AQUOR 1/2 in. NPT Inlet and 3/4 in. Hose Connector 12 in. House Hydrant V1+ Outdoor Wall Faucet

SUMMARY: A nice sillcock that works well and looks nice but may require intermediate DIY skills.
NOTE: The difference between a sillcock and a hose bib is that in a sillcock the water valve is located at the interior end of the fitting and a in a hose bib the valve is on the hose end of the fitting. Sillcocks are, by design, more freeze resistant.
BACKGROUND: This “House Hydrant” is unique because it uses a push and twist quick connect insert to provide water to your water hose or other connected water equipment. When the connector is removed a flip down cover hides the connection point. When you need water to push twist the connector body (with hose or valve attached) into the connection point and water is immediately available.The AQUOR comes with a single straight in connector but other connectors, and other cover plates, are available.
FIT AND FINISH: This is our first AQUOR product, but it is at least comparable to other freeze resistant sillcocks in construction.
FEATURES: From the Home Depot page, with my comments as appropriate.
• The House Hydrant V1+ is a flush-mount sillcock.
• Quick coupling that allows effortless garden hose connections (see photos.)
• A stainless-steel operating rod and high-performance O-ringo I try to use stainless steel in my outdoor areas where possible. The stainless operating rod gives one less concern about a corroded valve.
• The included polymer debris cover can be upgraded to match your home's style. o Home Depot does not carry the accessories as of this writing, but they are available from the manufacturer’s web site.
• Each hydrant kit includes a heavy-duty polymer CN-VB2 hose connector.
o CN-VB2 fitting is made of Acetal Resin Polymer which is is an engineering thermoplastic used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability. Widely in the automotive industry and for some firearm parts.
• Attach to any garden hose, and instantly connect to your hydrant without leaks or hassles.
• It is very easy to connect. The connector engages with the valve housing and as you twist it “screws” into the body.
• Ultra-reliable, pressure-closed valve prevents leaks or drips
o When you twist the connector in the interior end of the fitting pushes the valve rod which opens for water flow.
• Effortless garden hose connections, even under full pressure
o Because of the threaded connection the only force you must use is to twist the connector into the bode. MUCH easier to use than my quick-connect water hose fittings.
• Compatible with a variety of hose connectors
o I have this sillcock for one of our hose reels and an automatic waterer. No problems hooking any ¾ in. garden hose fittings.
• Use with any standard garden hose or accessories
o The supplied connector is ¾ in. Garden Hose Thread (GHT.)
• 100% stainless steel hydrant body and internals
o I love my stainless.
• Better freeze protection than traditional brass
• Hydrant automatically drains when disconnected
o The instructions state you must slope the valve body with the inside higher than the outside. The• 100% lead-free, non-toxic construction
• Repair parts readily available
• Use any ½ in. MIP or NPT fitting
o I used a ½ in. to PEX SharkBite adapter. The ½ in. end attached to the fitting with no problems.
INSTALLATION: My installation was not a beginners level DIY job (see photos and video.)
• My existing water line is ½ in. copper. I used ½ in. PEX run to the new sillcock.
• I first shut the house water off, cut the existing copper line and installed a SharkBite copper/pex cutoff ball valve.
• I had to enlarge the existing hole through the outer brickwork and inner concrete block with sill plate. The masonry work required a 1 ½ in hole through the brickwork and a 1 in. hole through the concrete block and sill plate. I used my SDS plus hammer drill for the masonry work. The largest masonry bit for SDS plus is 1 1/8 in. so I had to enlarge the hole after I drilled it.
• I used an epoxy putty to strengthen the hole to give the mounting plate screws a good grip.
• I installed the sillcock, then went under the house to attach the PEX. I used a “service loop” in the PEX to allow servicing the valve body from outside the house (see photos.)
OPERATION: There is no water control in the valve body itself. Inserting the supplied connector turns the water on so you must have any attachment(s) already installed or the connector will spray water out the GHT end. Even with an industrial “Y” gate, garden hose, and watering timer on the connection I found it easy to Insert and twist the connector. The “Y” gate gives me the water flow control to the two attachments when installed. A quick connect would probably make that connection easier.
SUMMARY: Although more expensive that other 12-inch-long freeze resistant sillcocks. I find the quality and features make this worth the money.
PROS: Stylish, easy to use, freeze resistant.
CONS: May require advanced DIY skills and tools to install.