Quick Summary
To prepare outdoor faucets for winter, turn off the water supply to them, drain any remaining water, and insulate the pipes and faucet heads. This simple process prevents freezing, which can cause costly pipe bursts and water damage.
Hello garden friends! As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, it’s time to think about tucking our outdoor spaces in for a cozy winter nap. One crucial part of this is taking care of our outdoor faucets, often called hose bibs or spigots. If left unprotected, a hard freeze can wreak havoc, leading to leaky pipes and expensive repairs. Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward task that even the greenest of beginners can master. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your outdoor faucets safe and sound until spring.
Why Winterizing Your Outdoor Faucets is a Must
It might seem like a small detail, but preparing your outdoor faucets for winter is incredibly important. Think of it like putting a cozy sweater on your house! When temperatures dip below freezing, any water left in the pipes or the faucet itself can expand. Water expands when it freezes. This expansion creates immense pressure inside the pipes, which can lead to cracks or even a full-blown burst. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can result in significant water damage to your home, mold growth, and a hefty repair bill. Taking a little time now can save you a lot of heartache and money down the road.
Understanding the Danger: How Freezing Affects Faucets
Pipes are designed to carry water, not ice! When water freezes, it turns into a solid block of ice. This ice takes up more space than liquid water. Imagine trying to stuff too many things into a suitcase – something has to give! In the case of your faucet and the pipe leading to it, the pipe itself is what gives. The water inside freezes, expands, and pushes outwards, creating stress on the pipe material. This stress can cause the pipe to crack or split. If the faucet handle or valve mechanism also has water trapped inside, it can also be damaged, making it difficult or impossible to turn on later.
The Different Types of Outdoor Faucets
Before we dive into the “how-to,” it’s helpful to know what kind of faucet you have. Most homes have one of two main types:
- Standard Outdoor Faucet (Hose Bib): This is the most common type. It’s a simple spigot attached to the side of your house, usually with a threaded end for attaching a garden hose.
- Frost-Free Outdoor Faucet (Frost-Proof Sillcock): These are designed to prevent freezing. They have a long stem that moves the valve seat further back inside the wall, where it’s warmer. When you turn off a frost-free faucet, the water drains out of the visible portion. While more resistant to freezing, they still benefit from winter prep, especially older models or those in extremely cold climates.
Knowing your faucet type will help you understand the best way to winterize it. For standard faucets, draining is absolutely critical. For frost-free ones, ensuring they are properly turned off and drained is still a good idea.
Essential Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Gathering your tools before you start makes the whole process smoother. Thankfully, you likely have most of these around the house already!
- Adjustable wrench or pipe wrench
- Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on your faucet handle)
- Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
- Faucet covers or insulation material (foam sleeves, old towels, burlap bags)
- Winterizing valve handle covers (optional, but helpful for preventing accidental turns)
- Bucket or rags to catch any dripping water
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Outdoor Faucets for Winter
Let’s get this done! Follow these steps carefully, and your outdoor faucets will be ready to face the cold.
Step 1: Disconnect All Hoses and Accessories
This is the very first thing to do. Never leave a hose connected to your outdoor faucet over the winter. Water can seep into the hose and freeze, trapping moisture against the faucet and potentially causing damage. Unscrew any garden hoses, splitters, timers, or other accessories. Store your hoses properly indoors or in a protected area to prolong their life.
Step 2: Locate and Shut Off the Water Supply
This is the most crucial step. You need to stop the flow of water to the specific outdoor faucet you are winterizing. This is usually done via an indoor shut-off valve.
- Find the Valve: Look for a valve inside your home that controls the water supply to that particular faucet. It’s typically located in the basement, crawl space, or utility room directly behind where the outdoor faucet is located on the exterior wall. It will have a handle (usually a lever or a round knob) that you can turn.
- Identify the Pipe: Trace the pipe from the outdoor faucet back into your house. The shut-off valve should be on this pipe. Sometimes, there might be one main shut-off valve for all outdoor faucets, or individual valves for each.
- Turn Off the Water: Once you’ve found the valve, turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. If it’s a lever-style valve, turn it 90 degrees so it’s perpendicular to the pipe. If it’s a round knob, just tighten it as much as you comfortably can.
