How much does it cost to install an outdoor spigot?

An outdoor spigot can enhance the use of your outdoor living space. With an outdoor spigot, it is easier to maintain lawns and gardens, clean outdoor furniture and siding, and have easy and reliable access to water. If your home does not already have an outdoor spigot, it is possible to install a new one for about $225 on average.

Types of outdoor spigots and faucets

Originally, the outdoor spigot was a simple offshoot of your plumbing with a handle you twist to open and shut the valve. But today, a much wider variety is available. Depending on your climate, its location, and your needs, you may want one of the following:

Installation

Installation of an outdoor spigot is relatively straightforward in most cases. Water is shut off to the area, and the pipe that the spigot will be supplied by is cut. A “T” is installed at the cut to divert water to the new pipe for the spigot. A hole is drilled through the home’s foundation, and the pipe for the spigot is fitted through and connected to the pipe inside at the T. If you are not installing a frost free valve, sometimes an internal valve is installed inside to allow you to shut off the water to the spigot. The entire process takes only an hour or two start to finish.

Labor costs

Most of the costs associated with the installation of an outdoor spigot are in the labor. The spigot itself costs around $20, while additional parts cost about $30. The remaining $175 is for the installation of the spigot. Plumbers charge between $45 and $65 an hour, but for small jobs like this, you often find that they charge a one-time fee.

Keeping your faucet from freezing

If you are not installing a frost free faucet and live in an area where the spigot may freeze, you need to take steps to prevent this from happening. If the water inside the spigot or pipes freeze, it will expand. Depending on how quickly this expansion happens, it could cause the pipe or spigot to split. This can necessitate repairs, which can cost an additional $150, depending on where the split occurs.

To prevent this, make sure that the spigot is drained before the possibility of freezing temperatures. Shut off the valve that supplies the water to the spigot, then open the tap, and let the water drain out. Remove the hose if it is attached, and store it indoors until the spring.

Maintenance

Outdoor spigots need little maintenance beyond draining them before winter. Occasionally, they may become difficult to turn, so applying a small amount of lubricant to the tap handle can help it turn more smoothly if this occurs.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Installing a water line

If you are running pipes to a yard hydrant or need 6 feet or more run in order to reach your outdoor spigot location, you need to have a new water line put in. This costs around $1,500 to $2,000 on average to run 6 feet of copper pipe.

Additional considerations and costs

• If you install more than one outdoor spigot, it can save you from needing to run a hose from one end of the yard to the other.
• If you have a crawl space below your home or an unfinished basement, this can make the labor portion go more quickly, which may save money on labor costs.
• If your plumber needs to run pipes through finished walls or ceilings, your costs will be higher because you will also need to hire a contractor to complete the finish work.
• This is a simple job and can often be done DIY if the pipes are located nearby, and you have the correct tools for the job.
• Never over tighten the tap on the spigot. This can cause wear to the gasket ¹ and may cause drips. If this occurs, the gasket ¹ will need to be replaced, in most cases for under $100.

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