Instructions

  1. Shut Off the Water Supply. Most of the time, but not always, the water line that feeds the outdoor faucet includes a valve to turn the water on and off. …
  2. Disconnect Any Hoses. If a hose is connected to the faucet, disconnect it. …
  3. Drain the Faucet. …
  4. Install an Outdoor Faucet Cover.

Do outdoor faucets need to be winterized?

To avoid damage inside and outside of your home from a water leak when all of that ice thaws, it’s a good idea to winterize outdoor faucets, pipes and plumbing well before that first freeze.

What is the best way to protect outside faucets from freezing?





Cover the exterior faucet with an insulated slip-on cover. This will prevent any remaining water from freezing. Exterior pipes should be wrapped with insulation tubing, which can be found at your local hardware store. Do not wrap your pipes with bath towels or newspaper!

How do I drain my outside faucet for winter?

Preparing for winter: How to properly drain outdoor faucets

  1. Turn off your water supply valve. …
  2. Head outside and remove any hoses or connections to your faucets (you can store them away in your garage or basement for the rest of the season).
  3. Turn the faucet on full blast and let it run until it trickles to a stop.

How do you winterize an outside faucet without a shut off valve?

How To Winterize Outdoor Faucet Without Shut Off Valve?

  1. Step 1 : Locate The Pipe. …
  2. Step 2 : Disconnect of Take Off the Hose. …
  3. Step 3 : Turn Off the Water Flow. …
  4. Step 4 : Remove the Water From the Outdoor Faucet. …
  5. Step 5 : Place a Bucket Under The Valve.


Should I drip my outside faucets?





Drain the faucet



Draining the outside faucet is critical, because standing water between the inside shut-off valve and the outdoor faucet can freeze and break both the fixture and shut-off valve. Creating an air space within the short segment of pipe gives any residual water room to expand if it freezes.

Do I need to cover my outdoor faucets?

In general, outdoor faucet covers work pretty well at their main job: preventing water faucets and pipes and from freezing in the winter. Because the faucet is exposed to outside temperatures, it’s a vulnerable point in your water system, so it needs to be protected from the cold.

What is the cap on top of an outdoor faucet?

The vacuum cap is circular and about an inch in diameter, and it either slips or screws onto the top of the faucet. The device underneath it is known as a vacuum breaker or an anti-siphon valve.

Do outdoor faucet covers work?

Yes! If you cover and seal them appropriately, you can prevent your pipes from freezing. Let’s take a look at why this is important, style of faucet covers, reasons to use these, steps to install, cost, dewinterizing, and when to call a professional.

Where is the shut-off valve for outdoor faucets?



Your home’s outdoor water shut-off valve is usually located near the ceiling, on the inside of the wall where the outdoor faucet is located. If the outdoor shut-off valve is tap- or knob-style, turn it clockwise, or to the right, to shut it off (remember: righty-tighty, lefty-loosey).

Where is the outdoor water shut-off valve?

If you have municipal water service, here’s how to find your outside water shut-off valve: Look for a rectangular or round cover that will be near the edge of your property, often between the curb and the sidewalk. Some water main valves are located along an alley, rather than the street.

How do you winterize an outdoor spigot this old house?

Instructions

  1. Shut Off the Water Supply. Most of the time, but not always, the water line that feeds the outdoor faucet includes a valve to turn the water on and off. …
  2. Disconnect Any Hoses. If a hose is connected to the faucet, disconnect it. …
  3. Drain the Faucet. …
  4. Install an Outdoor Faucet Cover.



Should I drip my outside faucet to prevent freezing?

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.

How many faucets should I let drip?

one faucet drip

How many faucets should I let drip? You only need to let one faucet drip, but it’s best for that faucet to be the one farthest away from where the water enters your home. The city of Portland and Consumer Reports both have some quick-and-easy tips on what to do if a pipe does burst or the water freezes.

At what temperature should I drip my faucets?



When a cold wave hovers around or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius), it’s time to let at least one faucet drip. Pay close attention to pipes that remain in attics, garages, basements or crawl spaces because temperature levels in these unheated interior areas usually imitate outside temperatures.