How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets

Overview

Outdoor faucets are vulnerable to freezing temperatures, and a burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Winterizing your outdoor faucets is a simple preventive task that takes about 30 minutes but protects against costly repairs. This guide covers the essential steps to protect your exterior water connections.

Why This Matters

Frozen outdoor faucets can burst pipes, causing water damage to your home's foundation, walls, and interior. Repairing burst pipes and water damage typically costs $500-$2,000 or more. Winterizing takes minimal time and effort but provides essential protection.

Step 1: Locate All Outdoor Faucets

Find Every Faucet

Check all exterior walls for:

• Front yard faucets
• Back yard faucets
• Side yard faucets
• Garage faucets (if exposed to cold)
• Basement exterior faucets

Tip: Walk around your home's perimeter to ensure you don't miss any.

Step 2: Disconnect Hoses

Remove All Hoses

1. Turn off water at the faucet
2. Disconnect hoses from all outdoor faucets
3. Drain hoses completely
4. Store hoses in garage or shed for winter

Why: Water left in hoses can freeze and damage both the hose and the faucet connection.

Step 3: Drain the Faucets

For Standard Faucets

1. Turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water
2. Leave it open slightly to allow expansion if any water remains
3. Check that water stops flowing (indicates line is drained)

For Frost-Free Faucets

Frost-free faucets have longer stems that shut off water inside the warm part of your home. They still need protection:

1. Turn off water at the faucet
2. Disconnect any hoses
3. Drain any remaining water

Step 4: Install Insulating Covers

Choose the Right Covers

Types:

• Foam covers (most common)
• Hard plastic covers
• DIY covers (old towels in plastic bags)

Installation

1. Place cover over faucet
2. Secure with built-in fasteners or tie with string
3. Ensure complete coverage - no gaps
4. Check that cover stays in place during winter

Tip: Covers are available at hardware stores for $5-15 each.

Step 5: Check for Shutoff Valves

Locate Interior Shutoffs

Many homes have shutoff valves for outdoor faucets:

• Location: Usually in basement or crawl space
• Look for: Valves labeled "outdoor" or "hose bib"
• Test: Turn valve off and verify faucet has no water

If You Have Shutoffs

1. Turn off valve completely
2. Open outdoor faucet to drain line
3. Leave faucet open slightly for winter
4. Install cover for extra protection

If You Don't Have Shutoffs

• Use insulating covers (essential)
• Consider installing shutoffs (professional job, but worth it)
• Monitor faucets during extreme cold

Step 6: Insulate Exposed Pipes

Check for Exposed Pipes

If outdoor faucet pipes are visible (in crawl space, basement, or garage):

1. Wrap with pipe insulation
2. Secure with cable ties
3. Pay attention to joints and connections

Step 7: Test Your Work

Before Winter Sets In

1. Verify all hoses are disconnected
2. Check that covers are secure
3. Test shutoff valves (if you have them)
4. Look for any leaks or drips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving Hoses Connected

Don't: Leave hoses attached through winter Do: Remove and store all hoses before freezing weather

Inadequate Drainage

Don't: Assume faucet is drained without checking Do: Open faucet and verify water stops flowing

Skipping Covers

Don't: Rely only on shutting off water Do: Use insulating covers even if you have shutoff valves

Forgetting Some Faucets

Don't: Winterize only the most visible faucets Do: Check all exterior walls and locations

When to Winterize

Timing

Best time: Late fall, before first hard freeze Typical timing: When nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 32°F

Don't wait for:

• First freeze warning
• Snow to fall
• Extremely cold weather

Prevention Tips

• Mark winterization on your fall maintenance calendar
• Keep spare faucet covers on hand
• Consider installing shutoff valves for easier winterization
• Check covers periodically during winter (wind can dislodge them)
• Replace damaged or missing covers promptly

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if:

• You can't locate shutoff valves
• Faucet won't drain properly
• You want to install shutoff valves
• Faucet is damaged or leaking
• You're unsure about your home's plumbing setup

Spring Reopening

When warm weather returns:

1. Remove covers and store for next year
2. Close faucets (if left open)
3. Turn on shutoff valves (if you have them)
4. Check for leaks before reconnecting hoses
5. Test faucet operation

Conclusion

Winterizing outdoor faucets is a simple but critical task that prevents expensive water damage. Taking 30 minutes in the fall to disconnect hoses, drain faucets, and install covers protects your home from frozen pipe disasters. Make it part of your annual fall maintenance routine.