Anti Frost Faucet - to insulate or not?


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Old 07-07-14, 02:32 PM
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Anti Frost Faucet - to insulate or not?

I just replaced an anti frost faucetthat has failed because the hose was left connected and undrained during a cold spell.

The faucet comes into the basement and my normal tendency would be to insulate it for a ways until past the point of entry. After thinking about it that could possibly have the opposite effect - inhibit the warmer air from the basement to prevent freezing while allowing the cold air to conduct more efficiently from the outside.

What is the proper method?

Thanks,
David
 
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Old 07-07-14, 03:13 PM
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There's no reason to insulate a freeze-proof or anti-frost faucet if installed correctly. All water will be behind the washer and seat, which should be in the conditioned (or semi-conditioned) space.

The problem was that a hose was connected that didn't allow water beyond the seal to drain out.

If the penetration through the wall is properly caulked/foamed, then all that will cool the sealed area is conduction, which you can't do a lot about.

You can use one of the foam and plastic insulated faucet covers available, that is easy and cheap.

Standard Faucet Cover-1950 at The Home Depot

They also make them with a brownish red plastic shell which get the max heating from the sun on clear cold days.
 
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Old 07-07-14, 03:34 PM
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To add, make sure you install the nylon wedge provided at the top of the flange. This will intentionally point the faucet downward allowing the water to evacuate.
 
 

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