When outdoors, having a reliable water source at hand is essential. Whether you’re looking to fill up your garden watering can or just want an easily accessible spigot to use while gardening, splitting an outdoor faucet offers a great solution. It’s not as difficult as it may sound — all you need is the correct tools and materials along with some basic understanding of plumbing principles.
In this blog post on how to split an outdoor faucet, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to split one outdoor faucet for dual usage. Plus, learn about the supplies needed and tips for success along the way!
Needed Materials
Given below is a list of supplies needed to split an outdoor faucet:
- Garden Hose
- Teflon Tape
- Pipe Wrench
- Adjustable Wrench
- Pvc Primer and Cement
- 2x 1/2″ X 3/4″ Female Adapters
- 2x 1/2″ Shut-off Valves
- 1x 3/4″ Male Adapter
- Teflon Paste (Optional)
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Split an Outdoor Faucet
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before you begin any plumbing project, it’s important to turn off the main water supply. This prevents any accidents from happening as a result of working with potentially high-pressure water systems. But, if you are splitting an outdoor faucet, it is wise to turn off the water at both the outdoor and indoor valves.
Step 2: Remove the Existing Fixture
The first step in splitting an outdoor faucet is to remove the existing fixture. To do this properly, you’ll need a pair of adjustable pliers. Be sure to loosen the nut on the faucet first so that you can easily remove it from the wall.
It is important to note that this may require some force, so be sure to use caution. But, if the nut doesn’t budge, try using a pipe wrench instead. It should make the job much easier.
Step 2: Disconnect the Old Hose
Once the water is off, remove the existing hose and disconnect it from the spigot. If necessary, use a pipe wrench for a tight connection. This step is important in order to ensure that the splitter will fit correctly. It’s also a good idea to dispose of the old hose before starting the new one.
But, if you want to save it for later use, just make sure that it won’t interfere with the splittings and connections. It’s also wise to clean the spigot so that any debris or dirt won’t affect the process.
Step 3: Apply Teflon Tape
Wrap the male threads on each of the two shut-off valves with Teflon tape. This will help to ensure a secure and leak-free connection between the valves and adapters. You can also use Teflon paste, however, this isn’t essential. This step should be done for each of the shut-off valves and adapters.
You’ll need four wraps of tape for each connection. But, before you start wrapping the tape, make sure that any dirt or debris is removed from the fittings. Otherwise, the tape won’t stick properly.
Step 4: Attach the Valves to the Adapter
Once the Teflon tape is applied, it’s time to attach the valves to the adapter. Use a pair of adjustable pliers for this step, as they will provide extra leverage and help you get a tighter connection. Make sure to place each valve in the correct orientation so that it fits properly. It’s also important to note that this step requires a bit of force, so be careful not to cause any damage.
Step 5: Apply Pvc Primer and Cement
Using a brush, apply PVC primer and cement to both of the installed adapters as well as the male end of the 3/4″ male adapter. This helps to create a secure and leak-free connection between the parts. It’s important to note that both the primer and cement must be applied for this step to be effective.
For best results, wait a few minutes after applying the primer before adding the cement. But, before you begin this step, double-check that all of the parts are in the correct orientation.
Step 6: Install a 3/4″ Male Adapter
Carefully insert the male end of the 3/4″ male adapter into one of the female adapters that were previously installed onto a shutoff valve. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten it in place. This ensures that the connection is secure and won’t leak.
It’s important to note that this step requires a bit of force, so be careful not to cause any damage. You should also check that the connection is secure before continuing. This step should be done for both of the adapters.
Step 7: Connect Hose
Connect the garden hose to the newly installed 3/4″ male adapter. Make sure that it is securely connected in order to prevent any leaks. You may also need to use a pipe wrench if the connection is too tight. This step should be done for both of the adaptors.
It’s also important to check that the connection is secure before continuing. This will ensure that the hose won’t come off during use. You can also use Teflon tape to make sure that the connection is securely fastened.
Step 8: Install Second Shut-off Valve
Install the second shut-off valve onto the remaining female adapter. Use an adjustable wrench to securely tighten the connection in place. But, before you begin this step, double-check that all of the parts are in the correct orientation.
This helps to ensure a secure and leak-free connection between the parts. It’s important to note that this step requires a bit of force, so be careful not to cause any damage. This step should be done for both of the adapters.
Step 9: Apply Teflon Paste
If desired, apply a dab of Teflon paste to the threads of the second shut-off valve in order to ensure a secure and leak-free connection. It’s important to note that this step isn’t necessary, however, it can help to ensure a secure connection. You’ll only need a small amount of paste for this step. But, before you begin, double-check that all of the parts are in the correct orientation.
