Having an outdoor spigot that’s mounted too low to the ground can make using it inconvenient and uncomfortable. Raising a spigot’s height is usually a straightforward DIY project that can make watering your yard or washing items outside much easier. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to raise an outdoor spigot to a more ergonomic height.
Things to Consider Before Raising a Spigot
When planning to raise an outdoor spigot, there are a few important factors to take into account beforehand:
Location and Usage
- Consider the spigot’s location and how it’s typically used. If it’s along a pathway where you fill water bottles or a pet’s bowl, a higher position could be awkward. But if it’s used with a hose for gardening/washing, raising it makes sense.
Height
- Decide on an ideal height that’s comfortable for those using it most. For hoses, 36-48 inches above ground is often best. Measure your current height to determine how much you need to raise it.
Accessibility
- Make sure any raised spigot will still be reasonably accessible for everyone expected to use it. You likely don’t want it so high that kids or those with disabilities can’t reach.
Materials Needed
- Assess what materials and tools you’ll need for the project. This depends on your spigot type and whether you’ll add an extension.
Shutting Off Water Supply
- To avoid leaks, locate the shutoff valve inside your home to turn off the water before raising the spigot.
Draining Existing Pipes
- After shutting off the water, open the spigot to drain any remaining water in the supply line before disconnecting it.
How to Raise a Spigot on a Metal Riser Pipe
If your outdoor spigot has a vertical metal pipe (known as a riser) coming out of the ground, raising it involves adding a pipe extension:
Materials Needed
- Pipe (galvanized steel or copper) that matches the diameter of your existing riser pipe
- Pipe fittings (elbows, couplings, etc.) for connecting the pipes
- Teflon tape for sealing threaded pipe connections
- Adjustable wrench and pipe wrench for tightening fittings
- Hacksaw for cutting threaded pipe to desired length
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Turn off the water: Locate the shutoff valve inside your home that controls water supply to the spigot. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water.
- Open spigot to drain pipe: Once the water is off, go outside and turn on the spigot handle to allow excess water to drain out of the riser pipe. Leave it open.
- Measure and cut extension pipe: Measure from the top of your existing riser pipe to your desired new height. Cut a threaded galvanized steel or copper pipe to this length using a hacksaw.
- Clean threads and apply tape: Use emery cloth or steel wool to polish the existing riser’s exposed threads. Wrap threads on both ends of the extension pipe with 2-3 layers of Teflon tape.
- Connect extension: Screw on an elbow fitting at the bottom of the extension pipe. Use a pipe wrench to thread the elbow and pipe onto the existing riser’s exposed threads.
- Attach spigot: Place another short pipe piece into the elbow. Then screw the spigot back onto the top of this short pipe. Use wrenches to tighten all fittings securely.
- Turn water back on: Go inside and slowly turn the shutoff valve counterclockwise to turn the water back on. Check for leaks.
- Seal gaps: Seal any gaps around the riser using silicone caulk. Allow to dry before using spigot. Check periodically for leaks.
Tips
- Add unions or other fittings to allow easy future disassembly if needed.
- Insulate pipes in very cold climates to prevent freezing.
- Make sure pipe is long enough for snow cover if applicable.
- Use pipe clamps/strapping to provide extra support if needed.
Extending a Spigot on Exposed Pipes
For spigots connected to supply pipes running above ground:
Materials Needed
- Same pipe type as existing pipes (copper, PEX, CPVC, etc.)
- Fittings for that pipe type (push-fit, compression, clamps, etc.)
- Tubing cutter for cutting plastic pipe
- Deburring tool for smoothing pipe ends
Steps
- Shut off water and drain pipe as described above.
- Disconnect supply pipe from spigot inlet.
- Determine necessary length of new pipe. Measure from inlet to desired new height.
- Cut a piece of matching pipe to this length with a tubing cutter. Smooth cut edges with deburring tool.
- Attach appropriate fittings to both ends of the new pipe. Push-fit, insert + clamp, compression, or threaded.
- Connect new pipe end to the spigot inlet.
- Connect other end to supply line using fitting compatible with existing pipe.
- Secure pipes with clamps/strapping if needed for support.
- Turn on water, check for leaks. Caulk gaps around raised section if needed.
Tips
- Cut pipe very straight to allow fittings to seal properly on insertion.
- Avoid kinks/bends in extended pipe that could restrict water flow.
- Choose fittings on existing pipe end that allow swiveling to ease alignment.
How to Raise a Frost-Free Spigot
Frost-free, or freeze-proof, spigots have a long shaft that extends underground below the frost line so water drains out and doesn’t freeze. Raising them requires digging and extending the shaft:
Materials Needed
- Length of 1/2″ copper pipe
- Fittings like elbows, tees, bushings to connect pipe
- Play sand or gravel
- Teflon tape
- Hacksaw, emery cloth, wrenches
Steps
- Shut off water and drain as usual. Disconnect pipes.
