How To: Replace a Hose Bibb
Whether you have a leaky hose bibb or need a frost-free solution, SharkBite has you covered. With tips from Taylor Freeman, a journeyman plumber, discover the best way to install your new spigot in under an hour.
Preparation
Shut off water and drain.
First, turn the main water line off, which is usually located near your water heater. Then, find a low point in your home to drain the water from your system. For this application, Taylor used the outdoor spigot to drain the system. Read below for more tips on draining your water properly.
Read More: How to Turn Off Main Water Valve for Plumbing Repairs
Consider your options.
There are many reasons you may need to replace your spigot. Whatever issue you face, make sure to choose the correct SharkBite hose bibb for your application. Below are our recommendations based on common outdoor spigot problems.
- Leaking: ALL SharkBite outdoor hose valves (certified to 200 psi and 200°F, backed by a 25 year warranty)
- Rusting: ALL SharkBite outdoor hose valves (made with lead-free, corrosion resistant DZR brass, backed by a 25 year warranty)
- Freezing: SharkBite Frost-Free Sillcock, Stop Valve with Drain / Vent
- Repair: Sillcock Vacuum Breaker Repair Kit, Sillcock Stem Repair Kits, O-ring Repair Set for Multi Turn Hose Bibbs
Find your connection.
Now that you have the right SharkBite hose bibb for you, it’s time to address your indoor connection. Check your system for where the spigot meets the indoor plumbing. There, you may see some 90° elbow fittings, a gate valve, a ball valve, or a combination of all three. Then, choose the SharkBite fittings that best suit your application. For this install, Taylor upgraded from a gate valve to a SharkBite Max ball valve and changed the old elbow out for a new SharkBite 90°.
Measure your hardware.
After deciding what changes you’d like to make, measure the amount of pipe you’ll need, accounting for the insertion depths of your fittings. For this application, Taylor measured his copper pipe according to the length of the hose bibb line, ball valve line, and insertion depths of his two fittings and his SharkBite hose bibb. See below for insertion depths for both SharkBite (first generation) and SharkBite Max.
| SharkBite Fitting Size | Nominal Pipe Size | Pipe OD | SharkBite 1st Generation Insertion Depth | SharkBite Max Insertion Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 in. | 1/4 in. CTS | 3/8 in. | 13/16 in. (21 mm.) | |
| 3/8 in. | 3/8 in. CTS | 1/2 in. | 15/16 in. (24 mm.) | |
| 1/2 in. | 1/2 in. CTS | 5/8 in. | 15/16 in. (24 mm.) | 1 in. (25 mm.) |
| 5/8 in. | 5/8 in. CTS | 3/4 in. | 1-1/8 in. (29 mm.) | |
| 3/4 in. | 3/4 in. CTS | 7/8 in. | 1-1/8 in. (28 mm.) | 1-1/4 in. (32 mm.) |
| 1 in. | 1 in. CTS | 1-1/8 in. | 1-5/16 in. (33 mm.) | |
| 1-1/4 in. | 1-1/4 in. CTS | 1-3/8 in. | 1-7/8 in. (48 mm.) | |
| 1-1/2 in. | 1-1/2 in. CTS | 1-5/8 in. | 2-1/16 in. (52 mm.) | |
| 2 in. | 2 in. CTS | 2-1/8 in. | 2-3/16 in. (56 mm.) |
Installation
Now that you have your SharkBite hose bibb, fittings and pipe, it’s time to make the connections. Start by cutting out your old indoor valves and fittings, making sure to use pipe cutters for copper pipe and PRO PEX cutters for PEX. This will allow you to easily pull your outdoor hose bibb out from the exterior of your home.
To install your new SharkBite fittings, use the deburr and gauge tool to deburr your pipe, ensuring it is completely free of debris. Then, check your insertion depth according to the size and generation of your SharkBite fitting. Once you have measured and marked the insertion depth, push the fitting to the mark. Repeat this process for your SharkBite hose bibb of choice, and any other fittings in your system.
After installation, turn your water on and test for leaks. Watch for signs of leaks both inside and outside your hose and open your hose bibb to check the pressure. Once you confirm everything is installed correctly, use two screws to secure the hose bibb to your wall.
Read: Debunking 3 Common Myths About SharkBite O-Rings
Main Benefits
Not sure if SharkBite works for you? Consider these features that make SharkBite hose bibbs easy to install and even easier to trust.
- Easy to install. The push-to-connect design allows for quick and easy installation without the need for special tools.
- Any pipe type. Versatility is key for fast, easy installations. All SharkBite hose bibbs are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. This makes it easy to install on your current pipe type.
Freeze-resistant options. If you live in a colder climate or your hose bibb keeps freezing, our frost-free sillcock and stop valve with drain/vent are the freeze-resistant solutions you need.