What is the minimum flow of water that a sillcock should maintain?

A sillcock, which is an outdoor water faucet typically used for garden hoses, should be able to maintain a minimum flow of 5 gallons per minute (gpm). This flow rate is essential because it ensures adequate water pressure for various uses, such as filling a bucket or operating a hose. A 5 gpm flow rate allows for efficient watering of gardens, washing vehicles, or any other outdoor activities that require a substantial volume of water over a short period.

Maintaining this minimum flow prevents issues related to water pressure that could arise if the flow was lower. Insufficient flow could lead to inadequate performance when using connected devices. This standard is consistent with plumbing codes and best practices to ensure that outdoor water supplies are effective and reliable for intended purposes. Other flow rates like 3 gpm, 7 gpm, or 10 gpm may not provide the same versatility or may not comply with plumbing regulations in certain scenarios.