Sillcock, Hose Bib, Outdoor Faucet. (So Many Names for 1 Simple Thing!)

I was talking about having to repair a sillcock the other day, and the customer asked, “What the heck is a sillcock?” Good question.

Clearly, I was using a word more commonly used by plumbers than homeowners. Here’s the good news: a sillcock is nothing more than an outdoor faucet. But now that we’re on the subject, let’s learn more about them.

A Part That Goes by Many Names

So, what is the difference between a sillcock and a hose bib? Nothing!

That’s right, the two are the same. And if that’s not confusing, a sillcock also goes by the names “spigot,” “outdoor faucet,” “wall hydrant,” “outdoor tap,” and “male hose faucet.” Heck, there are probably more but I can’t think of them right now. My head might explode.

Technically, a spigot is not a sillcock; it’s the threaded end of a sillcock that you attach a hose to. But it has become interchangeable with the word sillcock over time. And the hose bib is often mistakenly thought of as just the threaded part of the sillcock when in fact it is the entire piece. But whatever you call it, we’ll understand. 🙂

What is a Sillcock?

A sillcock is a fancy name for a male-threaded outdoor faucet. An unthreaded faucet that isn’t able to attach to anything, like a garden hose, is just a plain or simple faucet. So, the key differences between a sillcock and any other type of faucet are these:

• It is located outside (usually on a wall)
• It has a threaded connection

The sillcock is often mounted and anchored to an exterior wall and a male-threaded spout so it can connect to your garden hose (and other water-using outdoor devices).

Are Sillcocks Necessary?

The plumbing codes in many areas require that buildings have sillcocks. They are the best and often the only way to deliver a supply of water outside the home. This is helpful in emergencies, for outdoor water recreation, or simply to keep lawns and gardens thriving in the summer.

Unfortunately, they are susceptible to freezing and bursting. In cold-weather locations, many homeowners replace their standard sillcocks with frost-proof sillcocks. These are designed to keep water far enough inside the wall that it won’t freeze, swell, and break the pipe.

How Does a Sillcock Faucet Work?

Generally, a sillcock works like most faucets. When the handle is turned in a clockwise direction, a mechanism inside the spigot blocks the flow of water. When the handle is turned in a counterclockwise direction, water is able to flow.

This illustration provides simply points out the key parts of a sillcock.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still confused re: what is a sillcock, remember this: whatever you call it, it’s still just an outdoor faucet with a threaded end. So, if it’s a faucet located outside and you can attach a hose to it, then it’s a sillcock…or a hose bib…or a spigot…or a male hose faucet…or a…oh, never mind. I think you get the point. 🙂

Related Resources

• How to winterize outdoor faucets
• Remove a stuck garden hose and winterize it properly
• How to winterize a house with frost-free spigots
• How to insulate exposed water pipes
• Learn how to thaw frozen pipes with a hair dryer!
• Prevent freezing pipes from causing water damage
• Water damage services

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

If you need help with a sillcock repair, replacement, or installation, don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237).

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain, or water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.