How To: Install a frost-free sillcock

If you live in a colder climate, your water pipes may be susceptible to freezing. For the most part, your plumbing is safely inside the heated living space of your house. However, a sillcock (spigot) on the outside wall of your house is exposed to the elements and can freeze during the colder winter months. Since water expands as it freezes, this situation can burst your pipes causing water damage to your house.

You have two solutions to avoid this mishap: First, you can turn off the inline valve and drain the water out of an existing sillcock during the winter months. Or for added convenience, you can install a frost-free sillcock that will help keep water away from the cold, outside elements. A frost-free sillcock contains a long stem that places the actual water shut off about 10 inches inside the house. This keeps still water away from the elements. For step-by-step instructions for this DIY project, watch this friendly how-to!