How to Install a Freezeproof Faucet

By: Joseph Truini, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. FREEZEPROOF FAUCET

2. 1/2-INCH COUPLING
1/2-inch CxC

3. 1/2-INCH FEMALE ADAPTER
1/2-inch CxF

4. PIPE FLUX AND ACID BRUSH

5. LEAD-FREE SOLDER EMERY CLOTH

6. TEFLON PLUMBER'S TAPE

7. ADHESIVE CAULK

8. FIRE-RESISTANT CLOTH AND FIRE EXTINGUISHER

9. FITTING BRUSH

10. TWO 1 1/2-INCH-LONG WEATHER-RESISTANT SCREWS

11. BUCKET

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Drill with 1-inch-diameter spade bit
- Tongue-and-groove pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- Propane torch
- Close-quarter tubing cutter
- Mini hacksaw
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Eye goggles
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Photo: Keller & Keller

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9

4 to 6 hours
$35 to $60

Difficulty: Easy to moderate You’ll need basic plumbing skills, including knowing how to solder if your home is plumbed with copper pipe.

Most homeowners are prepared to deal with the occasional sticky doorknob or cracked floor tile, but even the most intrepid do-it-yourselfer shudders at the thought of a burst water pipe. If not immediately noticed, a ruptured pipe can be both expensive and time-consuming to clean up.

Fortunately, the pipe that's most susceptible to extremely cold weather—the outdoor hose faucet—is also one of the easiest to protect from freezing. Here, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to replace an existing hose faucet with a freeze-proof faucet.