Avoid Frozen Pipe Damage With Parts of a Frost Free Faucet
As winter approaches, many homeowners dread the threat of frozen and burst pipes. Dealing with leaks, floods, and costly repairs is something we all want to avoid. Luckily, installing a frost-free faucet can help prevent frozen pipe disasters and keep your water flowing all season long.
Understanding how each unique part functions will help you use this winter-proof faucet correctly. With proper installation and maintenance, frost-free faucets provide reliable freeze protection.
How a Frost-Free Faucet Prevents Frozen Pipes
Frost-free, also called freeze-proof, faucets are designed specifically for cold weather use. Standard outdoor faucets are prone to freezing because the valve is located outside. This exposes water sitting in the pipe to freezing air temperatures. The water expands as it turns to ice, potentially cracking pipes and causing leaks.
Frost-free faucets prevent this by extending the valve and water line deep into the warmer indoor space. This bypass allows water to stay inside away from the freezing conditions outdoors. The valve also seals off water flow completely for additional protection.
Valve Stem
The key to a frost-free faucet is the long valve stem. This hollow tube reaches from the outdoor faucet head, through the wall, and into the house interior. At the end of the stem is the shutoff valve controlling water flow. By placing this valve indoors, the water remains in the warmer indoor temperatures longer before exposure.
The valve stem provides an insulated space that keeps moving water from freezing. Some models have an adjustable length stem to fit varying wall thicknesses. Proper installation ensures the stem extends the right distance to avoid exterior freezing.
Valve Seat
Where the valve stem meets the valve body there is a rubber washer called the valve seat. When the faucet is turned off, the valve seals against the valve seat to create a watertight closure. This stops water from flowing into the external pipe where it could freeze.
It's important the valve seat forms a complete seal without any drips or leaks. A faulty valve seat that allows water to continually seep out can lead to frozen pipes. Regularly inspecting and replacing worn valve seats helps prevent freezing issues.
Packing Nuts
At the base of the valve stem are packing nuts. These threaded nuts secure the stem in place at the point it exits the valve body. Tight packing nuts compress the stem to prevent water from leaking out around the edges.
However, over time packing nuts can become loose or corroded. This allows water to drip from the stem, which can freeze on the exterior pipe. Regularly checking and tightening the packing nuts ensures a watertight seal.
Handle
The handle controls the water flow on and off. Frost-free faucets typically have either a round wheel-style handle or a lever-type 1/4 turn handle. Turning the handle counterclockwise opens the valve and allows water to flow. Turning it clockwise seals the valve and stops flow.
Always turn the faucet completely off to engage the valve seat. Leaving the handle slightly open can let water continue seeping out where it can freeze.
Drain Valve Assembly
Another important component is the drain valve assembly. This valve is located at the base of the outdoor faucet. Opening it provides a way for excess water to drain out of the stem when preparing for winter.
The drain valve and its related parts allow the faucet to be fully winterized. Draining all remaining water from the stem prevents any pockets of water from freezing inside.
Plunger Assembly
Also located at the base is a plastic or rubber plunger assembly. When pressed inward, this device seals the water inlet to prevent any backflow. This is especially important when the faucet is turned off.
The plunger assembly works together with the valve seat to block any water from re-entering the stem. This double seal keeps the system water-tight.
Head Nut
The head nut is what secures the drain valve assembly to the faucet body, holding it firmly in place. Tightening the head nut compresses the drain valve gasket for a leak-free seal.
If the head nut becomes loose, water can leak from around the drain valve. Frequent inspection and proper tightening prevents leaks.
Headnut Gasket
Providing a water-tight seal around the drain valve is the headnut gasket. This rubber washer fits between the head nut and faucet body. When the head nut is tightened, it presses the gasket against the two surfaces.
Like other gaskets, the headnut gasket can wear out over time. Annual replacement of old gaskets helps ensure leak prevention in this spot.
Vacuum Breaker
Frost-free s also contain a built-in vacuum breaker or anti-siphon device. This mechanism prevents contaminated water from being siphoned back into the household plumbing lines.
When a hose is attached and the faucet is turned off, the vacuum breaker equalizes pressure to keep dirty hose water out. This backflow prevention provides important health protections.
Proper Installation
To fully utilize the freeze protection of a frost-free faucet, proper installation is key. The faucet should be positioned with the spout angled downward. This ensures all water can drain out easily when shut off.
Applying plumbers tape to threaded connections prevents potential leakage. Any exposed exterior pipes should be insulated or heated to prevent ice buildup outside.
Adjusting the stem length to the right depth keeps water lines inside the house. A snug fit against wall insulation also helps prevent drafts.
Winterizing and Maintenance
Annual winterization maintains the working parts inside a frost-free faucet. Shut off the main water supply and open both the faucet and the drain valve to empty all water from the stem.
Check for any drips or leaks and tighten nuts or fittings as needed. Replace any worn washers or gaskets. Applying lubricants keeps o-rings and seals flexible.
Insulate any hose bibs and exposed pipes. Check that splash guards, insulation pads, and covers are secure.
Regular maintenance keeps the inner workings functioning properly for freeze protection season after season.
While standard outdoor faucets are prone to freezing, frost-free faucets are engineered to prevent it. Their ingenious internal parts, from the draining valve stem to the sealing plunger assembly, work together to block ice-inducing conditions.
Understanding how each component functions allows you to properly install and maintain your frost-free faucet. Stopping frozen pipe disasters before they happen saves the headaches of dealing with leak damage and repairs.
With a frost-free faucet, you can rest easy knowing your water lines will stay flowing all winter. No more worrying about frozen or burst pipes ruining your season.