- Dig around shaft to loosen, expose entire shaft.
- Cut shaft off approximately 18 inches below ground using hacksaw.
- Remove top portion still attached to spigot. Clean and polish end of remaining shaft.
- Measure and cut a new longer 1/2″ copper pipe to achieve desired above-ground height.
- Deburr inside of pipe. Apply Teflon tape to threads on both ends.
- Thread bottom of new pipe into elbow/bushing fitted to cut shaft end underground.
- Reconnect spigot to top of new pipe length above ground.
- Secure with pipe straps as needed.
- Fill in around pipe underground with play sand/gravel to stabilize and prevent settling.
- Turn water on and check for leaks around new joints. Caulk above ground if needed.
Tips
- Add unions to allow easy future disassembly.
- Avoid raising frost-free spigots above the frost line depth in your climate.
- Keep some slope so water will drain out of shaft.
How to Move a Spigot Higher on Wall
For spigots mounted on walls:
Materials Needed
- Tape measure
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Anchors or masonry drill bit if relocating
- Marine sealant/adhesive
Steps
- Turn off indoor shutoff valve. Open spigot to drain remaining water.
- Disconnect threads attaching supply pipe to spigot. Remove screw anchors securing spigot.
- Determine new ideal height on wall. Mark with tape measure.
- Apply marine sealant/adhesive to back of spigot plate/base.
- Press firmly to wall at desired height for full contact. Attach with new anchors or screws.
- Reconnect supply pipe to spigot inlet. Use sealant on threads to prevent leaks.
- Turn water back on. Check for leaks. Apply more sealant if needed.
- Allow sealant to fully cure according to product directions before using spigot.
Tips
- Ensure wall material is solid enough to support spigot at desired height.
- Use silicone designed for wet areas. Check sealant fully seals plate/base to wall.
- Add pipe brackets/straps if extended pipe requires more support.
Installing Spigot Riser Kit
For a quick and easy way to raise a spigot, consider a specialty riser kit:
Materials Included
- Adjustable steel riser
- Supply hose or tube
- Mounting plate, washers, nuts
- Teflon tape, screw anchors
Steps
- Shut off water, disconnect and drain spigot as described previously.
- Apply Teflon tape to existing pipe threads.
- Screw bottom of riser kit tube/hose onto spigot’s pipe threads. Tighten securely.
- Determine desired height and adjust riser accordingly.
- Position mounting plate at correct spot above spigot. Mark holes.
- Drill holes for screw anchors and install plate (or screws for wood walls).
- Attach top of riser to mounting plate with washers and nuts. Tighten firmly.
- Reconnect spigot to top of riser. Additional pipe pieces may be needed.
- Carefully turn water back on and check for leaks. Caulk if needed.
Tips
- Follow kit instructions for proper installation and weight limits.
- Kits with flexible supply hoses allow best positioning of spigot.
- Look for kits with galvanized or stainless steel materials for longevity.
How to Raise a Spigot: FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about raising outdoor spigots:
How high should I raise my outdoor spigot?
- For hose usage, 24 to 48 inches above ground level is often ideal. For filling bottles, lower heights around 12-24 inches are more comfortable.
Will raising a spigot decrease water pressure?
- Only very slightly in most cases. Using straight pipes and limiting additional fittings helps maintain pressure.
What are extension kits made of?
- Many feature stainless steel or galvanized steel risers for durability, with flexible polymer supply lines. Check materials if longevity is important.
Can I use PEX supply pipes for extensions?
- Yes, PEX can be used to extend spigot supply lines. Use proper push-fittings or crimp rings to connect the PEX pieces.
Should I insulate an elevated outdoor spigot?
- In climates with sub-freezing winters, wrapping outdoor pipes in insulating foam can prevent freezing issues.
How can I provide extra support for raised spigots?
- Pipe straps, brackets, or clips can provide additional support and weight bearing for elevated spigots and supply lines.
Will I need to trench under concrete to extend underground spigot pipes?
- Yes, you’ll need to cut a channel under the slab to access, disconnect, and extend any underground supply pipes.
How much will hiring a plumber to raise a spigot cost?
- Simple DIY extensions may cost $20-50, while plumber installation averages $150-400 depending on project scale and location.
Conclusion
Raising the height of an outdoor spigot is usually a straightforward project that can make using it much more comfortable and convenient. The best method depends on your existing spigot type and plumbing. In any case, the key steps are: turning off water, disconnecting and extending supply pipes, then reinstalling the spigot at an ideal height. For minimal effort, adjustable extension kits offer a quick solution. With the right materials and careful planning, you can raise your outdoor spigot in an afternoon. Just take precautions against leaks, test water flow, and provide stability with straps or brackets if needed. Investing some time in this simple DIY project can pay dividends in easier yardwork and improved exterior utility for years to come.