When it comes to choosing the right hose bib installation, Ottawa homeowners know it is crucial to choose the right one for your outdoor living space as the region experiences extreme weather conditions and temperatures that go below freezing for consecutive months. The common types of hose bib installations Ottawa plumbers routinely encounter include:
- Ball Valve: Ball valves are the most common spigot installation. Ottawa residents will find they’re durable and equipped with a tight seal that lasts for a long time.
- Gate Valve: Although similar to the former hose bib installation, Ottawa residents should know that gate valves don’t have a strong body like the ball valve and are more prone to leaks. They’re primarily found on older properties with outdated plumbing. We strongly recommend getting a new hose bib installation. Ottawa homeowners should also schedule a general inspection of the rest of your pipework if you have a gate valve hose bib.
- No-Kink: The no-kink type is equipped with a 60-degree angle spout that minimizes garden hose pinching. When getting this spigot installation, Ottawa homes will have a smooth flow of water, making watering plants and cleaning tasks much easier.
- Anti-Siphon: Anti-siphon types use a one-way valve, specifically made to stop water from siphoning back. Anti-siphon models are required by code in certain regions unless you have a vacuum breaker (backflow preventer) on your spigot installation. Ottawa homeowners with this type of hose bib won’t have to worry about your drinking supply getting contaminated.
- Loose Key: It has a removable square key, so you can control who has access to your water with this type of spigot installation. Ottawa homeowners will also find it allows them to control the flow of water for various outdoor tasks as well.
- Frost-Free: While it’s recommended that you turn off your hose bib’s shutoff valve in the winter, you may find yourself needing more expensive plumbing services than just hose bib repair. Ottawa homeowners don’t need to do so for a freeze-proof model because its valves are made to stop fluid from sitting in the pipe when you’re not using it.
While ball valves are the best option as well as getting a frost-free hose bib installation, Ottawa homeowners still need to take the necessary steps to maintain their outdoor faucet. Although some brands are labelled “frost-free,” it’s still recommended that you turn off your water supply, install a drain upstream of the ball valve and still insulate the faucet to prevent yourself from needing more costly repair services than just hose bib repair Ottawa homeowners don’t have the time or money for.
As for hose bib installation, Ottawa homeowners should know that there is almost no right or wrong as long as you opt for the ball valve and have a qualified plumber install it for you and thoroughly explain to you the process of how they install it and tips of how to properly maintain it, especially during the winter months.
While it can be easy to ‘replace’ an outdated hose bib on your own, we do not recommend installing one if you don’t have the experience to perform a proper hose bib installation. Ottawa plumbers need to drill a locator hole outside your home to connect with the interior supply line, as well as cut and solder copper pipes, which requires a certain expertise to ensure no errors are made during your spigot installation. Ottawa homeowners should also be aware that, in addition to the above work, installing a shutoff valve, adapter, 90-degree elbow, and tee fitting have to be done professionally to ensure a proper spigot installation Ottawa homeowners deserve. Our certified plumbers are familiar with local codes and will make sure that all safety measures are taken into account during your new hose bib installation. Ottawa residents know that whether we’re replacing or doing a brand-new spigot installation, Ottawa’s highly-rated local pros are on the job when you request service from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa.
Hose Bib Repair Ottawa
In addition to our services for hose bib installation, Ottawa residents will be glad to know we can expertly perform any needed hose bib repair! Ottawa residents can rely on our skilled team to address any issues with their outdoor facets, ensuring efficient and long-lasting solutions for their hose bib repairs. Ottawa residents should know we can expertly and efficiently conduct many common repairs, including:
- Water leaks
- Frozen hose bibs
- Low water pressure
- Backflow and contamination
- Damaged or malfunctioning handles
- And more!
Contact our friendly customer service representatives today to schedule service for hose bid repair Ottawa homeowners need to keep your outdoor plumbing system running smoothly.
Vacuum Breaker (Backflow Preventer) on Hose Bib Installation Ottawa
In 2017, the Ottawa backflow prevention program came into effect, which didn’t only concern hose bib installations. Ottawa’s public drinking fountains, wall hydrants, yard hydrants, and other garden faucets also needed a backflow preventer to avoid contamination.
This device is designed to stop water from flowing backwards. Not only does flow reversal degrade your water pipes over time, but it also poses a risk of cross-connections with contaminants. Back siphonage occurs when your overall water pressure is low. This is when it’s most likely to pull back impurity into your supply line.
The backflow preventer is a threaded brass head screwed onto the spout area of your spigot installation. Ottawa homeowners with this device will notice that as you turn off your outdoor faucet, the valve will close and pressure will decrease. The air pressure prevents the running water from dropping backwards into the faucet from the outside.
Backflow prevention ensures that your hose bib provides you with potable water inside and outside your home when there’s one on your spigot installation. Ottawa hoemowners who are unsure whether you have a vacuum breaker installed should feel free to contact our local plumbers for an inspection.