6 Best Hose Bibs In 2024 (Ranked For Reliability)

Hose Bib’s Compared

1. American Valve M71HD 

First up on our list is the American Valve M71HD. This hose bib is made from durable brass material and is fitted for both ½ inch and ¾ inch pipes. The hose bib itself is made from a specially treated brass metal that is corrosion and rust-resistant.

Brass is also a relatively good insulator for a metal. It has a ½” solder NPT duo pattern inlet screw and a ¾” hose outlet end. Both sides of the hose bib screw on, which means it’s easy to attach and take off if you ever need to inspect anything. 

The American valve also has an oversized handle mechanism that is covered with a durable rubber coating that makes it easy to grasp and turn. The covering also prevents the handle from getting cold during the cold winter months. Even better, the bib itself is small so that it will fit with multiple covers for the winter.

2. RainPal RBS005 

Up next on our list is the RainPal RBS005. This hose bib is designed to be used with rainwater barrels but can also be used on a traditional pipe/valve system. This spigot is made from a durable brass alloy and features an aluminum handle.

The handle is a quarter-turn handle instead of a wheel, so it’s easy to operate with just a few fingers. The RainPal has a screw and nut attachment that requires you to have access to the inside of the barrel first, so you will have to empty it of water before you can attach the bib.

The RainPal is also environmentally friendly. Less than 0.25% of it is made with lead. It also has a universal design, so it will fit rain barrels with walls up to ¼ inches thick. You do need a hole saw and a pipe wrench to install this spigot.

3. Mueller Industries 103-003 

Up next on our ls the Mueller INdustries 103-003 hose bib. This hose bib is made from brass and features a simple knob handle to turn the valve on and off. This bib has a very simple design and is also free from lead and meets the MSF-approved lead standards.

 It has ¾ inch threaded outlets and has a neoprene sealing ring to further make the seal airtight. The pipe threads are also compliant with ANSI B1.20.1 standards for hose bibs.

This hose bib is also very small and easy to install. It has screws on both ends and can also be soldered. The handle is large enough, but it is also metal, meaning it can get cold when the temperature drops during the winter. The neoprene seal is also a unique innovation that prevents any leaking. Overall, it’s a good choice for a durable outdoor hose bib.

4. Woodford MFG 22CP-6 

Up next on our list is the Woodford MFG 22CP-6, our pick for the best frost proof outdoor faucet. The most immediately noticeable thing about this faucet is that it has two inlet valves, one for a cold water line and the other for a hot water line from a water heater.

You do not have to use these holes, though, and can simply use one faucet at a time, however you want. This faucet is made from a durable brass material that is resistant to cold, rust, and freezing.

Each handle of this faucet is made from diecast aluminum with a max temperature sensitivity of 120 degrees-F. Each sillcock pipe has a maximum 6" thru-wall length, but you can cut them down with a hacksaw if you need the inlets to be shorter. You can also screw the inlet valves into the main pipe or solder them on.

5. Midline Valve 68345 

Up in fifth place is the Midline Valve 68345. This hose bib is made from durable brass and actually has two functions. It can be used as a direct outdoor faucet and as a hose converter for gardening, furniture cleaning, and car washing.

The heavy-duty brass constriction also has a sturdy ABS plastic handle with two wings. The butterfly-style handle is aluminum and is designed for easy shut-off access.

The Midline Valve also conforms to most worksite and housing code standards. It is approved through the UPC, NSF, and the ASME. It is also lead-free, so it’s safe to use the water for gardening for other purposes. It has a 1/2 “ pipe and ¾" MHT outlet, so it is highly compatible with most water line setups in modern homes. It has a working pressure of 125 WOG, which is very high and strong.

6. Liberty Garden 693-2

Last but certainly not least is the Liberty GArden 693-2, our pick for the best All-in-One option for your garden. This hose bib is designed for both residential and industrial use and can hold up to 150 feet of a ⅝” hose with a 5” rack radius.

