Protecting the outside faucets of your home from harsh weather and potential damage to the underlying plumbing is an important step in keeping your family safe and saving money on repairs. But how do you go about accomplishing this task?
In this blog post on how to cover your outside faucets, we’ll explain exactly what tools and supplies are necessary for covering up outside faucets, as well as provide tips on installation techniques that will help ensure a tight seal against the elements. So don’t wait – get ready to make sure that those precious outdoor water sources stay safe all winter long!
Necessary Materials
Given below are the essential materials you’ll need to successfully cover your outside faucets:
Faucet Cover:
You can find a variety of shapes and sizes, but generally speaking, they should be about 6 inches wide and 5 inches tall.
PVC Tape or Insulation Tape:
This will help secure the cover against the outer wall of the building. It is important to make sure you use a strong and waterproof material when taping the faucet cover on the outside of your house.
Silicone Caulk:
This will provide an additional barrier against moisture seepage between the faucet cover and the exterior wall. Make sure you purchase a caulk that is designed for outdoor use.
Screwdriver:
You will need a screwdriver to secure the faucet cover to the wall of your house, in addition to running caulk around the edges.
11 Step-by-step Guide on How to Cover Your Outside Faucets
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Before beginning your project, make sure the area around the faucet is clear of debris and any other objects that might prevent you from completing the job successfully. It is also important to make sure the area is dry, as moisture can interfere with the adhesion of silicone caulk and other materials. If the area is wet, use a dry cloth to wipe off any moisture.
Step 2: Measure & Cut Faucet Cover
Using a tape measure, measure out the size of the hole in which you will place your faucet cover. Then use scissors or a utility knife to cut the faucet cover to fit. But be sure to leave a few inches of extra material so you can create a seal against the outside wall of your house.
It is important to remember that the cover should be slightly larger than the hole, as a tight fit will provide the best protection against water damage. This extra material will also be used to secure the cover with caulk and tape.
Step 3: Apply Caulk Around Edges
Using a caulking gun, apply a generous amount of caulk around the edges of your faucet hole. This will help create an airtight seal between the cover and the house’s exterior wall.
Make sure to give the caulk plenty of time to dry before proceeding to the next step. However, be sure not to use too much caulk as this can lead to problems with the cover’s fit. It is also important to make sure the caulk is dry before continuing.
Step 4: Place Faucet Cover Over Hole
Once the caulk has dried, slide your faucet cover over the hole in your house’s exterior wall and press down lightly so that it fits securely in place. But make sure not to press down too hard, as this could cause the caulk to break and create a poor seal. It is also important to make sure that the faucet cover’s edges are flush with the wall of your house.
Step 5: Secure With PVC Tape
Using PVC or insulation tape, secure the faucet cover in place. Make sure to wrap the tape around both the top and bottom of the cover for maximum protection against moisture intrusion. However, do not wrap the tape too tightly as this could cause the cover to come loose. It is also important to make sure that the tape is securely fastened around all edges of the cover.
Step 6: Apply Silicone Caulk
Apply a generous amount of silicone caulk around the edges of your faucet cover, paying special attention to any gaps or crevices which may have been missed in your initial application. Allow the caulk to fully dry before continuing. But be sure not to use too much caulk as this could lead to problems with the cover’s fit.
Step 7: Drill Pilot Holes
Using a drill and bit, carefully drill two pilot holes into your house’s exterior wall on either side of the faucet cover. Make sure that these holes are slightly smaller than the screws you will be using to secure the faucet cover in place. You should also make sure to drill the holes 3 inches away from any edges of the faucet cover.
Step 8: Insert Screws
Using a screwdriver, insert two screws into the pilot holes you have just drilled. Make sure to leave enough space between them so that they do not interfere with one another when installing the faucet cover. Although it is not essential, you may also want to use an adjustable wrench to tighten the screws for extra grip.
Step 9: Tighten the Screws
Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws to ensure that your faucet cover is securely fastened in place. Make sure not to over-tighten the screws as this may cause them to strip or break. But also make sure that they are tight enough to provide a secure seal against the wall of your house. It is also important to check the screws for any signs of rust or corrosion before proceeding.
Step 10: Apply Silicone Caulk
Apply a generous amount of silicone caulk around the edges of your faucet cover where it meets the house’s exterior wall. This will help create a watertight seal between the two surfaces and protect against moisture intrusion.
You may also want to use a putty knife or your finger to spread the caulk evenly around the edges. This will help create a more uniform look and provide the best possible seal. Allow the caulk to dry before continuing.
Step 11: Test Your Faucet Cover
Once all of the steps above have been completed, give your faucet cover a test run to make sure it is properly sealed. If you notice any gaps or crevices, simply apply additional caulk until the cover is snug and secure. Always remember to wear protective gear such as safety glasses when drilling and screwing. Otherwise, you should now have a reliable and waterproof faucet cover in place.
That concludes our guide on how to cover your outside faucets! By following these steps closely, you can ensure that your outdoor water sources remain safe from the elements all year long! And for added protection against freezing winter temperatures, consider investing in a faucet cover specifically designed for cold climates.
This type of cover is usually made from thicker materials and provides an extra layer of insulation to ensure that the underlying plumbing remains warm and protected.
Do You Need to Use Professionals?
For some homeowners, the process of covering outdoor faucets can be a bit daunting. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling this project on your own, it is always best to call a professional to come and do the job for you.
Not only will they have access to specialized tools and materials not available at home improvement stores, but they will also know the right techniques for ensuring a tight seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is It Necessary To Use Screwdrivers When Installing Faucet Covers?
A: Yes, using a screwdriver is important when installing faucet covers as it helps ensure that the cover is securely fastened in place. Make sure not to over-tighten the screws as this can cause them to strip or break. It’s also a good idea to use silicone caulk to help create an airtight seal between the cover and the house’s exterior wall.
Q: Can I Use Any Type of Tape To Secure The Faucet Cover?
A: No, it is important to use a strong and waterproof material such as PVC or insulation tape when taping the faucet cover on the outside of your house. This will help protect the cover from moisture seepage and ensure a secure fit.
Q: What Type of Caulk Should I Use?
A: It is important to use a caulk that is designed for outdoor use when applying it around the edges of your faucet cover. Silicone caulk is the most popular choice as it is waterproof and highly durable. Be sure to allow enough time for the caulk to dry before proceeding to the next step.
By following these tips on how to cover your outside faucets, you can ensure that your outside faucets are securely covered and protected against moisture intrusion all year round! Make sure to take extra precautions when covering faucets in cold climates as they need an extra layer of insulation to ensure that the underlying plumbing remains warm and protected.
With a little bit of time and effort, you can easily cover your outside faucets and enjoy peace of mind knowing your water source is safe from the elements.
Conclusion
Covering your outdoor faucets not only can save you time and energy when temperatures drop, but it can also provide savings in your wallet. By taking the simple steps given in this blog post on how to cover your outside faucets, you can ensure that all of your outside faucets are adequately covered and preserved throughout the cold weather months.
In addition, not only will this help keep out the chilly air and keep your faucets from freezing over, but it will also prevent the cost of replacing your faucets due to extensive cracking or corrosion.
As many homeowners have found out firsthand, frozen pipes come with a hefty price tag that could be easily avoided by simply placing a faucet cover before winter arrives. So don’t wait – make sure you cover your outdoor faucets now so you can benefit from their protection for years to come!
