Outdoor plumbing can help keep your lawn and garden lush and green, and it can play a vital role in your home’s heating system. When you need to install, upgrade, or repair your outdoor plumbing system, Ace Hardware can help you find the supplies you need to get the job done right. Check out a variety of hose bibb, hydrant and boiler drain products made by Homewerks, Arrowhead and other brands.
Hose Bibbs for Outdoor Water Access
A hose bibb is a faucet that goes outside of your home and connects to the interior plumbing system. You may also see it referred to as an exterior faucet, hose faucet, wall hydrant, hose valve or outdoor tap. By any name, a hose bibb usually has a half-inch or three-quarter-inch connector that can accommodate a hose and a handle that you twist to control the flow of water.
If you live in areas prone to cold winters, look for frost-free hose bibbs, which are longer than conventional models to reduce the risk of freezing problems.
Yard Hydrants for Your Well System
A yard hydrant provides another way to get access to water outdoors. Instead of connecting to interior plumbing like a hose bibb, a yard hydrant attaches to an underground supply pipe that carries water away from a well. The hydrant rises from the ground and has a handle at the top. When you raise the handle, a plunger lifts off the valve, allowing water to flow through the hydrant and out the spout.
Most yard hydrant models have a threaded attachment for connecting a hose. You can also use hydrants to fill buckets, wash off tools and perform other yard related tasks that require water outdoors.
Boiler Drains for Your Heating System
Boiler drains look similar to hose bibbs but their designs are different. Boiler drains are components of some heating systems, much like thermostats. The primary purpose of these drains is to shuttle water and sediment away from the heating system in your home. The outside part has a threaded end that allows you to connect a hose.
Because boiler drains connect to heating systems, they have a higher maximum operating temperature than hose bibbs. They also feature ball valves rather than compression valves, so they typically turn on with just a quarter-twist to quickly start the flow of water.
Shop Hose Bibbs and More for Outdoor Projects at Ace
No matter what you need for your outdoor plumbing project, Ace can help you cross off all the materials, parts, and tools from your shopping list. If you already know which type of bibb, yard hydrant or boiler drain is best for your needs, check out the selection available online and have essential plumbing supplies shipped conveniently to your door, so you can get installation, repairs, and improvements underway.
Or visit your neighborhood Ace Hardware store to get help selecting a new hose bibb or wall hydrant. While you’re there, you can also find additional plumbing parts like valve parts and handles, pressure regulator valves and shut-off valves.
