Outdoor Water Faucet, Hose Bib or Sillcock – Which Is It?

That’s simple: they are all the same thing (well, sort of)! 

Outdoor water faucets are commonly referred to by several other names.  Hose bib and sillcock are two of the most common names.  But which is which and what is the difference?  Apparently nobody is totally sure exactly how the names originated and how they differ although in the Stanley Complete Plumbing Book they have two pages of material on the subject!

It seems that only one difference is entirely clear: in order to be called a hose bib the outdoor faucet must have threads on it for the attachment of a garden hose.  But, that doesn’t mean that a sillcock or outdoor water faucet don’t also have threads for a hose.  In fact, many do.  Another characteristic that seems to be accepted is that within the name sillcock that “sill” refers to being mounted on a sill member of the structure.  Of course that does not account for the fact that most outdoor water faucets and hose bibs are also mounted as such.  Go figure!

Anyways, one fact that is indisputable is that Woodford Manufacturing Company has been manufacturing high quality outdoor faucets (or is that hose bibs or sillcocks?) since 1963 and yard hydrants all the way back in 1929.  So they know a thing or two about the subject.  They also still manufacture replacement parts for all of the models they have ever sold including the ones that are now obsolete. 

If you are in the market for a new outdoor water faucet or yard hydrant, or would like to repair or upgrade your current model, then check out Eagle Mountain Products.  They are the only authorized online retailer for Woodford Manufacturing.  On their website you will find everything you need to make your purchase of a high quality outdoor water faucet, yard hydrant or repair kit easy including detailed product descriptions and step-by-step installation demonstration videos.  They also have a great staff that can be contacted for exceptional help if you need it. 

 
At Eagle Mountain Products, we are proud to be the official online retailer for Woodford Manufacturing Company.  Purchase with confidence anyone of our selection of durable, high-quality Woodford outdoor faucets or hydrants.