How to Winterize an Outdoor Faucet

Shut off the indoor water supply, drain the line completely, and disconnect any hoses to prevent frozen pipes that could burst and cause expensive damage.

1. Find and Close the Shutoff. Find the shutoff valve inside your home that controls water flow to the outdoor faucet. This valve is typically located in the basement, crawl space, or utility room along the wall closest to the exterior faucet. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops to shut off water flow.
2. Strip Away Every Hose. Remove all hoses, splitters, and attachments from the outdoor faucet. Drain any remaining water from hoses by holding one end up high and walking the length of the hose downhill. Store hoses in a garage or shed where they won't freeze.
3. Release Trapped Water Fast. Turn the outdoor faucet handle counterclockwise to the fully open position. This allows any remaining water in the pipe to drain out. Leave the faucet open throughout winter to prevent pressure buildup if any water does freeze.
4. Purge the Entire Line. Look for a small drain cap or bleeder valve near the indoor shutoff valve. Remove this cap or open the valve to let any trapped water drain from the supply line. Place a bucket underneath to catch the water. Some systems drain automatically when you open the outdoor faucet.
5. Bundle It Against Cold. Cover the outdoor faucet with an insulated faucet cover, available at hardware stores for under ten dollars. For extra protection, wrap the faucet with old towels or foam pipe insulation before installing the cover. This prevents cold air from reaching the faucet and any residual moisture.