Outdoor faucets are essential for watering plants, cleaning outdoor spaces, and performing a variety of backyard maintenance tasks. Whether you’re maintaining a lush garden, washing your car, or simply keeping your outdoor areas clean, having a reliable outdoor faucet is key. But with so many different models on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best one for your needs.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best outdoor faucets of 2024, highlighting their features, benefits, and what makes them stand out from the competition. We’ll also discuss what to consider when selecting an outdoor faucet and how to maintain it for long-lasting use.
Why Choose the Right Outdoor Faucet?
Outdoor faucets are exposed to the elements and need to be durable enough to handle constant use in varying weather conditions. Choosing the right outdoor faucet ensures you have a steady supply of water for gardening, cleaning, and other outdoor tasks, while also preventing leaks or damage caused by freezing temperatures in winter.
When selecting an outdoor faucet, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, ease of installation, material quality, and frost resistance, especially if you live in a region with freezing winters.
Key Features to Look for in Outdoor Faucets
- Durability: Outdoor faucets are exposed to harsh conditions, so you’ll want a faucet made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials like brass, stainless steel, or coated aluminum.
- Frost-Free Design: In colder climates, it’s essential to have a frost-free faucet to prevent freezing and burst pipes. These faucets have a valve located inside the house, which keeps the exposed portion of the faucet from freezing.
- Ergonomics: Look for faucets with easy-to-operate handles or levers, especially if you plan on using the faucet frequently. Lever handles or long spouts are easier to manage than traditional knobs.
- Water Flow Control: A high-quality outdoor faucet should offer easy water flow control, with a smooth-turning handle or valve that allows you to adjust water pressure.
- Easy Installation: Some outdoor faucets are easier to install than others, particularly those designed for DIY projects. If you’re looking to install the faucet yourself, make sure it’s easy to mount and has clear instructions.
The Best Outdoor Faucets of 2024
1. Moen 8372 M-Dura Frost-Free Hose Bib
Best Overall Outdoor Faucet
Moen’s 8372 M-Dura Frost-Free Hose Bib is one of the most popular and reliable outdoor faucets for 2024. It’s designed with a frost-free mechanism, meaning it prevents freezing during the winter months by ensuring the valve is located inside your home or protected wall. The faucet is made from durable brass, which is resistant to corrosion and rust.
The faucet also features a comfortable, easy-to-turn handle and a long spout for better water flow, making it ideal for various backyard maintenance tasks. Moen offers a lifetime warranty on this model, which adds to its appeal.
Pros:
- Frost-free design prevents freezing damage
- Durable brass construction for long-lasting use
- Lifetime warranty for peace of mind
- Smooth handle for easy water control
Cons:
- Requires professional installation for best results
2. Delta 27LF-7LF Frost-Free Hose Bib
Best Budget Option
If you’re looking for a quality outdoor faucet at an affordable price, the Delta 27LF-7LF Frost-Free Hose Bib is a great choice. This model provides excellent frost protection, preventing freezing in colder climates. The faucet features a durable brass construction, which is both corrosion-resistant and long-lasting.
This Delta faucet is designed for ease of installation and comes with a self-draining valve to prevent water from freezing inside the faucet. It’s perfect for homeowners on a budget who still want reliable performance for their outdoor watering needs.
Pros:
- Affordable yet durable
- Frost-free design protects against freezing
- Easy installation
- Simple, classic design
Cons:
- Handle can be a bit stiff in extreme cold
3. American Valve PEX-45 Frost-Free Hose Bib
Best for DIY Installations
The American Valve PEX-45 is an excellent choice for homeowners who prefer a DIY approach to plumbing. This frost-free outdoor faucet comes with PEX connections, making installation easier than traditional faucets. The faucet is made of high-quality brass and includes a self-draining valve to protect against freezing temperatures.
