6 Types of Outdoor Faucets and the Best Brand for Each (2025 Update)

Key Takeaways

• The most common outdoor faucet is a hose bib, which works well for general tasks like watering, washing, and connecting garden hoses.

• Many states and local jurisdictions have specific plumbing codes requiring backflow prevention devices, anti-siphon valves, to avoid potential contamination of the potable water supply.

• Seasonal maintenance like draining, checking washers, and removing hoses helps reduce water waste and the chances of costly repairs in the future.

• A water spigot lock is a simple lockout device that helps stop neighbors, kids, or strangers from using your outdoor faucet without permission.

What Is an Outdoor Water Spigot?

An outdoor water spigot is a fixture that connects to your home’s water supply line, providing access to water outside. It’s commonly used for a range of outdoor activities, including gardening, cleaning, and outdoor cleaning. In larger setups, it can also supply water for agricultural use or at construction sites. 

Key Differences: Faucet vs. Spigot vs. Hose Bib

While often used interchangeably, there are slight distinctions:

• • Spigot: A general term for any outdoor faucet or valve where water comes out.

  • Hose Bib: A type of spigot with threaded connection for a hose attachment; this is the most familiar kind you see on home exteriors.

  • Faucet: A broader term that applies to any fixture controlling water flow in the kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors.

Think of it this way: All hose bibs are spigots, but not all spigots are hose bibs. And “faucet” is the umbrella term for all of them.

Now, there are different types of outdoor water spigots, each tailored to specific needs and designed to offer optimal performance under varying conditions, such as handling heavy water flow, resisting weather extremes, or ensuring safe drinking water through anti-contamination features.

6 Types of Outdoor Water Spigots

1. Spigot and Hose Bibb Faucet

Spigot and hose bibb faucets are the most common types of outdoor faucets, typically mounted on the exterior wall of a home. Both have a twist-style handle and a threaded spout that connects easily to garden hoses. They work using a compression valve system: when you turn the handle, it raises or lowers a washer inside the faucet to start or stop the water flow.

Hose bibbs are known for their ease of use and versatility, making them a go-to option for tasks like watering, washing, or using sprinklers. However, they need to be winterized in regions with cold winters to prevent freezing and bursting.

2. Freeze-Proof Faucet

Designed specifically for cold weather, freeze-proof faucets have an extended stem that places the shutoff valve deep inside the home where it’s warmer. From the outside, they look similar to a standard hose bibb but are longer and usually angled slightly downward. These faucets are ideal for areas that experience freezing temperatures since they drain water from the exposed pipe portion when turned off. 

A common mistake, though, with frost-proof faucets is leaving a hose attached during the winter. This traps water inside the pipe, defeating the entire freeze-proof function and increasing the risk of damage.

3. Ball Valve Faucet

Ball valve faucets, also called shut-off valves, use a lever and a rotating ball inside the valve body to control water flow. With a quarter-turn of the handle, you get full flow or shutoff, making them highly efficient for applications requiring frequent ON/OFF operation. 

They typically have a more industrial or utility-grade appearance and are often made of heavy-duty brass. A ball valve faucet is less likely to develop leaks over time compared to traditional faucets. However, they tend to be more expensive and might require more space for installation due to their configuration.

4. Anti-Siphon Valve

An anti-siphon valve faucet looks like a regular hose bibb but includes a vacuum breaker, typically mounted on top. This feature prevents contaminated water from backflowing into your home's clean water supply. It’s especially important when using garden hoses for pesticide spraying, car washing soaps, or other chemical applications.

Anti-siphon faucets are required by building codes in several states, like Florida, Illinois, and Minnesota. Local jurisdictions may have additional amendments or stricter requirements. Always check your local plumbing code or municipal cross-connection control program.

5. Yard Hydrant

Yard hydrants are large, freestanding faucets typically installed deep into the ground, often in agricultural or large-scale gardening applications. They feature a tall vertical pipe with a long handle and are connected to a buried pipe that shuts off below the frost line. These hydrants allow access to water far from buildings, perfect for livestock areas, large gardens, or outbuildings. 

Their key advantage is that they remain operational year-round, even in freezing conditions, thanks to their below-ground drainage system. Their installation can be complex and costly, typically involving significant plumbing work and precise placement to ensure functionality.

6. Sillcock

A sillcock is another wall-mounted outdoor faucet, often confused with a standard hose bibb, but designed with a longer stem that can offer some frost protection. It has a more compact and downward-angled shape, giving it a cleaner look when installed against siding or brick. 

Sillcocks are useful for general outdoor water access and are often chosen when replacing old spigots during home renovations. Their quarter-turn handles are easy to operate and durable. A common mistake is assuming all sillcocks are frost-proof. In reality, many aren’t. Always check the product specifications to make sure it's suited to your climate before installation.

What is the Best Outdoor Water Spigot?

Before you buy, it’s important to think about a few key factors that really affect how long your outside water faucet will last and how well it works:

• • Climate: If you live where it freezes, you need a freeze-proof outdoor faucet. Regular hose bibs will split and leak if water freezes inside.

  • Water Quality: Hard or acidic water can corrode certain materials faster. Brass and stainless steel are better in these cases.

  • Usage: If you’re constantly hooking up garden hoses, using sprinklers, or need high flow, a heavy-duty spigot is the way to go.