So not only is it a hose bib, but it’s also a way to store your hose. It has a solid steel construction and a durable powder coat that protects the metal from scratches and dings while also preventing rust and corrosion.

The Liberty Garden can be erected in compact soil or can also be set up in concrete. The hose spigot has a ¾” inlet and outlet thread and a large blue handle that is easy to grasp and turn. It’s a good fixture to organize your hose and attach it to your waterline. It’s a good choice for both residential and commercial use.

Hose Bib vs Spigot vs Sillcock (Difference Explained)

The terms "hose bib," "spigot," and "sillcock” are all names for the same thing. The hose bib is the fixture on the outside of your home that you can attach a hose to, turn on, and get water.

The term "spigot" or "faucet" is more common in the US, while the terms "hose bib" and "sillcock” are more common in the UK. There might be small regional variations in the design and construction of hose bibs, but they all serve the same primary purpose.

Factors to Consider When Buying Hose Bibs for Outdoors

Design and material

There are a couple of major types of hose bibs, including frost-free bibs, knobbed bibs, and round plastic bibs. Other types of hose bibs include yard hydrants, ball valves, anti-siphon bibs, and more. In general, any type of hose bib suitable for outdoor use will be made of metal like brass, aluminum, and steel.

Size

The most common hose bibs sizes are ½ inch and ¼ inch. These measurements refer to the diameter of the pipe. All other things being equal, the smaller the hose bib pipe diameter, the more pressure the water will have. So if you need a high-pressure stream of water, then a smaller bib might be the better option.

Quality and Durability

Good hose bibs will not rust or crack due to exposure to the elements. Freezing is a common issue for hose bibs. Anti-frost bibs are designed so that water does not get trapped and frozen in the bib itself. These kinds of bibs can last through the winter without having to shut off the water supply to the bib.

Safety

Hose bibs are not that complicated and normally do not need too many safety features. The main thing you should look for is a hose bib that drains out the excess water when the water valve is turned off. This will prevent water from getting stuck in the pipes and freezing, which can cause damage to your pipes and drain system.

Ease of Use

The hose bib you get should be easy to use, which means that the handle it has should be large, have a grip, and be easy to turn. Some hose bibs have a wheel to turn, and others use a ball handle like a gas line. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your hand comfortably.

Price & Warranty

As always, price is an important consideration. The typical hose bib can cost anywhere between $10-$40. Even cheaper hose bibs can still be good quality and last a long time. Generally, these small parts do not come with a significant warranty, but some models do come with a warranty.

What to Do When Hose Bib Freezes & Bursts?

If it is very cold outside and a hose bib still has water left in the pipe, then it can freeze over and burst during the winter. A broken hose bib is a nuisance because it can cause all kinds of water damage to your walls and drainage system,

If you live in a place where temperatures get consistently cold in the winter, then you should turn your water line to the spigot off during the winter. That will prevent any excess water from freezing and expanding. 

If the bib does burst, then you will have to replace it. You can do this on your own, or you can call a professional.

FAQs

How much does a plumber charge to replace an outside faucet?

It depends on the severity of the issue, but a broken hose bib can cost up to $100-$200 to replace.

Do outdoor faucet covers really work?

Yes, outdoor faucet covers do work and can help frost-proof your spigot. We would recommend the Freeze Miser 2 Pack Outdoor Faucet Covers.

What are the best brands of outdoor faucet manufacturers?

Some of the best faucet manufacturers include Woodford, Midline, Liberty Garden, and American Valve.

Where is the best place to buy hose bibs?

You can buy hose bibs from your local hardware stores or online retailers like Amazon.

How close can an outlet be to a hose bib?

There are no housing code requirements, but it is generally a good idea to keep any outlets at least 18 inches from your hose bib.

Should you leave the outside faucet open in winter?

Unless you have a frost-proof hose bib, no, you should not leave the faucet open during the winter. This can cause freezing and damage to your pipes.

Conclusion

So to sum things up, our top choice for the best spigot is the American Valve M71HD on account of its durable construction, ease of use, and simplicity. It’s a great choice of hose bib for any homeowner.