How To Connect A Faucet To A PVC Pipe Outside

By  Cindy Quarters

Things Needed

  • Eye protection

  • PVC "T" connection with male threaded neck

  • Hacksaw with fine blade

  • Utility knife

  • Sandpaper

  • Absorbent cloth

  • PVC primer

  • PVC glue

  • Faucet threaded to fit PVC "T" threads

  • Teflon plumbing tape

Tip

Once all the pieces are glued together, apply a layer of PVC glue around the outer edge of all joints. This helps make sure it won't leak.

Warning

Use eye protection when cutting PVC to protect your eyes from flying bits of pipe.

Always work in a well-ventilated space, as PVC primer and glue fumes should not be inhaled.

Use the right type of glue for your PVC since not all kinds of PVC will work with all glues. Read the label to see if the glue will work for your pipes.

Dripping faucet in silhouetteComstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Polyvinyl chloride, usually simply called PVC, is a material that is frequently used to make water pipes. These are commonly used to carry water both indoors and out, especially in mobile homes. To add an outdoor faucet, you need to tap into the existing pipe, and then connect the appropriate parts that allow you to add the faucet. This is not a difficult procedure and usually can be accomplished in about an hour, as long as you can easily reach the pipe.

Step 1

Turn off the water supply. You won't be able to work on a pipe if water is flowing through it. Open a faucet or an indoor tap to allow any pressure in the system to bleed off, so you don't get sprayed when you cut into the pipe.

Step 2

Cut a section out of the existing PVC line. The amount you cut out will depend on the size of the "T" piece that you are going to install, but usually you will need to remove between 1/2 inch and 1 inch to allow the new piece to fit properly. Wear eye protection for this step.

Step 3

Trim any burrs on the cut ends of the pipe with a sharp utility knife. Sand the exposed ends of the PVC so it has no snags or rough places on it. Wipe the inner and outer surfaces with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust.

Step 4

Coat all surfaces to be glued with PVC primer. Use the dauber that is built into the lid of the primer to thoroughly cover the outside of the cut pipe and the inside of the "T" joint where it will touch the pipe.

Step 5

Apply glue to all surfaces you previously primed. The priming cleans the surfaces and prepares them for gluing; the glue ensures that the pieces will stay together and not leak. Fit the "T" over both ends of the cut pipe with the threaded neck facing where the faucet will go.

Step 6

Wrap Teflon tape in a clockwise direction around the threaded neck of the "T." This prevents this connection from leaking. Screw the threaded opening of the faucet snugly onto the "T" to complete the installation of your new faucet. Turn the water supply back on.

References

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