3/4" outdoor faucet???

Hello All
I'm redoing some plumbing so I thought I run the new pipes for the outdoor faucets with 3/4" copper. Took awhile to find outdoor fauctes with a 3/4" connection but when I look closer it appears that the stem of the faucet is only 1/2" anyway. I'm looking at a Prier C-144 F inlet. http://www.prier.com/PDFFiles/c-144FreezelessHydrant.pdf

So the questions are:

1) Is there a true 3/4" Outside Faucet, Hydrant, Sillcock, Hose Bib or whatever you call it out there? Connection, stem, valve, ect... all 3/4"

2) Does it even make sense for me to run 3/4" to the faucet if its just gonna get reduced to 1/2" anyway?

Thanx for any insight
D

I do not know about 1)

But on 2) it certainly makes sense. You will get a higher flow rate than if you use 1/2" pipe. Its the diameter, material and length of reduced parts that lower the flow rate (that's not scientific, but it certainly seemed to be the case when I used different diameter pipes and valves leading to my faucet). Given your constraint with the half inch stem, you are minimizing the loss in flow everywhere else (due to friction), so it really will gush!

Saying that, have you considered that the flow might be too high for your needs? 1/2" pipe did me well, although the 3/4" section through the wall is good for the strength of the faucet. With 1/2" pipe you will get the same flow rate as you do in your bath.

If I read the PDF file correctly, the style F is 3/4". They are made in 3/4", I have 2 of them in my home.

Just a thought...

If you need a full flow, you could put on a ¾" ball valve, with a brass male hose bib adapter. That would sure give you as close to a full ¾" flow as possible. One draw back, (if I'm not mistaken) is that ball valves are really designed to be full on, or full off. They can be regulated between on and off, but I'm not really sure if that is good for the valve or not. maybe someone else would know.

As a general rule, the seat size is just the threading, the bore through the valve is the same. Ie, all Prier C-144 have the same bore regardless of the inlet type.

To get more flow you can:

1. Increase inlet pressure, many times these will be installed before the pressure regulator, if possible. More pressure equals more flow.

2. Change to a commercial product, these generally have better flow.

ASSE code requires a minimum of 6 GPM at 25 psi to meet code. Any ASSE 1019 approved valve should flow at least this much.

Good luck