Good to Know: If you can’t find an individual shut-off valve for your outdoor faucets, you may need to shut off the main water supply to your entire house. This is less ideal but still effective. You can find guides on locating your main water shut-off valve from resources like EPA’s WaterSense program, which offers valuable tips on water conservation and plumbing care.
Step 3: Drain the Faucet and Pipe
With the water supply shut off, you need to get any remaining water out of the pipe and faucet. This is what prevents freezing.
- Open the Outdoor Faucet: Go back outside to the faucet. Turn the handle to its fully open position.
- Let it Drain: Water should start to drip out. If it’s a standard faucet, most of the water will come out here. If you have a frost-free faucet, it might only drip for a few seconds, as the water is designed to drain inside the house.
- Open Drain Valves (If Applicable): Some homes, especially those with individual shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, might have small drain plugs or valves located just below the indoor shut-off valve. If yours has these, open them up to allow any residual water in the supply line to drain out. Place a bucket or some rags underneath to catch drips.
- Leave the Faucet Open: Keep the outdoor faucet handle in the open position. This allows any trapped moisture to continue to evaporate and prevents pressure buildup if a tiny bit of water remains.
Step 4: Insulate the Faucet
Now, let’s give your faucet some extra protection. Even after draining, the exposed part of the faucet can still be vulnerable.
- Faucet Covers: The easiest and most common method is to use a pre-made faucet cover. These are usually made of foam or insulated plastic and fit snugly over the faucet head. They’re inexpensive and readily available at hardware stores.
- DIY Insulation: If you don’t have a faucet cover, you can improvise! Wrap the faucet head and the exposed pipe with thick rags, old towels, burlap, or even a few layers of bubble wrap. Secure the insulation tightly with tape or bungee cords to keep it in place and prevent drafts.
- For Frost-Free Faucets: While the main valve is inside, the exposed part of a frost-free faucet can still get very cold and potentially freeze if there’s any residual moisture. Insulating it is a good practice, especially in areas with harsh winters.
Step 5: Seal the Hose Threads
Even though the hose is disconnected, the threads on the faucet can collect moisture. A little prevention goes a long way.
- Apply Plumber’s Tape: Wrap a few layers of plumber’s tape (also known as Teflon tape) around the faucet threads where you would normally attach a hose. This helps to create a seal and keep moisture out. It’s the same tape often used when connecting pipes.
- Alternatively, Use a Plastic Cap: Some people prefer to use a small plastic cap that screws onto the threads, or even a piece of plastic wrap secured with a rubber band. The goal is to keep water and debris from settling in those threads.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common scenarios and how to handle them:
- Stuck Shut-Off Valve: If the indoor shut-off valve is very old or corroded and won’t budge, do not force it aggressively. You could break it. In this case, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to your house. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, call a plumber.
- Leaking After Shut-Off: If water continues to drip heavily from the outdoor faucet even after you’ve turned off the indoor valve, it means the valve isn’t completely shutting off the water. You may need to replace the indoor valve. For a temporary winter fix, you can try tightening the packing nut on the valve stem (where the handle connects to the valve body) – this often stops small drips. If it continues to leak, a plumber will be needed.
- Can’t Find the Indoor Shut-Off Valve: This is common in older homes. You might need to consult your home’s plumbing diagrams if you have them, or ask a previous owner. If all else fails, shut off the main water supply to the house.
When to Call a Professional
While this guide covers most situations, there are times when it’s best to call a plumber. If you’re uncomfortable with any of the steps, can’t locate your shut-off valves, or encounter stubborn issues like a stuck valve or persistent leaks, don’t hesitate to get professional help. A plumber can ensure your pipes are properly protected, saving you from potential future disasters. You can find qualified professionals through local recommendations or by checking for licensed plumbers in your area.
Preparing Frost-Free Faucets: A Deeper Dive
Frost-free faucets (also called frost-proof sillcocks) are designed to be more resilient. They work by having a long stem that moves the valve inside the heated part of your wall. When you turn off the faucet, the water drains out from the valve seat, which is located inside the house. Pretty clever, right?
However, “frost-free” doesn’t mean “freeze-proof” in all conditions. Here’s why you still need to winterize them:
- Incomplete Drainage: Sometimes, especially if the faucet isn’t turned off completely or is installed at a slight angle, a small amount of water can remain in the pipe and freeze.
- Trapped Moisture: If you leave a hose attached, moisture can be trapped and freeze, potentially damaging the handle or internal components.
