Shut off valve for outside hose bib

I live in a new construction condo that has exclusive rights to the backyard. Our hose bib in the backyard does not appear to have its own dedicated shut off valve inside of the apartment for turning off the water line. The only way to do so would be to turn off the main valve that feeds the entire apartment. I am concerned about the water line freezing during the winter months. Is this acceptable per NYC plumbing code? I had a plumber come out for some work in the backyard who thought it was strange that there wasn’t one installed. I am trying to find evidence to get the builder to install a valve. Thanks Lee

leechakov

in Building Code 12 years and 7 months ago

Please log in, in order to post replies!

9 replies

Newest Oldest

rcltrh | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4843 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4854 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "8321"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "rcltrh"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BnoHKOsVKq2rSamtvHN5SXkO6W1.5e0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "rcltrh"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "thellmer@nyc.rr.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(32) "/forums/users/williamsburg_guys/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:22:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "rcltrh"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(8321)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Do not leave the hose attached during any period when it is expected to get below freezing. The frost-free style shut off valves themselves are well inside the house, however if you leave the hose connected the water will freeze in the outside/wall portion, rupture that section, then in the spring when you turn on the water and reattach a hose the inside of your house/wall/basement (wherever this connection comes from) will flood and cause an expensive mess. I had a tenant one time leave the hose attached and one day in the spring he turned the water on to wash his car, forgot about the car while he watched tv, and a few hours later called me to report over an inch of water inside the entire house – totalled the carpet, wooden floors, insulation inside the wall, sheetrock, etc. Frost-free types are installed at a slight downward angle and when you remove the hose the pipe drains that 12-16″ section.

Master Plvmber | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4842 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4841 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1447"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSHLZQSJWUzjnaSv9fyWJpNYjwcz.u."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "info@gatewayplumbing.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "http://www.GatewayPlumbing.com"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-08-10 20:40:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1447)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

That is a frost-free sill cock. You can tell by the straight stem being perpendicular to the flange. You don’t need to do anything else besides shut it off as you normally would.

brucef | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4838 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4844 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "4724"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "brucef"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BBW3UzNM8B1w6uproJMdiiw1vnHriz1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "brucef"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "bruce@jerseydata.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/brucef/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:13:36"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "brucef"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(4724)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You can check by taking the hose off, and estimating how much water would remain in the valve if the gate or ball was immediately by the handle, or a foot back from the outside. So the difference of a tablespoon versus 8 oz?. Hold your finger over the opening andcrack the handle to fill the space behind your finger. Shut the valve and see how much water runs out.

daveinbedstuy | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4843 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4845 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3864"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtJYyObAQmff2MQp.qFP7/kmwU1bBZ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "djl135e54@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/daveinbedstuy/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:23:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3864)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Can you see where it is in the basement and determine that the copper pipe connects to it inside the basement like the one I posted?

daveinbedstuy | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4842 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4846 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3864"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtJYyObAQmff2MQp.qFP7/kmwU1bBZ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "djl135e54@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/daveinbedstuy/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:23:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3864)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

That certainly looks like a frost-free sillcock to me. What it means is that the actual valve that shuts the water off is extended back into the interior of the building so unlikely to freeze.

leechakov | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4838 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4847 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177141"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "leechakov"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B37azzP4rjcDrRpsZ7f.5lyvS/5krZ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "leechakov"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "Me@leechakov.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/leechakov/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:22:50"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "leechakov"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177141)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/50d32d015aafd-processed-IMG_1610.jpg

Here’s a photo. It has an “Everflow” logo on the handle

daveinbedstuy | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4846 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4843 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3864"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtJYyObAQmff2MQp.qFP7/kmwU1bBZ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "djl135e54@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/daveinbedstuy/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:23:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3864)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I stand corrected, a frost-free sillcock. Sorry for the shoddy posting but I have a hangover this morning. But yes, the OP should be concerned about freezing. Either install the FROST-FREE SILLCOCK (which allows you to actually use the outdoor valve during the winter) or install a ball check shutoff valve in the line that leads up to it. the plumber you had there should have explained all of this.

daveinbedstuy | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4847 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4842 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3864"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BtJYyObAQmff2MQp.qFP7/kmwU1bBZ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "djl135e54@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/daveinbedstuy/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:23:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "daveinbedstuy"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3864)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Otherwise known as a Sillcock Valve. Does it look anything like this?

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/50d31f4e98d1f-processed-sillcock_200508_8_.jpg

Master Plvmber | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4843 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4838 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1447"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSHLZQSJWUzjnaSv9fyWJpNYjwcz.u."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "info@gatewayplumbing.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "http://www.GatewayPlumbing.com"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-08-10 20:40:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "Master Plvmber"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1447)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It may be a frost-free valve that actually shuts itself off inside the house when you turn the handle. Can you post a picture of it?

Shut off valve for outside hose bib

A Crown Heights Townhouse and More to See, Starting at $998K

Spend an Art-Filled Day in Bed Stuy With the Return of the Stoops Summer Festival

New Yorkers to Vote on Affordable Housing Fast Track and Election Calendar This Fall

Daily Links: EDC Delays Brooklyn Marine Terminal Vote to Get More Local Support

Shut off valve for outside hose bib

NEIGHBORHOODS