To many people the thought of installing a new outdoor faucet or doing any plumbing work seems daunting but actually small plumbing jobs like installing a new faucet are very simple and with a little practice you can solder
copper pipe just like the professionals. As a rule you can use either
copper or plastic pvc pipe for your new outdoor faucet for your hot tub you may want to check with your local building department to find out about getting any permits and check on any restrictions.
If you live in an area that encounters freezing weather you may want to consider a frost free faucet, you could also install a faucet with a built in drain with this option however you will need to remember to drain the faucet every fall. The first free faucet is maintain free as the actual part that shuts of the water is inside the house so there is no water in an area that is susceptible to freezing.
The next step is to determine the location you want the new faucet. Once that has been determined mark the spot and go to your basement or crawl space and look to see if that location is clear and free from interference from any other components. Next locate you water supply you may be able to tap into an existing line or you may have to run a new line. Weather you use
copper or PVC you need to keep your runs straight and make sure you support the new pipe properly.
When using PVC be sure to use the primer prior to gluing the primer is usually purple this allows you to easily tell if you have put the primer on, be sure to make you connections nice and straight. When using copper pipe you will need to solder your joints this may seem like a daunting task it is really quite easy you will need a copper pipe cleaner this is a special wire brush that will clean the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe. Having the copper clean and dry is the most important factor in soldering copper. A good flux and solder for copper pipes and a propane torch. Clean the fittings and pipe apply flux, use your propane or nap gas torch to heat up the connection the flux will bubble as it boils and cleans the copper after the flux boils the copper should be hot enough to melt the solder apply the solder around the fitting the solder will be sucked into the joint remove heat and use a damp rag to clean up the excess solder. When you solder the faucet on be sure to open the valve or take it apart so you do not overheat the rubber washers in the valve.
About the Author:
Chad Milhouse wrote this article for http://www.a1hottub.com. For some additional information on
hot tubs stop in for a visit to see some new
Cedar Hot Tubs for home use.
Source:
www.isnare.com