This model is designed to be low-maintenance and is perfect for anyone who wants a simple, reliable faucet that won’t break the bank. It also comes with a five-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros:
- PEX connections for easy installation
- Durable brass construction
- Self-draining valve prevents freezing
- Affordable and long-lasting
Cons:
- May require a bit more time for installation if you’re not familiar with PEX connections
4. Keeney 8704F Frost-Free Outdoor Faucet
Best for Heavy-Duty Use
For homeowners who require a faucet that can withstand heavy use, the Keeney 8704F Frost-Free Outdoor Faucet is a great option. This model features a rugged brass body and a built-in frost-free valve to ensure it performs well in colder temperatures. It is designed for use in all seasons, whether you’re watering your garden in summer or using it for winter snow removal.
The faucet’s self-draining valve and ergonomic handle make it ideal for frequent use, and it’s built to resist wear and tear even with frequent attachment of hoses and tools.
Pros:
- Ideal for heavy-duty tasks like watering and snow removal
- Durable brass construction
- Frost-free design
- Self-draining valve to prevent freezing
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other models
5. Frost King Outdoor Faucet Cover
Best for Extra Protection
While not a faucet in itself, the Frost King Outdoor Faucet Cover is a must-have accessory for protecting your outdoor faucet from freezing in the winter. Made from durable insulated foam, this cover helps prevent the faucet from getting too cold and provides an extra layer of protection during extreme weather conditions.
It’s easy to install and can be used to cover most types of outdoor faucets. If you already have a frost-free faucet, this cover can add additional protection against freezing.
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to use
- Provides extra insulation to prevent freezing
- Durable and reusable
Cons:
- Requires manual installation and removal for each winter
How to Maintain Your Outdoor Faucet
Proper maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your outdoor faucet and ensuring it works efficiently. Here are a few tips for keeping your faucet in top condition:
- Shut off the water supply: Before winter hits, shut off the water supply to your outdoor faucet and drain any remaining water from the pipe to prevent freezing.
- Inspect for leaks: Regularly check the faucet for any signs of leaks. Even small leaks can waste water and cause damage to the faucet or pipes.
- Install faucet covers: During the colder months, use faucet covers to provide extra insulation and prevent freezing. This is particularly important for faucets that are not frost-proof.
- Lubricate the handle: If the faucet handle becomes stiff, apply a lubricant to keep it working smoothly. This is especially important if you live in an area with harsh winters.
- Clean the faucet: Clean the faucet periodically to prevent debris from clogging the valve or spout. This will help ensure a steady flow of water when you need it most.
Conclusion
The right outdoor faucet can make all the difference in your backyard maintenance routine. Whether you’re looking for a reliable frost-free faucet, an affordable option, or something that can withstand heavy use, the models listed above are among the best of 2024. By selecting the right faucet and maintaining it properly, you’ll ensure that your outdoor water source remains functional and efficient all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best outdoor faucet for winter?
The best outdoor faucet for winter is one that is frost-free, such as the Moen 8372 M-Dura Frost-Free Hose Bib. These faucets have a valve inside the house or wall, keeping the faucet’s exposed parts from freezing.
2. How do I prevent my outdoor faucet from freezing?
To prevent freezing, turn off the water supply to your outdoor faucet before the first frost and drain any remaining water. You can also use faucet covers or install a frost-free faucet for added protection.
3. Can I install an outdoor faucet myself?
Yes, many outdoor faucets, such as the American Valve PEX-45, are designed for DIY installation. However, if you’re unfamiliar with plumbing, you may want to hire a professional to ensure proper installation.
4. How do I know if my outdoor faucet is frost-free?
A frost-free faucet will have a long stem and a valve located deep inside the wall or house. This design ensures that the exposed part of the faucet doesn’t freeze, even during winter.
5. What’s the difference between a frost-free faucet and a regular outdoor faucet?
A frost-free faucet has an internal valve located inside the house or wall, which prevents water from freezing in the exposed part of the faucet. A regular faucet does not have this feature, and the water can freeze in the exposed pipe, potentially causing damage.