  • Location: For homes near the coast (salty air), corrosion-resistant materials like stainless or top-quality brass are a must. For barns, fields, or large gardens, a yard hydrant is a better pick.

Now, if you ask me what the best outdoor water spigot is, here’s how I’d break down your options: If you want something reliable, freeze-proof, and easy to use year-round, the Prier P-164 Quarter-Turn Freezeless Hydrant is a top choice. If you want a frost-free option that’s easy to install without soldering, the SharkBite Frost Free Sillcock is great for DIY projects.

If you’re in a warm climate and want a super simple install, the American Valve M71QT Quarter Turn Hose Bibb is a solid, budget-friendly pick. Just remember it’s not freeze-proof. For farms or large properties, go with the Merrill Any Flow® or Simmons 800LF Series yard hydrants. They’re built for heavy use and will last decades.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Faucet Material

When picking the right outdoor water faucet, the material matters because it affects how long it’ll last, how well it handles weather, and how easy it is to work with. Here are the most common materials used for outdoor faucets:

Expert Tip: No matter what material you choose, use a vacuum breaker to protect your home’s plumbing system, and check that the faucet is lead-free if you’ll use it for drinking water.

Preventing Damage: Maintenance and Winterizing Tips

Outdoor faucets may be built to handle the elements, but without regular maintenance and seasonal prep, they’re prone to leaks, corrosion, or even burst pipes.

For example, a leaking outdoor faucet often points to worn-out washers, loose connections, or even deeper plumbing issues. To check for leaks, start by turning on the faucet and watching for water dripping from the handle, spout, or pipe joints. If you hear a hissing sound or notice water flowing when the faucet is off, there may be a leak inside the wall.

On the other hand, backflow issues happen when contaminated water is pulled back into your home’s water supply. If your outdoor faucet doesn’t have a vacuum breaker, you’re more at risk. Anti-siphon models or vacuum breaker attachments can help prevent this problem.

Regular checks also prevent water waste and reduce your chances of costly repairs in the future. Below is a year-round outdoor faucet care checklist you can follow:

When Is the Best Time to Winterize an Outdoor Faucet?

The best time to winterize your outdoor faucets is before the first hard freeze. Typically in early to mid-fall, depending on where you live. Once nighttime temperatures start dipping below 32°F (0°C), it's time to shut off and drain your outdoor water lines. Waiting too long can result in trapped water expanding and bursting your pipes, especially if you're using standard hose bibs or older spigots.

When to Call a Professional Plumbing Service?

If you're simply replacing an old faucet with the same type and everything is already in place, doing it yourself can be a smart way to save on installation costs. But if the job involves running new water lines, cutting into walls, or installing a frost-free setup, it's worth calling a licensed plumber.

I learned that the hard way a couple of years ago. I decided to upgrade our old hose bibb to a frost-free sillcock myself, thinking it couldn’t be that hard. I reused the existing hole in the wall but failed to angle the pipe downward. When winter came, water trapped inside froze and burst the copper line behind the wall, causing hundreds in damage to insulation and drywall. A $15 mistake turned into a $600 repair.

Hiring a professional plumbing service for outdoor faucet installations or repairs can help you avoid situations like that. Licensed plumbers follow local codes, spot potential issues early, and make sure the job is done right the first time.

Securing Your Outdoor Faucet: Are Water Spigot Locks Worth It?

Yes, water spigot locks are worth it, especially if you’ve ever dealt with unauthorized water use, high water bills, or live in a shared or high-traffic area. A water spigot lock is a small water security device that covers the outdoor faucet handle or threads and prevents it from being turned on without a key.

TRADESAFE offers two practical yet premium options: 

• • The Water Spigot Lock with Padlock secures directly onto the threaded spout of a hose bibb, blocking any attachments and stopping water flow.

  • The Outdoor Faucet Lock with Safety Padlock covers the handle itself, preventing anyone from turning the valve on.

Both options are designed for durability and security. Constructed from high-grade materials, these locks are weather-resistant and tamper-proof, making them ideal for both residential and commercial settings.

FAQs about Outdoor Water Spigot

What is the most common outdoor faucet?

The most common type of outdoor faucet is the hose bib. It's specifically designed for easy garden hose attachment, making it ideal for garden and general outdoor water tasks.

How do I determine the correct size outdoor faucet for my needs?

The size of the outdoor faucet you need generally depends on the water flow rate and pressure you require. Most residential outdoor faucets are 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch in size, matching standard garden hose sizes. Consider consulting with a plumber to determine the best size based on your specific needs and existing plumbing setup.

Can I install an outdoor faucet without a plumber?

Yes, if you're replacing an existing faucet or attaching to an accessible water line, it can be a DIY project. But if it involves cutting into pipes, routing new lines, or installing a freeze-proof model, it's safer to hire a licensed plumber.

How do I know if my faucet is anti-siphon?

Look for a raised cap or vacuum breaker on top of the faucet, usually labeled “anti-siphon” or “backflow preventer.” These are often built into newer hose bibbs and required by code in many areas. If you're unsure, check the model number or ask a plumber.

What faucets do plumbers prefer?

Plumbers often prefer faucets that are durable, easy to maintain, and repairable. Brands are frequently recommended due to their quality construction, availability of parts, and excellent manufacturer support.