Wall Hydrant Installations
If you’re thinking about installing a wall hydrant on your home, the first thing we look at is access. We want to find a spot that’s convenient for you to use, but also practical when it comes to tying into your existing plumbing.
That usually means locating an exterior wall that backs up to a mechanical room, crawlspace, or unfinished basement where we can get to the water lines without cutting through finished areas.
We also look at what you’re using the hydrant for. If it’s for a garden hose, lawn irrigation, or pressure washing, that might influence the height and placement. In some cases, we install multiple hydrants so you can reach different sides of the house easily without dragging hoses across your driveway or landscaping. Once we know the best route, we plan the plumbing layout to make sure pressure stays strong and the line is protected from freezing.
Our Installation Process
Once we’ve identified the ideal spot, we’ll start by drilling a hole through the exterior wall to mount the hydrant. Then we run new water lines inside the wall or crawlspace and tie into your existing supply. If we’re replacing an old hose bib, we’ll disconnect and remove that first and upgrade to a frost-free hydrant that prevents freezing in the colder months.
We take extra care to seal the penetration where the hydrant goes through the siding or brick. That includes weatherproof caulking and, when needed, a mounting plate or flange to make sure water stays out of the wall. On the inside, we insulate the new piping to help protect it from cold air, especially in homes where the hydrant backs up to an unconditioned space.
After everything is connected, we test the line for leaks, confirm the hydrant is working properly, and make sure the shut-off mechanism is functioning like it should. From start to finish, a typical install usually takes about two to three hours.
How to Maintain and Winterize Your Wall Hydrant
Wall hydrants are designed to be low-maintenance, especially the frost-free types we install. But there are a few things you can do to keep yours in good shape for the long haul. In the fall, before temperatures start dropping, you’ll want to disconnect any attached hoses. Leaving a hose connected traps water inside the hydrant and can lead to a frozen or burst pipe, even if the unit is frost-free.
If your hydrant has an indoor shut-off valve, it’s a good idea to close it for the winter and open the outdoor spigot to let any remaining water drain out. We can show you where that valve is and how to operate it if you’re not sure.
Once a year, give the hydrant a quick test to make sure it’s flowing well and shutting off completely. If it’s dripping or you notice a pressure issue, we can come out and take a look before it becomes a bigger problem.
We can usually complete the work in a single visit, and we make it a priority to leave your wall sealed, clean, and properly insulated. If you’re looking to upgrade an old hose bib or add a new outdoor faucet, we’ll help you get it done right the first time.
Contact
- 1167 Redfields Rd Charlottesville, VA 22903
- goSunwavePlumbing@gmail.com
- (434) 218-3072
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Hours : Monday – Friday
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
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