Spring is here, and many are turning their thoughts to planting and gardening. Along with that comes thoughts on keeping everything watered during the hot summer months. Dragging around long water hoses can be a heavy and tiresome chore. The solution may be installing a remote water faucet. A remote faucet is a stand-along faucet a distance from your home water source. There are a couple of ways to set up your remote faucet.
Installing a remote faucet offers plenty of benefits. This convenient water source makes it easy to water your lawn or garden, wash your car, wash your pet, and clean the driveway. However, you need to have the right tools, materials, and skills to ensure a successful installation.
Here is what to know!
What You’ll Need
As every Greensboro, NC plumbing professional knows, part of preparing for the project involves gathering the required tools and materials. Below is what you need.
Tips for Installing a Remote Outdoor Faucet
Identify the Best Location
Once you determine the purpose of installing the faucet, you should choose the ideal location. Make sure the faucet is positioned close to the water source and in an area with proper clearance.
Plan the Layout
Planning the plumbing layout will allow you to establish the number of fittings and sizes of every part you need for your outdoor faucet. A proper layout will also ensure the plumbing system works efficiently.
Choose Your Water Source
You should then locate a water source to connect your pipes. The source could be either the city water supply or a well. Regardless of the source, you should switch off the water source before starting the installation.
Blow Out the System
If you live in a cold area, you will need to blow out the system to avoid frost. You can do this using a home air compressor both at the house and in the garden.
Mount the Faucet
The last step is to cut out a section of the hollow PVC fence post so you can mount your faucet. Alternatively, you can use another material to build your own post. Ensure PEX runs inside it, screw a sillcock flange to the post, and install a backflow preventer.
Option 1
Begin with replacing your single valve outdoor faucet with a 2 to 4 valve. This allows you to connect multiple water hoses. Connect a water hose and move to the area needed. Tuck hose up near your foundation or cover with mulch to conceal. Attach a cut-off valve to the end of the water hose. If at your deck, use holding brackets to attach to one of your deck pickets. Then connect the water hose you will use to water your garden or plants. You can use a water hose holder or reel to keep your hose stored neatly. If the location has no mounting post, purchase a free-standing water hose holder and then attach your watering hose.
Option 2
If a remote faucet is needed some distance from your outdoor faucet, you might want to consider having an underground water pipe run from your home to the gardening area you water. Unless you are an advanced plumbing DIYer, you might want a professional to handle this project as it requires splicing into an existing water line and soldering if you have copper piping in your home. A professional will also know to check for any buried cables or pipes in the area for the underground pipe. They will also know what depth to bury the pipe based on the freeze levels in your area. You will still need to determine what post to use at the installation site. PVC fence post provides a nice look and can be finished with a decorative cap. However, you can make your own post of any material — just remember to make it hollow to hide and protect the water pipe.
At Go Green Plumbing Heating and Air, we are committed to offering quality plumbing services that meet your needs. We have experienced plumbers in Greensboro, NC, who provide quick service and lifetime support. Contact us today to request our services.
