Whether you have an outdoor pond on your property, or whether you need it for watering your plants, an outdoor water faucet can come in handy for a number of reasons, and in many ways it pays to have an external water source in case the situation arises.
Most external drainage systems use PVC piping, which on the face of it can seem like a complicated product to connect to the faucet.
But is it really that hard, and if not, then what is the process?
Necessary Equipment
Before you get started, it is important to ensure you have the right tools for the job.
This can be a relatively simple process, however, you will need a tape measure, PVC pipes, Teflon tape, a threaded connector, a hacksaw, PVC glue/PVC cement, and PVC primer.
Preemptive Checks
Before you get started, there are a few things you need to check to make sure everything goes without a hitch.
Double Check Measurements
This is obviously an important part of the whole process, because if your materials don’t fit onto the existing outdoor faucet, then the whole thing will be a waste of time.
It is important to make sure you have the right length and width of PVC piping.
Before cutting the piping to suit, you should measure the distance and mark it on the PVC pipe before cutting it to size.
When taking these measurements, bear in mind that PVC piping is far more prone to expanding and contracting than other kinds of pipe, like iron or steel.
Choosing The Best Coupling
When we say coupling, we are referring to the adaptor, or threaded connectors, which attach the PVC pipe to the outside faucet.
To figure this out, measure the diameter of the faucet and pipe to ensure you get the right size.
The end which connects to the PVC pipe should be smooth, whilst the end connected to the faucet should be threaded for a firmer fit.
If you are working with different types of pipes in your plumbing system, you might also be interested in our guide on connecting PEX to PVC.
The Process
Now we’ve got the proper tools, we can begin the process. We’ll break this down into smaller steps to make this easier to follow!
Before anything, make sure to shut off the water supply at the shutoff valve.
Step One
The first thing that you are going to want to do is to take your existing PVC pipe and then cut out a small section within it.
We recommend using a sharp implement such as a handsaw in order to do this, and that you wear a strong pair of protective goggles to keep your eyes protected from debris that may chip off as you cut.
You will want to take the “T” piece that you are planning to install to get a sense of the measurements you will need to cut into the pipe.
You should try to remove around an inch to half an inch in the surface of the pipe in order for the new “T” piece to fit into place correctly.
Step Two
After you have cut out the section of your existing pipe, it is likely that it will have left some traces, such as sharp and pointy edges.
At this point, use a small knife to cut off any small spikes that may have been left behind after cutting out a section of the pipe.
Once you have cut off some of the larger pointy edges, take some sandpaper, and lightly file down the rest of the surface in order to make it smoother.
Once you have finished sanding the surface to make it smoother, you should then lightly dust the inside surface of the pipe to ensure that no dust or debris is left behind.
Step Three
Now that you have set out the section where your new PVC pipe will be installed, you can finally begin putting it all together.
Before we get to that, though, you should make sure to apply a layer of PVC primer to all of the surfaces on the pipes that are going to be glued.
Priming is incredibly important, similar to when you properly bevel PVC pipe, because it helps to create a completely clean and smooth surface for the glue to work on, which allows the pipes to more effectively join together.
Apply the primer on the outside of the pipe that is being inserted into the other pipe. Apply the primer to the inside of the pipe that is being inserted into!
This step of the process needs to be done quickly, to ensure that the primer does not dry too quickly and remains effective.
Luckily, spreading the primer can be done much quicker by making use of the dauber tool which should be included within the packaging for the primer.
Step Four
Now that your pipes have been cut and primed, it’s time to begin putting them together!
Luckily, the primer will have created an incredibly smooth surface that you can then use to apply a good even layer of glue.
Apply the glue to every area of the pipe that has been primed.
You want to ensure that you have an even coating all across these areas, without overloading with glue, as this helps to prevent any leaks from forming once the pipes are connected.
Once you have added your glue layers, simply place the pipe into position, akin to how you would when capping PVC pipe. You will want to do this promptly, as PVC glue can dry quite quickly.
The quicker you are able to insert it, the more smooth the sealing job will be!
Step Five
We are now onto the last step of the process, but easily one of the most important!
Once you have glued the pipes into position, you are going to want to make sure that they are secure, and that they remain in position long enough for the glue to dry sufficiently.
At this step, we recommend making use of Teflon tape. Teflon tape is incredibly durable and leakproof.
Simply wrap the tape around the neck of the “T” section of the pipe that has been inserted. This will help to keep the faucet from leaking.
Thus, you will want to apply the Teflon tape in such a way that it can remain in position for a long time to come.
Once everything is in place, and you have allowed the glue to dry for a few hours, you should be able to safely turn your water supply back on, and you should find that there should be no leaks!
You have now successfully attached your outside water faucet to PVC piping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does PVC Stand For?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and is a type of plastic used in many different ways around the home.
Sometimes used as window and door frames, due to its firmness and weather resistant properties, PVC is commonly used for piping, as it is cheap, waterproof, and more forgiving against the elements than iron or steel.
What Does “Thermoplastic” Mean?
PVC is often referred to as possessing thermoplastic properties, which in layman’s terms means it can become pliable or malleable with changes in temperature.
This makes it a popular choice for plumbing, as it gives more freedom and flexibility for DIY, and home use.
PVC Or Metal Piping?
This obviously depends on the job, however, with exterior plumbing that is above ground, the most common material used is PVC.
This is for the above-mentioned reasons – flexibility, adjustability, and thermoplastic properties.
Whilst metal can become damaged by frost and other environmental elements, due to the fact that it does not bend or adapt with the changes, PVC can become more malleable when the temperature rises, and more rigid when the temperature falls.
This is why metal pipes (such as a copper pipe) are better for exposed plumbing.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know to attach a PVC pipe to an outdoor water faucet.
As long as you follow these simple steps, take the correct measurements, and use the proper tools, there is no reason why you can’t have a great looking exterior setup in no time – and all with minimal work, minimal cost, and very few procedural steps.