DIY Faucet Extension for Wider Water Access Outside

Do you ever get frustrated by your outdoor faucet not reaching far enough to water your entire yard or wash your car in the driveway? Installing a DIY faucet extension is an easy weekend project that can significantly increase your hose's range. With a few basic parts and tools, you can run plastic tubing underground from your existing outdoor faucet to a new one placed wherever you need it. We'll walk through the complete process in this guide.

Extending your outdoor faucet's reach has many benefits. You'll no longer have to drag heavy hoses across your yard or struggle with annoying kinks and twists. And you'll finally be able to conveniently water all your garden beds, trees, and shrubs without frustratingly short hoses limiting your access. Investing a Saturday into this project will make all your future yardwork easier and more efficient.

Materials Needed

The main items needed for a DIY faucet extension project are:

Faucet Connections

• Y splitter - Attaches to faucet allowing two lines to run from it
• Faucet extension hose - Extends initial faucet reach

Pipes

• Galvanized pipe - 18-24 inches long
• Galvanized elbow - Connects galvanized pipe pieces
• Galvanized nipple - Short connecting piece
• Coupling - Joins two pieces of galvanized pipe
• Brass adapter - Connects galvanized assembly to faucet extension

Other Supplies

• Plastic tubing - 1/2" or 3/4" to run underground
• Hose clamps - Secure connections
• Trench shovel - For digging trench around faucet
• Gravel or insulation - Stabilize buried pipes
• Wrenches - Tighten connections
• Teflon tape - Seal threads

Getting Started

Before beginning the project, turn off the water supply to your outdoor faucet and disconnect any existing hoses or splitters. It's also a good idea to turn off your main shutoff valve just to be safe while working.

The next step is to dig a trench around the area of the faucet you'll be connecting to. Use a trench shovel to dig down around 8 inches. This trench will allow you to bury the extended galvanized pipe that connects to the faucet below ground.

Connecting to the Faucet

With the prep work done, it's time to start connecting the parts. First, screw the Y splitter onto your existing outdoor faucet. The Y splitter allows you to connect the faucet extension and your normal garden hose to the same faucet.

Next, attach the female end of the faucet extension hose to the Y splitter. The male end will eventually connect to the galvanized pipe assembly. For now, lay the extension hose back towards the trench.

Assembling the Pipes

Now it's time to assemble the main galvanized pipe section. Start by attaching the galvanized elbow to one end of the 18-24" galvanized pipe using a coupler. Then add the galvanized nipple. At the open end of the nipple, attach the coupling followed by the brass adapter.

Make sure to wrap Teflon tape around all threaded connections to ensure a water-tight seal. Tightening with wrenches helps secure the connections. The galvanized section can now be attached to the faucet extension hose using the brass adapter and a hose clamp.

Running the Plastic Tubing

With the faucet and galvanized pipe assembly connected, measure the distance from the elbow to where you want your new faucet placed. Cut the 1/2" or 3/4" plastic tubing to the proper length using a utility knife or tubing cutter.

Connect one end of the plastic tubing to the galvanized elbow using a hose clamp for a secure hold. Make sure the tubing reaches the exact spot where you'll eventually install the new faucet. Having slack could cause kinking issues.

Securing the Extension

Now that everything is connected, it's time to bury and secure the piping. Carefully lay the galvanized section into the trench dug earlier around the faucet. The plastic tubing leading to the new faucet should also lay in the ground.

Bury the piping at least 8 inches or below your frost line. Cover with dirt and pack down. For extra stability, add gravel or foam insulation around the pipes. The key is preventing movement that could cause leaks or damage.

Turn the water back on and thoroughly test for any leaks before completely burying the extension. It's much easier to fix issues now rather than digging it back up later.

Connecting the New Faucet

With your piping buried and secure, you're finally ready to connect the new outdoor faucet. Cut the plastic tubing to length and attach it to the new faucet using a hose clamp. Make sure the faucet is stable, as you'll be applying pressure while turning the handle.

Now slowly turn the water back on using the supply valves. Immediately check for any leaks at connections. If all looks good, turn the new faucet handle and enjoy your instantly increased water pressure and reach!

Troubleshooting Problems

Though the project is straightforward, here are some common issues and solutions:

No Water Flow

Ensure supply valves are on fully. Check for kinks or blockages in the plastic tubing. A problem with the Y splitter or extension hose would also cause flow issues.

Leaks

Leaks most often occur at connections between parts. Check clamps and threaded seals. Re-wrap with Teflon tape if needed to stop leaks.

Water Drainage Problems

If water pools rather than drains, your buried pipes likely have low spots. Consider re-burying with proper slope to drain.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra pointers for your faucet extension project:

• Use a frost-free hose bib for cold climates to prevent freeze damage.
• Hide the new faucet with plants for better appearance.
• Install a rain barrel to conserve water.
• Add multiple new faucets for large properties.
• Avoid tree root damage when burying pipes.
• Further insulate buried pipes in extreme cold.

Installing an outdoor faucet extension takes a bit of planning and work, but pays off through easier water access. Following the steps of connecting parts, burying lines, and installing a new faucet will get you enjoying expanded water pressure and reach in no time. Just take it slow, check for leaks, and properly stabilize the piping. Your future self will thank you next time you go to wash the car or water the garden!