Ever wondered why your water bill was so high one month compared to the rest of the year even though you were on vacation? Maybe your neighbors or the local landscaper used your outdoor water spigot without your knowledge while you were on vacation. While your cameras may have picked up their misbehavior, why not actively prevent them from stealing your water again with these excellent water spigot locks?
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What Is a Spigot Lock or Hose Bib Lock?
Spigot or hose bib locks prevent your outdoor faucets from being turned on. They are great for preventing water theft, vandalism, and leaks that create water waste. There are several different styles of locks, but all of them perform the same function; preventing unauthorized use of your water. Hose bib locks easily attach to your existing hose bibs or spigots and work with a padlock to prevent tampering.
Types of Spigot Locks
There are several different types of spigot locks that all serve the same function.
Valve Lockout (Bib Lock for Handles)
The purpose of a valve lock is to prevent someone from turning the valve that lets the water flow. Generally, the lock is a plastic or metal cover that goes around the valve and locks with a padlock. When someone tries to turn on the water valve, the cover just spins and doesn’t engage with the actual valve. With these types of locks, it is very important to measure the handle size of your hose spigot since handles are not all standard sizes.
Pros
These are easy locks to install and generally do the job.
Cons
The downside to valve lockouts is that they are generally very bright and ugly colors (like bright red) since they are usually used for gas and other dangerous valves that need a bright warning. Also, if you have an odd-shaped valve (oval for example), water thieves will still be able to squeeze the lock and turn the valve.
Faucet Lock
These types of spigot locks cover the entire faucet, including the handle. They work with most standard outdoor facuets, but if you have a large handle they mayu not work for you.
Pros
Fit standard faucet sizes and are great for indoor and outdoor use.
Cons
These locks aren’t very elegant and depending on your facuet handle size, tyou may need to get a larger one. They also require a separate padlock that may or may not come with the lock.
Spout Lock
These locks attach directly to the spigot opening, called the spout. They create a water seal that prevents any water from coming out when the valve handle is turned on. When locked, the outside rim spins freely so that the lock cannot be removed from the spigot thereby preventing any water theft.
Pros
These locks look sleek and come with a built-in lock.
Cons
These locks can be tricky to install properly. It may take several attempts to lock.
5 Best Hose Bib Locks and Spigot Locks
Below are our recommended locks for hose bibs and spigots. We have tested and tried these spigot locks on our own home to xsee whether they are worth using or not.
1. The FaucetLock
This is a great spigot lock for almost any outdoor spigot. It’s a little tricky to get the lock to lock properly and not unscrew when locked, but once it’s locked it creates a waterproof seal that will not leak when someone turns on your spigot valve. That way even if someone dares to turn the valve on, the spigots watertight seal won’t leak water. And when someone tries to unscrew it, the lock and padlock spin freely so it cannot be removed with the key. We’ve used these on our house and recommended them to our neighbors. You can buy FaucetLocks that are keyed alike if you have several hose spigots that you want to lock to prevent unauthorized water use, but only want to worry about one key.
2. Water Faucet Lock
This metal faucet lock also fits on the spout of a spigot. The lock features a rubber washer inside that creates an excellent seal to prevent water from leaking out. The hose cover fits padlocks with shackle diameters of 1/4-inch or less.
3. Conservco DSL-1 Hose Bibb Lock
Another great spout lock, the Conservco Bibb Lock attaches to the water outlet of your spigot and securely fits in place with a padlock (not included). This is a great alternative to the FaucetLock if you have your own padlocks already since they are cheaper.
4. Zing Green Products 7103 RecycLockout Gate Valve Lockout
This lock fits around the valve handle and locks witha padlock. The whole shell spins when turned and doesn’t engage with the valve handle so your handle can’t be turned on, at least not easily. We have had issues with these handle locks when our handles were oval shaped. A sligth squeeze on the plastic, and the shell would engage the lock enabling it be turned on. The colors are also unsightly for nuetral-colored homes.
5. TEMEILI Faucet Lock
This lock covers your entire hose bib to prevent water theives from accessing the handle to turn on your spigot. Small fingers might still be able to reach up to turn on the handle, but in general this is a good deterrent.
