What is the flow rate required at a sillcock?

The required flow rate at a sillcock, which is a type of outdoor faucet commonly used for garden hoses and various outdoor water applications, is typically set at 5 gallons per minute (gpm). This standard is based on the performance requirements for adequate water delivery to effectively support tasks such as watering plants, washing vehicles, and filling containers.

A flow rate of 5 gpm ensures that the sillcock can provide sufficient water pressure and volume for both residential and light commercial uses. It balances the need for efficiency with practical use, ensuring that users can accomplish their tasks without excessive wait times for water to flow. Lower flow rates, such as 2 or 3 gpm, may not meet the demands of many common outdoor activities, while a 10 gpm flow rate would be unnecessarily high for typical residential applications, potentially leading to issues like increased water waste and higher costs.