Remove and Replace Sillcock

PROBLEM

The exterior water supply line for wetting the lawn, washing the car, gardening etc; is often a source of problems during the winter. Although a common problem, it is often over looked during winter months.

Water will remain in a copper or galvanized pipe line freeze and can cause the line to rupture. 

 

SOLUTION

When possible a anti-siphon sill cock should be installed. This device has a long rod with a rubber washer on the end of it on the house side. (photo above). The washer prevents water flow to the fixture from its location inside the house eliminating the possibility of freezing water in the fixture within the wall and on the exterior. A shut off valve should be located inside the house behind the Sillcock fixture. It is not necessary to turn this valve off during the winter. However, if the house side where the fixture is located is not heated, the valve can be closed and the associated pipes should wrapped with insulating foam pipe insulation.

The exterior of the fixture should be firmly seated in the wall and finished to match the existing exterior finish. This repair helps to avoid freezing and potential water damage.