Step 10: Connect Second Hose
Connect the second hose to the newly installed second shut-off valve. Make sure that it is securely connected in order to prevent any leaks. You may also need to use a pipe wrench if the connection is too tight.
This step should be done for both of the adaptors. It’s also important to check that the connection is secure before continuing. This will ensure that the hose won’t come off during use. You can also use Teflon tape to make sure that the connection is securely fastened.
Step 11: Test for Leaks
Once everything has been installed and tightened, turn on the water supply and check for any leaks at all of the connections. If there are no leaks, then you have successfully split your outdoor faucet for dual usage! Always double-check for leaks before using the faucets to avoid any water damage.
Tips for Splitting an Outdoor Faucet
- Make Sure to Use Teflon Tape or Paste on All Connections in Order to Prevent Any Leaking or Dripping.
- Always Turn Off the Main Water Supply Before Starting Any Plumbing Project.
- Check All of the Connections Once You’ve Finished the Project for Any Leaks.
- Make Sure to Use an Adjustable Wrench to Secure All of the Connections in Order to Prevent Any Breakage or Damage.
Now that you know how to split an outdoor faucet, you can enjoy using two hoses at once without having to buy a new spigot! With the right materials and tools as well as a basic understanding of plumbing principles, it’s easy to split an outdoor faucet. With these step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your new dual-functioning hose setup in no time. Have fun!
Do You Need to Hire a Professional?
The process of splitting an outdoor faucet is not overly complicated — it just requires a basic understanding of plumbing principles and the correct tools. But if you are feeling unsure or don’t have the right tools, then it’s always best to hire a professional to get the job done safely and correctly. A professional plumber will be able to do the job quickly
How Much It Could Cost?
The cost of splitting an outdoor faucet will depend on the complexity of the job, the materials needed and who is doing the work. If you’re looking to do it yourself, then you’ll need to factor in the cost of tools and materials — this could range from $50-150 depending on where you shop and how much material you need.
However, if you’re looking to hire a professional plumber, then the cost could range from $200-400+. Make sure to get quotes from several different companies before making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I Split One Outdoor Faucet For Dual Usage?
A: Yes, you can split one outdoor faucet for dual usage. With the right tools and materials, you’ll be able to do it yourself in no time!
Q: How Much Does It Cost To Split an Outdoor Faucet?
A: The cost of splitting an outdoor faucet will depend on the complexity of the job, the materials needed and who is doing the work.
If you’re looking to do it yourself, then you’ll need to factor in the cost of tools and materials — this could range from $50-150 depending on where you shop and how much material you need. However, if you’re looking to hire a professional plumber, then the cost could range from $200-400+. Make sure to get quotes from several different companies before making your decision.
Q: Are There Any Tips For Splitting an Outdoor Faucet?
A: Yes, there are a few tips for splitting an outdoor faucet that can help ensure a secure and leak-free connection. Make sure to use Teflon tape or paste on all connections in order to prevent any leaking or dripping, always turn off the main water supply before starting any plumbing project,
check all of the connections once you’ve finished the project for any leaks, and make sure to use an adjustable wrench to secure all of the connections in order to prevent any breakage or damage. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to successfully split your outdoor faucet for dual usage!
Q: Do I Need to Hire a Professional?
A: The process of splitting an outdoor faucet is not overly complicated — it just requires a basic understanding of plumbing principles and the correct tools. But if you are feeling unsure or don’t have the right tools, then it’s always best to hire a professional to get the job done safely and correctly. A professional plumber will be able to do the job quickly and efficiently, so it’s important to factor this cost into any project you’re considering.
Conclusion
Splitting an outdoor faucet is a great way to expand your garden’s water capabilities. By decommissioning a single faucet, you can now have two independent outlets running outdoors. The process of splitting the faucet involves shutting off the main water supply, carefully removing the existing spigot and replacing it with a tee-fitting, and then securely attaching the new outlets.
However on how to split an outdoor faucet, for this procedure to be successful, it is important to make sure that parts fit together securely—otherwise, leakage will occur.
After all, parts have been successfully attached, you should always turn on the water supply gradually and check for any leaks before re-engaging with full force. Taking the extra time and care to double-check your installation will ensure that your split outdoor faucet works effectively and safely without any issues.
All in all, splitting an outdoor faucet is a straightforward process that helps homeowners expand their garden’s usable water access while providing them with vital irrigation duties!
