6

So over the winter I had an outdoor faucet freeze up -- fortunately nothing broke due to pex, but I'd like to do what I can to avoid the risk because it involved fully cleaning out a storage room to ensure nothing broke.

As such, I'd like to put either common or individual valves for all exterior faucets, that part is TBD.

I'd like to place the handles right here for easy accessability.

enter image description here

Of course, I don't really have a great way of attaching the valves to the wall aside from drilling into the exposed foundation, but I'm not smart enough to know if I can do that. Is there any particular way to tell if I can drill into the foundation and add screws?

Sidney
  • 1,867
  • 2
  • 29
  • 40

4 Answers4

11

If you have a drill and masonry bits you can drill into the concrete foundation.

A few small holes about an 1-1/4" deep and filled with plastic concrete anchors will be of no consequence to the foundation.

Once you have the area for mounting the valves marked, drill the holes and install the anchors to screw in whatever strapping or brackets you need.

RMDman
  • 52,615
  • 3
  • 36
  • 113
8

You won't nail anything to cured concrete, but you can mount clamps and straps with short screws (~1" penetration). There should be no rebar that near the surface. Simple plastic plug anchors work well in solid concrete. You'll need a rotary hammer (or a drill with a hammer function and some patience), along with carbide bits.

Alternatively, drop some lumber down from framing above. A 3' stub of 2x6 would make a great mounting base.

isherwood
  • 158,133
  • 9
  • 190
  • 463
1

Here's what I did when I added a bathroom in my basement.

I attached small pieces (~3"x6") of moisture resistant board to the concrete wall, using construction adhesive (I think - this was over 25 years ago) and concrete screws.

Then it was an easy matter to fasten the pipes to the wood board with standard pipe straps, or clamps.

enter image description here

isherwood
  • 158,133
  • 9
  • 190
  • 463
SteveSh
  • 7,107
  • 2
  • 15
  • 31
0

I would, and have numerous times, installed an inline ball valve with a drain cap. It is not a requirement to mount this to a wall; just hold it firmly with one hand when you actuate the lever.

Just make sure the drain cap is on the faucet side of the line.

Before winter hits:

  • Turn off the new ball valve
  • Open the outdoor faucet
  • Get a bucket
  • Unscrew the drain cap
  • Catch excess water with bucket

1/2 in. Brass PEX-A Barb Ball Valve with Drain and Mounting Pad

MonkeyZeus
  • 17,328
  • 2
  • 27
  • 64