually.
• Outdoor cooking and entertaining: You can clean grilling utensils, prepare hot beverages, and wash fruits and vegetables without having to make trips back and forth indoors.
• Outdoor showers: Install an outdoor shower to rinse off after a swim or while working in the garden.