When it comes to outdoor faucets, the truth is that they become pretty difficult to maintain over time, specifically in the colder months of the year (or just colder areas in general). As any indoor or outdoor faucet can get damaged not only from cold weather, but also rain, dust, and other environmental factors.
This is why it is so important to look for a quality, and long-lasting outdoor faucet cover.
In the provided guide below we will be discussing everything you need to know when it comes to buying outdoor faucet covers, as well as some of the best options available right now.
Table of Contents
Why Use an Outdoor Faucet Cover?
As previously mentioned, the best way to protect your outdoor hose bib or faucet from prolonged exposure to colder elements is with an outdoor faucet cover. If properly covered and sealed overtop of the faucet, they are extremely effective at preventing frozen pipes, and overall damage to the faucet itself.
Moreover, no matter how much you’re able to winterize your home, there’s still a chance that when the temperature is below freezing, your pipes will freeze and burst. You can always do your best to mitigate damages, like using one of the best freeze-proof outdoor faucets, but you never know what the cold can cause without some protection.
This is where outdoor faucet covers come into play. Not only can they help to prevent this from happening, but they also help to keep air and heat from escaping the home. Essentially, the faucet covers (which are insulated) trap the heat that naturally goes out of interior pipes to the outdoor spigot. Since they’re fully insulated, the heat cannot escape, meaning that the water won’t freeze, and the spigot or pipes won’t break down.
What Temperature are Outdoor Faucet Covers Good For?
While outdoor faucet covers are specifically designed to trap heat and prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, there is still a limit as to how much these items can handle. Just like anything that deals with cold temperatures, outdoor faucet covers can only take on temperatures that drop below a certain point.
Most professionals argue that once the temperature outside drops further below anything around 28 degrees Fahrenheit you should look for alternate solutions. You may want to check out our 5 Ways to Protect Your Outside Faucets from Freezing Up article here.
5 Best Outdoor Faucet Covers for Winter
1. Frost King Outdoor Foam Faucet Cover
Without question, the absolute best outdoor faucet cover is the Frost King Outdoor Foam Faucet Cover. Not only is this remarkably inexpensive, but it’s also one of the more battle-tested faucet covers on the market. It’s made from a ⅝” thick expanded polystyrene shell, and features a ¾” thick one-piece foam gasket for enhanced security, and reliable coverage.
Past this, it also comes fully assembled, so no lengthy installation is required, and it’s completely reusable season after season. All together forming the top-rated outdoor faucet cover available to consumers.
2. ArtiGifts Pro Outdoor Faucet Cover Socks for Winter
The ArtiGifts Pro Outdoor Faucet Cover Socks for Winter is another fantastic alternative for any homeowner in the market for a quality outdoor faucet cover. First and foremost, these outdoor spigot covers are made from heavyweight polyester pongee waterproof fabric and special PP insulated cotton. Which possesses the same waterproof and insulation capabilities to help provide safety against severe weather conditions, like freezing rain, wind, and snow.
Furthermore, this is one of the more versatile options thanks to the flexibility and thickness of it’s design, and even comes with a handy string tie making it extremely easy to install or take off. All things considered, you don’t have to look far to see the exceptional value this faucet cover holds.
3. Demedo XXL Outdoor Faucet Cover
Another remarkable option is the Demedo XXL Outdoor Faucet Cover. This massive faucet cover is about 3 or 4 inches larger than most other faucet covers, meaning that it’s not only more versatile, but more reliable with larger spouts as well. Beyond this, it’s also made of 3M Thinsulate insulation cotton and strong waterproof coating to help protect against the elements. As well as a double layer, 210D Oxford cloth coasting and Polyester Taffeta inner to prevent water from getting inside the cover.
As if this wasn’t enough already, the Demedo XXL Outdoor Faucet Cover is easy to use as you simply cover the faucet, fasting it with the rope, and you’re all set!
4. Teal Turtle Reusable Outdoor Faucet Cover
The Teal Turtle Reusable Outdoor Faucet Cover is another astounding alternative that carries a plethora of benefits for any homeowner. Firstly, this cover comes fully assembled and is extraordinarily easy to apply by simply sliding the rubber ring around the faucet, and pulling tight on the string for it to lock into place. Moreover, it’s made with a durable polystyrene shell that is ⅝” thick with a ¾” thick foam gasket in order to safely seal the shell against any home surface. However, perhaps the greatest feature with this faucet cover is the fact that it’s reusable, and sticks firmly to any vinyl, brick, concrete, steel, or stucco home exterior.
5. Tipkits Outdoor Faucet Cover
Finally, our list simply wouldn’t be complete without the Tipkits Outdoor Faucet Cover. This unique design is double insulated with an applied aluminum foil insulation layer as well as a heavily PP insulated cotton pad. It also carries a larger size than the average faucet cover, while still snugly fitting around any standard faucet. Plus, the outer fabric is made from heavy duty 210D waterproof Polyester Oxford, which effectively keeps wind, frost, rain, and snow from entering the cover. Additionally, this design is also completely reusable, and easy to install.
Related Questions
Can You Buy a Freeze Proof Outdoor Faucet?
Absolutely! A freeze-proof outdoor faucet, or a frost-proof outdoor faucet, is the perfect solution for anybody looking to avoid the headache of frozen or broken pipes. It essentially acts as a compression-style spigot with an extra-long barrel that can be easily installed on the side of your house. They differentiate from standard outdoor spigots in that the traditional version carries a compression valve, and is built-in so close to the supply line that it becomes the most vulnerable part of the faucet.
Whereas freeze-proof outdoor faucets carry a similar design but instead it comes with an attached tube that is up to 24 inches in length, as well as a compression valve at the end of the supply line. This design essentially places the water connection deeper inside your home, where the air is warmer and less likely to freeze in frigid temperatures.
Is it Okay to Use Outdoor Faucet Covers in Warm Weather?
Even though the primary reason homeowners install outdoor faucet covers is to reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes in the winter. Even people surrounded by warm weather can make use of these inexpensive items. Regardless of how warm the weather is around you, unexpected cold fronts can show up out of nowhere, and it doesn’t take very long for the water in your pipes or spigot to freeze.
Plus, it’s much cheaper to pay for an outdoor faucet cover than it is to potentially have to pay for the damage caused from not having one. Beyond this, outdoor faucet covers also help to prevent drafts, as well as pests like mice, insects and other small critters from crawling up in the cracks in and around the faucet during the colder months of the year. Plus, they can also help to keep curious hands (i.e., children) from fiddling around too much.
Can I Use a Freeze Miser with a Cover on My Outdoor Faucet?
The Freeze Miser is a fantastic device for any homeowner to add an extra layer of protection to their outdoor faucet. However, they are far more effective in the warmer months of the year as they are specifically designed to leak water when it gets cold to make sure that the water (and your pipes) don’t freeze. They’re exceptional products because they essentially guarantee that your pipes won’t freeze and burst, but the water leakage brings about a new set of challenges.
In fact, if you’re in a warmer environment, you could argue that they’re even more effective than outdoor faucet covers. But due to the water leakage, this becomes problematic once the temperature drops below zero. Check out the link to learn more about the Freeze Miser.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.