How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets

Winterizing outdoor faucets involves shutting off the water supply, draining all remaining water, and insulating exposed pipes to prevent freezing damage that can cost hundreds in repairs.

Find and shut off water. Find the shutoff valve inside your home that controls water flow to each outdoor faucet. These are typically located in the basement, crawl space, or utility room near where the pipe exits to the outside. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. If you have multiple outdoor faucets, each should have its own shutoff valve.
Empty every last drop. Go outside and turn on each faucet you've shut off from inside. Let all the water drain out completely. Leave the faucet in the open position - this allows any remaining water to expand safely if it freezes and provides an air gap that prevents pressure buildup.
Catch hidden water pockets. Many shutoff valves have a small drain cap or bleeder valve. Place a bucket underneath and carefully loosen this cap to drain any water trapped in the valve body. Retighten the cap once water stops flowing. Skip this step if your valve doesn't have a drain feature.
Detach and stow hoses. Remove all garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them completely. Store hoses in a garage or shed where they won't freeze. Water trapped in connected hoses can back up into the faucet and cause damage even after you've drained the system.
Shield faucets from freeze. Cover each outdoor faucet with an insulated faucet cover, available at hardware stores for under $5 each. For extra protection, wrap exposed pipes near the exterior wall with pipe insulation or heat tape. Focus on any pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces or against exterior walls.
Block cold air pathways. Inspect where pipes enter your home from outside. Seal any gaps around pipes with caulk or expanding foam. Cold air flowing along pipes can cause freezing even after proper drainage. Pay special attention to areas where pipes pass through rim joists or foundation walls.