A conveniently located hose bib (sometimes called a "sill cock") can save you from having to stretch a garden hose around the house. The most difficult part of installing a hose bib is breaking into a cold water supply pipe and installing a tee fitting. The type shown has an extended stem, so the freeze-sensitive valve is indoors. Instructions on these pages include installing a shutoff valve so you can turn water off from the inside as well as the outside.
If you live in an area with freezing winters and the hose bib pipe will enter a heated space, buy a long-stem, frost-free hose bib, which shuts water off inside rather than outside. If you live in a warm climate, simply connect pipe to a standard hose bib.
If the hose bib will attach to a sprinkler system, install a hose bib with an antisiphon device, which prevents water from backing up into the house and possibly contaminating your household water.
Prestart Checklist
Time
An hour or two to tap into a supply line and install a hose bib
Tools
Tools for working with pipe, carpenter's square, drill, spade bit, screwdriver, caulk gun
Skills
Working with supply pipe
Prep
Find a location that's convenient for attaching hoses and close to a cold water pipe
Materials
Hose bib, silicone caulk, deck screws, pipe and fittings, flux, solder, pipe-thread tape
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Three simple projects to cross off of your to-do list -- just print these instructions and begin!