- Older Models: Older frost-free faucets might not drain as effectively as newer ones.
- Extreme Cold: In areas with brutally cold winters, even a small amount of frozen water can cause damage.
Winterizing Steps for Frost-Free Faucets:
The process is largely the same as described above, but with a few nuances:
- Disconnect hoses: Always remove garden hoses.
- Shut off water (optional but recommended): While they are designed to drain, shutting off the individual water supply valve inside the house provides an extra layer of security. This is especially wise if you suspect your faucet might not drain completely.
- Open the faucet: Turn the handle to allow any remaining water to drain out.
- Insulate: Cover the exposed part of the faucet with an insulated cover or DIY materials. This protects it from extreme cold and any slight moisture.
- Seal threads: Apply plumber’s tape or a protective cap to the hose threads.
Important Note: If you discover you don’t have individual shut-off valves for your frost-free faucets and are uncomfortable shutting off the main water supply, many homeowners opt to just disconnect hoses and insulate the faucet head. This is a common practice in milder climates. However, for reliable protection against harsh freezes, finding and using the indoor shut-off is always the best bet.
A Comparative Look: Standard vs. Frost-Free Faucets
To summarize the differences in winter care:
| Feature | Standard Outdoor Faucet | Frost-Free Outdoor Faucet |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Risk of Freezing | High; water trapped in the visible pipe and faucet body will freeze. | Lower; designed to drain water inside, but risk exists with incomplete drainage or extreme cold. |
| Mandatory Step | Disconnect hose, shut off water supply, drain thoroughly. | Disconnect hose, ensure proper drainage. |
| Highly Recommended Step | Insulate faucet head. | Shut off indoor water supply (if available) and insulate faucet head for maximum protection. |
| After Winter: What to Check | Turn water back on slowly, check for leaks at the faucet and indoor valve. | Turn water back on slowly, check for leaks at the faucet and indoor valve (if shut off). |
The Environmental and Economic Benefits
Taking care of your home’s plumbing isn’t just about preventing damage; it’s also about being mindful stewards of our resources and our budgets.
- Water Conservation: Preventing pipe bursts means preventing significant water loss. Burst pipes can release hundreds of gallons of water before they are discovered.
- Energy Savings: If a pipe freezes and bursts near your home’s heating system or in a critical water line, it can lead to costly heating issues or require extensive plumbing work, indirectly impacting your energy bills for repairs.
- Cost Savings: The cost of winterizing supplies (faucet covers, tape) is minimal – often under $20. This is a tiny fraction of the potential cost of repairing a burst pipe, which can easily run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars. According to home repair cost estimators, the average cost to repair a burst pipe can range from $150 to over $1,000, depending on the severity and location.
- Reducing Waste: Preventing damage means fewer materials need to be replaced, reducing waste.
For those interested in broader eco-friendly home practices, resources like the BuildingGreen website offer insights into sustainable building and maintenance for a healthier planet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I know if I have a frost-free faucet?
A1: Frost-free faucets have a long stem that extends several inches from the wall to the handle. Standard faucets have a shorter pipe directly attached to the handle assembly.
Q2: What happens if I forget to winterize my outdoor faucet?
A2: If temperatures drop below freezing and water remains in a standard faucet or its supply pipe, it can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to crack or burst, leading to leaks and water damage. Frost-free faucets are more resistant but can still be damaged by extreme cold if not drained properly.
Q3: Can I leave my garden hose connected over winter?
A3: No, absolutely not. Always disconnect garden hoses before winter. Water trapped in the hose can freeze and push back into the faucet, causing it to freeze and potentially burst.
Q4: What if the indoor shut-off valve is old and leaky?
A4: If the valve doesn’t fully shut off the water, you’ll need to address that. For winterizing, you can try tightening its packing nut. If it still leaks significantly, it’s best to replace the valve or shut off the main water supply to your house to prevent freezing. A plumber can help with valve replacement.
Q5: Do I need to winterize my faucet if I live in a mild climate?
A5: Even in milder climates, occasional dips below freezing can occur overnight. It’s still a good practice to disconnect hoses and at least drain the faucet. If your area experiences consistent freezes, then full winterization is essential.
Q6: How do I turn the water back on in the spring?
A6: In the spring, first, ensure your outdoor faucet is turned to the closed position. Then, slowly open the indoor shut-off valve (or the main water supply valve if that’s
