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Tips for Installing an Outdoor Hot Water Spigot

Marc McCollough

By Marc McCollough
Published March 11, 2025

A hot water outdoor spigot is a convenience that makes many outdoor activities more pleasant. Learn the benefits of having a hot water spigot outside, things to think about when planning for installation and the high-level project steps.

Outdoor Hot Water Spigots: What to Know

If you’re considering adding a hot water spigot outdoors, think about how you expect to use it, as well as the planning and work involved.
You might use the terms hose bib, spigot and sillcock interchangeably to refer to an outdoor faucet, but there are differences:

  • A hose bib always has threading for a hose.
  • A spigot may or may not have threading.
  • A sillcock has a design that reduces the risk of freezing.

For this article, we refer to a threaded spigot.

Reasons to Have a Hot Water Spigot Outside

While you might not always need hot water, warm water can be nice to have outside:

  • Washing vehicles in cool weather is more comfortable with warm water.
  • If you bathe your dog outside, a warm bath is more enjoyable for you and your pet.
  • You can connect a hot water spigot to some outdoor showers.
  • If you have an outdoor kitchen, hot water makes it easier to clean up.
  • A little warm water can make a wading pool more enjoyable for a child or a pet.
  • Hot water makes cleaning outdoor equipment and hobby gear easier any time of year.

Caution

Be aware of scalding hazards. Keep your water heater temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and ensure the water is not too hot.

Planning for an Outdoor Hot Water Spigot

Start by deciding on a hot water spigot. You can purchase a standalone spigot that installs next to your existing spigot or you can purchase a two-handle fixture.

With a standalone fixture, you connect a hose Y to the hot and cold spigots and connect your garden hose to the Y. A two-handle faucet or wall hydrant mixes the hot and cold water internally so you connect a hose as you would any other outdoor spigot. While this is more convenient, it requires removing the existing spigot and connecting both hot and cold supply lines.

Here are some other factors to consider:

  • Spigot Location: Typically, a hot water spigot is in the same location as your existing outdoor spigot.
  • Local Codes: Work must comply with plumbing and building codes.
  • Plumbing and Wiring: Be aware of electrical wiring, gas lines and plumbing to avoid damage or hazards.
  • Hot Water Supply: You need a nearby hot water line running from the water heater to an indoor faucet.
  • Freeze Protection: Frost-resistant features on a spigot help prevent freeze damage.
  • Backflow Prevention: An anti-siphon feature keeps water from backflowing into your water supply and might be required by code.
  • Pipe Type: Copper, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe are all options for connecting the supply line to the spigot. Your code may require a specific type. The spigot and existing pipe must be compatible with the new pipe.

Outdoor Hot Water Spigot Installation Tips

Unless you have experience cutting into and connecting pipe, installing a hot water spigot outdoors is a job for a professional. Your local plumbing or building code might require installation by a licensed plumber. Here are general steps a professional follows for this type of project:

  1. Collect a permit and schedule inspection, as necessary.
  2. Locate a hot water supply line.
  3. Turn off the home water supply.
  4. Turn off and test nearby electrical circuits.
  5. Mark the location for the hot water spigot on the home exterior.
  6. Bore through the home exterior.
  7. Install a frost-free, anti-siphon spigot, sealing and insulating it as necessary.
  8. Cut the hot water supply line, allowing water to drain out.
  9. Run new pipe from the supply line to the spigot location.
  10. Anchor the new pipe and add drain valves, as necessary.
  11. Wrap the new pipe to reduce the risk of freezing.
  12. Connect the new pipe to the supply line and spigot.

If you’re adding a two-handle hot and cold spigot, the project includes removing the existing spigot and connecting the cold water supply to the new fixture.

Outdoor Hot Water Spigot Maintenance

Keep your hot water spigot functioning and protect your home with these maintenance tips:

  • Periodically check for leaks.
  • Disconnect the hose and allow the faucet to drain before the first freeze.
  • Protect the spigot with an insulated faucet cover.
  • If the water line isn’t insulated, consider wrapping it with foam pipe insulation.

See Prevent and Repair Frozen Pipes for more tips.

Let Lowe’s Help With Your Outdoor Hot Water Spigot

From outdoor spigots and hose bibs to pipe and fittings, you can shop your project options on Lowes.com. Or go to your local Lowe’s and talk to a Red Vest associate. They’ll help you find the right fixture for an outdoor hot water spigot and help you decide on the pipe that works best for the job.

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