Add Convenience with Outdoor Faucet Extensions Featuring Valves

Having an outdoor faucet on your home provides great convenience for watering plants, washing cars, or filling pools. But often these faucets are located in inconvenient spots, like close to the foundation or around a corner.

This is where outdoor faucet extensions come in handy! Adding an extension gives you more reach and accessibility to place your hose exactly where you need it. And choosing one with a built-in valve takes that convenience even further.

Benefits of Adding a Valve to Your Outdoor Faucet Extension

Outdoor faucet extensions with valves offer several advantages over a simple pipe extension:

• Convenient access - With a valve, you can turn the water on and off right at the end of the extension. No more kinking hoses or awkwardly reaching around corners to access the main shutoff.
• Extended reach - Get full pressure and flow even at longer distances from the faucet. The valve regulates pressure right at the end.
• Improved control and water flow - Turning a valve on and off is easier than kinking a hose. Enjoy consistent flow without pressure drops.
• Prevent leaks and pipe bursts - Instantly turn off water when not in use. No more wasted water or risk of cracked pipes from freezing temperatures.

By installing an outdoor faucet extension with a built-in valve, you gain better access, control, and convenience over your outdoor water supply. Avoid the hassle of kinked hoses and awkward access to faucet shutoffs.

Types of Valves Available on Outdoor Faucet Extensions

When shopping for an outdoor faucet extension with a valve, you'll find several types available. The valve variation affects convenience factors like ease of use and drainability.

Simple Shut-Off Valves

The most basic type of valve for faucet extensions is a simple shut-off valve. Just like the shutoff valves inside your home, these allow you to manually turn water flow on and off with a flick of the handle.

Simple shut-off valves offer reliable control over your outdoor faucet. Turn it off when not in use to conserve water and prevent leaks. The downside is they don't drain automatically, requiring manual draining before winter to prevent freezing.

Frost-Proof Valves

For cold climates, look for a frost-proof valve on outdoor faucet extensions. These self-draining valves eliminate water inside the pipe when closed. This prevents freezing and burst pipes during winter.

Frost-proof valves use a shut-off valve paired with a vacuum breaker that allows water to drain from the extension. When temperatures drop, simply close the valve so pipes empty. Reopen in spring and enjoy leak-free performance.

Automatic Draining Valves

As another cold-climate option, some outdoor faucet extensions have valves with automatic draining. These use advanced vacuum breaker systems that drain water anytime pressure drops or the valve closes.

Auto-drain valves offer effortless winterization. Merely closing the valve drains all water instantly, avoiding frozen or cracked pipes. They reopen easily in warmer weather too.

Choosing the Right Valved Outdoor Faucet Extension

With so many options for outdoor faucet extensions with valves, keep these key factors in mind while shopping:

Length and Reach

Consider how much added distance you need from your existing outdoor faucet location. Extension lengths range from just 12 inches to over 10 feet. Measure to find the optimal length.

Also note the valve's reach if angling around corners. An articulating or swivel valve offers more flexibility.

Materials: Brass and Stainless Steel

Look for faucet extension hoses made from durable brass or stainless steel. Both resist corrosion and stand up to outdoor elements. Stainless steel is lighter while brass offers classic styling.

Valve Type and Features

Choose a valve type like simple shut-off, frost-proof, or self-draining based on your climate and needs. Also look for durable, drip-free valve construction. Consider convenience features like filters or multi-pattern hose ends.

Ease of Installation

Opt for extensions with standard garden hose fittings for easy DIY installation. Quick-connect fittings make attaching the hose even simpler. Or choose a handyman to ensure leak-proof installation.

Installing an Outdoor Faucet Extension with Valve

Adding a valved extension to your existing outdoor faucet is a straightforward project. Follow these key steps for a smooth installation:

Turn Off Water Supply and Drain Pipes

Start by shutting off the main water supply to your home's outdoor faucet. Open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water from the pipes.

Relieve all pressure so you can safely detach the hose, adapter, or other existing connections.

Connect Extension to Faucet

Following the product instructions, connect your new outdoor faucet extension to the faucet outlet. Hand-tighten if using a standard hose thread fitting. Enjoy the simplicity of quick-connect styles.

Ensure Proper Seal and Support

Use thread tape or pipe sealant to ensure a leak-free seal around all threaded connections. For longer extensions, use brackets or straps to properly support the weight of the pipe.

Turn Water Back On and Test

Once fully connected, turn your water supply back on slowly. Inspect carefully for leaks at every fitting or seal, tightening if needed. Fully open the valve and test water flow.

Voila! Enjoy instantly improved access to your outdoor faucet. The valve provides better control right where you need it. Extend your home's convenience and add value with this simple upgrade.

Creative Ways to Extend Tricky Outdoor Faucet Handles

Outdoor faucets put conveniently out of reach by porches, planting beds, or fences pose an annoying dilemma. While adding an extension is one solution, here are some creative ways to extend the handle's reach when an extension won't work:

• Use a threaded rod cut to length and secured to the handle to reach around corners or objects.
• Connect a right-angle PVC elbow jointed piece to bring the handle upward through porch flooring.
• Affix a sprinkler riser, RV part, or plumbing device to extend the handle.
• Install a remote electronic faucet controller allowing app or voice activated on/off.
• Relocate the faucet to a more convenient area if feasible.

Getting handle access may require some inventive plumbing solutions. But with the right parts and secure attachment, you can regain control of hard-to-reach outdoor faucets.

Tips for Trenching Pipe to Add a New Outdoor Faucet

Need a new outdoor faucet added to your yard or garden? With some planning and proper installation, it's a very doable DIY project. Follow these key steps:

Plan the Location

Determine the ideal spot for your new outdoor faucet based on hose reach to planting beds, yard hydration coverage, and accessibility. Mark the spot before trenching.

Dig a 1-Foot Deep Trench

For most climates, a 12-inch deep trench offers freeze protection while allowing access for repairs if needed. Angle the trench back towards the water source.

Lay PEX or Copper Pipe in the Trench

Run 1/2 or 3/4 inch PEX tubing or copper pipe from the water supply to the faucet spot. Provide enough extra length for securing and connections.