How to Winterize Your Outdoor Faucets

Frost is the silent enemy of your home's plumbing, and the outdoor faucet is the most vulnerable entry point. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands with enough force to crack copper or split PVC, leading to a catastrophic basement flood the moment spring arrives and the ice thaws. Winterizing isn't just about covering the faucet; it is about physically removing the threat of standing water. Done well, this process ensures your exterior plumbing remains safe through the coldest months. By isolating the supply line and evacuating the residual water, you create a dry, safe environment that won't give way when the thermometer dips below freezing. This is a task that takes twenty minutes in the fall but saves you thousands in water damage repairs.

  1. Find Your Water Kill Switch. Find the interior shut-off valve for your outdoor faucet, usually located in the basement, crawl space, or utility room directly behind where the spigot enters the wall. Ensure the valve is fully turned to the closed position.
  2. Remove Every Hose First. Remove all hoses attached to the exterior spigots and store them inside for the season. Water trapped in a coiled hose can push back into the faucet and freeze, defeating your winterization efforts.
  3. Purge All Standing Water. Head back inside and open the bleeder cap on the shut-off valve if it has one, or simply open the outdoor faucet wide. This allows air into the line so the water trapped between the valve and the spigot can drain out entirely.
  4. Seal It Shut Tight. Once the water has finished dripping from the outdoor spigot, turn the handle back to the closed position. You want the faucet sealed off from outside debris and insects, but empty of liquid.
  5. Armor Your Spigot Now. Place an insulated foam or hard-plastic faucet cover over the outdoor spigot and secure it according to the manufacturer's instructions. These covers provide an extra layer of thermal protection against direct wind chill.
  6. Lock Down and Tag It. Double-check that the interior shut-off valve is fully closed and the bleeder cap is tightened back into place. You are now protected until the danger of frost has passed in the spring.