Why settle for cold water outdoors when you can install a hot water faucet?
In short: Adding hot water to your outdoor space transforms how you use your exterior, from washing pets to cleaning muddy gear. Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates that this upgrade is achievable by tapping into existing indoor lines. With careful planning and basic soldering, you can bring temperate water to your backyard.
The process begins by shutting off the water at the main supply to ensure safety. Once the system is depressurized, the existing cold water faucet is removed. The core challenge involves measuring the precise distance between the hot and cold inlets on the new dual-handle wall hydrant. This measurement is transferred to the exterior wall, using the original cold line hole as a reference point to drill a new opening for the hot water pipe.
Before soldering, it is critical to remove the stem units from the hydrant. This step prevents the internal washers from being damaged by the intense heat of the torch. After applying thread sealing tape and attaching copper female adapters, two short lengths of copper pipe are prepared. These pipes are cleaned with plumber’s sandpaper and coated with flux to ensure a clean, secure bond when soldered to the adapters. Once the joints are cooled and the stem units are reinstalled, the assembly is pushed through the wall and secured with all-weather screws.
The final phase connects the new hydrant to the home's interior plumbing. Copper pipes and fittings are used to bridge the gap between the hydrant and the existing hot and cold water lines. A crucial addition during this stage is the installation of ball valves on each line. These valves allow for easy isolation of the outdoor faucet, simplifying future maintenance or repairs. Once all connections are verified, the water main is turned back on, completing the transition from a single cold-water source to a versatile, temperature-controlled outdoor utility station.
This project is a hallmark of the practical problem-solving approach championed by the team at Ask This Old House. Experts like Richard Trethewey emphasize that while home improvement tasks can seem daunting, they are often manageable with the right tools and a methodical approach to plumbing fundamentals. By integrating these systems, homeowners can significantly increase the functionality of their outdoor spaces, making tasks that were once difficult in cold water much more manageable.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Bring Hot Water Outside | Ask This Old House
- Also: Ask This Old House
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