Freeze/frost proof outdoor faucets - what's good, what's bad?

[newbury]

Several years ago the line to my outside faucet burst inside. Luckily we caught it and I put in a supposedly freeze proof faucet. I realize that the faucet requires unhooking external hoses. Last year we left for a month that turned into 5 and I didn't unhook the hose that goes to the hose reel and the new faucet apparently burst. So I need a new one.

Looking at them online it seems many now come with an anti-siphon feature. Also looking at reviews some models that have gotten high reviews in the past seem to have lots of failures recently.

So can anyone recommend a freeze proof faucet? Fairly standard plumbing. I put in a shutoff valve just inside of the faucet and used push-to-fit (Shark bite) connectors so replacement this time should be relatively easy.

Also if you know a brand to steer clear of please let me know.

 

[Redlands Okie]

No suggestions on the faucet. But on the shark bites you probably already know to have the quick release tool thats made for them. Their about a dollar or so for each size.

 

[JohnBuffaloMN]

My advice - be certain you can easily service the replacements!

My rebuild (2010) included new plumbing and they used the plastic pipe (not familiar with various plumbing stuff). Now each of the water spigots has four sprays of water coming out the handle indicating they froze and need to be replaced. I couldn't find a new set of "guts" for them, so I guess I have to replace the whole unit, guts and housing. Problem is, they stretched that plastic pipe TIGHT to the back of the faucet so it appears I've got no way to get the bad housing out without tearing everything out - cutting into the wall? I think I'll call a plumber

 

[RustyA]

This is what I have installed in the past for garden hose spigot to outside. Once installed insulate rim joist with foam then fiberglass to inside to prevent cold transfer down pipe.

 

[RustyA]

Woodford 10"...also install at a slight upward angle into building so it drains completely when valve is closed...slope to outside.

 

[2manyrocks]

My Dad installed a shutoff with a screw drain on the valve inside the house. The outside valve is just a standard hose bib. His setup never froze and outlasted him while I'm on my second "frost free" hydrant in less than 14 years.

 

[newbury]

This is what I have installed in the past for garden hose spigot to outside. Once installed insulate rim joist with foam then fiberglass to inside to prevent cold transfer down pipe.View attachment 574217

Woodford 10"...also install at a slight upward angle into building so it drains completely when valve is closed...slope to outside.

Thanks!
/edit - That looks like a model 17, found one on Amazon for $619!! Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Model 17 12" Length, 1/2" FPT x 3/4" MPT Inlet Anti-Siphon Wall Faucet w/ Metal Handle

Found many other Woodford Model 17's for about $40 or less

 

[Diggin It]

Lowes has several options under $40.

Also try your local ACE or TRU Value hardware.

 

[Richard]

I also have a Woodford and.... I got one that mixed hot AND cold so the wife could wash the dogs outside and use warm water.

I also went further and changed the pipes inside where the hot/cold outdoor faucet was on the side of the pipes where it would get softened water (to make the dogs nice & fluffy) whereas, the rest of the outdoor faucets get untreated water.

Makes it kind of nice when you wash the car too!

Woodford Model 22 Hot and Cold Freezeless Faucet

I got the over/under verses side by side. We REALLY like it.

 

[grsthegreat]

I hate those things. 4 years ago the frostfree downstairs burst and didnt know it until the wife hooked hose onto it to water garden. Went downstairs to a flooded basement and $20,000 in damages. After repair work was complete i removed all the frost frees from house walls, and put in buried frost frees instead. The insurance adjuster told me he sees hundreds of them frozen every year.