Brass Hose Bibbs

Q. "What is a 'loose' key?"
A. Instead of a handle there is a slot for a square key to be used to operate the hose bibb. This is usually used in commercial conditions where vandalism is an everyday concern. With the loose key hose bibb we include a key.

Q. "I noticed that some of these outdoor hose faucets say, 'Compression style (special threads)' - what does that mean?"
A. The compression fit hose bibbs are designed to attach to 1/2" nominal (5/8" o.d.) copper pipe using a brass compression sleeve (ferrule) and nut. The Special Threads of the valve and nut are not the same as standard 5/8" o.d. compression fittings and cannot be interchanged. Please note: a minimum of 3/4" of pipe length is required for this compression style hose bibb to attach properly to the copper piping.

Q. "Why do many codes require vacuum breakers on hose bibbs?"
A. There is a very small chance that you could have your hose in a puddle of dirty water while the water main (or well pump) is shut off or the water main/line broken. Then a negative pressure could arise and suck this potentially bacteria laden or toxic water back into the water main. Yes, it is a slim chance but it can and does happen. Vacuum breakers prevent the water from being able to be sucked back into the hose. Also, sometimes people use submersible pumps which lay in non potable water.

Q. "Do you offer volume discounts on these hose bibbs?"
A. You can buy these hose bibbs in any quantities. When you buy the exact same bibb we offer a discount on quantities of 10 or 12 and more. Simply enter the quantity you want in the box next to the price, discounts are shown in the shopping cart.

Q. "Will these valves (hosebibbs) and vacuum breakers hold up to freezing (not break)?"
A. Any water in ANY brand of faucet (even if the walls are many times as thick as what we offer) will break if subjected to freezing conditions. The strength of water expanding during freezing is much greater than any valve costing less than many thousands of dollars. If you plumb the freeze-proof hosebibbs so that water will/can drain out of them (install horizontally or down, not facing up) after you shut off the faucet then they will not break during a freeze. Do recognize that the inner end (the part in the wall) of those freeze-proof hosebibbs must be protected from freezing. Our standard vacuum breakers shown can break during a freeze.

Q. "I can get other brands of hose bibbs at lower prices. Why should I buy these?"
A. Sure there are cheap hose bibbs on the market, but these are top quality hose bibbs. These prices are very low for this quality. If you are looking for durability and reliability these are the best value.