Here’s Why Preppers Need a Sillcock Water Key

Are you getting prepared for an emergency or disaster or end of the world? Then you need a sillcock key!

What is a sillcock key?

A sillcock key is used to access water from the sides of buildings. You’d access the water from spigots/valves that look like this:

This spigot gives the business owner access to water on the outside of their building to use for cleaning, watering plants, etc. Most buildings have them but not all of them use a sillcock key. Some of them are regular turn spigots with a hose attached.

They use the sillcock key method to deter the general public from accessing the water. The general public is assumed not to even know what type of key would access that water, let alone own one.

I was first introduced to the sillcock key about 5 years ago by The Urban Prepper. The benefits were obvious so I immediately went out and bought one.

I tested it immediately outside of a large retail store. After a bit of fumbling, it worked exactly as it should have. We turned it on and off simply to test that it indeed worked.

When should you access water from the sides of buildings?

Technically, when you’re taking water from those spigots, you’re taking water that is paid for by the building. Thus, unless you ask permission, you’re taking water that belongs to the owner of the building.

I would only access those outside spigots in times of an emergency. Don’t just go walking up to them on a regular everyday basis, especially if you don’t have permission from the building owner.

In the video above, we went to test it and that was it.

A sillcock key is only to be used in an emergency situation.

Where should you keep a sillcock key?

Keep one in your bug out bag, vehicle, EDC bag and even at home. Keep them anywhere and everywhere. You never know when they may come in handy.

How long will the water be good for?

As long as water is flowing, the water will be fine to consume, however, I suggest you sanitize it anyway, just to be safe. In some cases, the water may have been sitting in the pipes for a bit.

Where can you get a sillcock key?

You can purchase a 4 way sillcock key from Amazon or any hardware store like Home Deport or Lowe’s.

Again, don’t be ‘that person’ that abuses the sillcock key by using it on a regular basis, especially if you don’t have to.

This water key is only to be used in emergencies.

It doesn’t matter where you live because even in suburban or rural areas, there are buildings with water spigots on the outside.

Take a walk around your area and spot the water access points along the buildings. Whether they use a sillcock key or not, they’re certainly useful to know in emergency situations.

I would highly advise that preppers have at least one of these somewhere. Don’t let the weight deter you. Water is life. It’s far more valuable than people realize. In an emergency, it’s one more resource to access water.

I have one in my EDC bag and it’s never made an impact on my overall weight, nor have I ever complained that it’s in there because of the weight. I understand the importance and that it’s worth their weight in gold.