Installing an outdoor faucet cover is an easy and affordable way to protect your outdoor spigots from freezing temperatures. With just a few simple steps, you can ensure your outdoor faucets don’t burst in winter. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining faucet covers for external spigots.
Introduction
Exposed outdoor faucets are susceptible to freezing and bursting in cold weather. The water inside the pipe can expand as it turns to ice, causing severe damage. Replacing a burst pipe is expensive and inconvenient.
The good news is that insulating your outdoor spigots is a quick and easy way to prevent freezing. Outdoor faucet covers slip over your external water spigots and insulate them from freezing air. Most covers can be installed in under 5 minutes without any tools.
Using faucet covers provides these benefits:
- Prevents pipes from bursting and flooding
- Saves money on plumbing repairs
- Allows external water access even in winter
- Extends the lifespan of outdoor faucets
- Easy to install and remove
This guide will cover:
- Types of outdoor faucet covers
- How to choose the right size and style
- Installation steps
- Maintenance tips
- DIY alternatives
Follow these instructions and your outdoor taps will be protected from freeze damage all winter long.
Choosing an Outdoor Faucet Cover
There are a few different types of insulating covers to choose from:
Basic Faucet Covers
- Inexpensive foam covers
- Slip over the tap and insulate with foam
- Available in various sizes
- Offer basic protection
Insulated Faucet Jackets
- Made of durable vinyl or canvas shell
- Foam lining to prevent freezing
- Adjustable drawstring or velcro closure
- Better insulation than basic covers
Faucet Sock Covers
- Made of stretchy insulated fabric
- Pulls over faucet snugly like a sock
- Ofter have anti-freeze gel packs
- Conforms to any shape faucet
Hard Plastic Covers
- Made of durable plastic shells
- Hinges open for faucet access
- Look tidy and discreet
Consider the climate in your area, pipe material, and exposure to determine which is best for your needs.
The most important factor is choosing the right size cover for a secure fit. Measure your spigot size – width, length, and protrusion from wall. Consult sizing charts and read product details to get the closest match.
Tips for Choosing Covers:
- Check width and length of faucet and spout
- account for knobs/handles in measurements
- Allow extra room for hoses and attachments
- Get insulation rated for your winter temperatures
- Verify waterproof and UV resistance
Getting an accurately sized faucet cover ensures maximum protection. It should fit snugly without being too tight or overly loose.
How to Install Outdoor Faucet Covers
Installing outdoor spigot covers is a quick and easy project. Follow these simple steps:
Materials Needed
- Faucet cover
- Adjustable wrench
- Teflon plumbing tape
- Optional: caulk/insulation
Step 1: Remove Attachments
The first step is removing anything attached to the faucet such as hoses, sprayers, splitters etc. This allows the cover to fit properly.
Step 2: Clean Spigot
Use a rag to wipe down the faucet exterior. Remove any dirt, grime, or old tape residue. Start with a clean surface for best results.
Step 3: Apply New Tape
Take fresh teflon tape and wrap it around the faucet threads in a clockwise direction. This seals threads and prevents leaks under the cover.
Step 4: Position Cover
Place the faucet cover over the spigot. Center it and ensure it sits straight and secure. The opening should align with the faucet snugly.
Step 5: Secure Cover
Use the drawstring, velcro, or closure to secure the cover. Tighten any cords gently until fitted. Do not overtighten.
Step 6: Weatherproof (Optional)
For extra insulation, you can apply caulk around the sides and base of the cover. This seals out drafts.
Step 7: Reattach Accessories
Put back any hoses, nozzles, or splitters that were removed before installing the cover.
Check that the cover is securely fitted but allows access to the faucet. Tug gently to make sure it won’t come loose. Your outdoor spigot cover is now ready to protect from winter weather.
Maintaining and Using Faucet Covers
Follow these tips to keep your outdoor faucet covers in good condition:
- Inspect regularly for rips, moisture, or loosening
- Tighten cords/straps if needed to reinforce fit
- Remove any snow/ice buildup promptly
- Allow faucet cover to air dry if wet before reinstalling
- Check caulk seals and reapply if cracked or worn
- Replace worn or damaged covers
To use faucets with covers:
- Open cover by unzipping or unfastening closures
- Remove any ice or debris before accessing faucet
- Only keep cover open as long as needed
- Close cover properly when finished using water
- Ensure cords/straps are tightened again
Proper maintenance and use will get the most life and performance out of your outdoor spigot covers.
Removing Covers for Spring
When the threat of freezing temperatures has passed in spring, you’ll want to remove faucet covers. Follow these steps:
- Inspect for damage and replace if needed
- Detach any caulk seals using utility knife
- Clean residue from faucet with rag
- Fully open closures and slide cover off
- Allow faucet to air dry uncovered
- Store cover in a dry place for next winter
Be sure to prep your exterior faucets in fall by reattaching covers. Leaving spigots uncovered overnight can lead to frozen pipes once cold weather sets in.
Alternative Methods of Insulation
If you can’t find a pre-made cover that fits your faucet, there are some alternate insulation solutions:
- Foam cover kit – Cut sections of pipe insulation foam to custom size and wrap faucet yourself
- Plastic bags – Secure plastic grocery bags around faucet with duct tape
- Bubble wrap – Wrap bubbles side against faucet and tape in place
- Fiberglass insulation – Mold loose fiberglass around pipe and secure with zip ties
- Heating tape – Apply self-adhesive heating tape to actively heat pipes
These DIY options can provide basic insulation if sized and sealed properly. But manufactured faucet covers are still the easiest and most reliable method.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
In addition to installing faucet covers, here are extra tips to avoid frozen pipes:
- Disconnect hoses – Don’t leave garden hoses connected in winter
- Insulate exposed pipes – Use foam tubing to wrap outdoor pipes
- Open indoor fixtures – Keep water flowing regularly in sinks near outside walls
- Allow tap to drip – A trickle helps stop pipes from freezing
- Maintain temperature – Keep thermostat set above 55°F even when away
- Heat tape on pipes – Electrically heat pipes prone to freezing
- Close vents near pipes – Avoid blowing freezing air on water lines
Taking preventative measures can help avoid frozen pipes and costly plumbing repairs.
FAQs About Outdoor Faucet Covers
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about insulating outdoor spigots:
Can I leave hoses attached with faucet covers?
It’s best to remove all hoses before putting on faucet covers. Attached hoses can prevent the cover from fitting tightly against the pipe. Hoses also retain water that can freeze and expand.
Do I need to shut off the water before installing a cover?
You do not need to shut off the indoor water supply. The faucet cover simply slips over the external spigot. Make sure to turn off the outdoor faucet itself while putting on the cover.
How do I access my faucet with the cover on?
Most covers have zips, velcro, or flaps that allow you to open them to use the faucet. Open the closure, use the water, then re-secure the cover tightly.
Should I remove faucet aerators before winter?
Yes, it’s smart to remove and store any aerators or filters that screw on to faucet mouths. The small openings can collect water that freezes and causes breakage.
What temperature range do most faucet covers protect to?
Basic options protect down to about 20-30°F. The best insulated covers keep pipes from freezing even down to -20°F or below in extreme cold.
Can I use heat tape with faucet covers?
Yes, you can combine methods. Install heat tape on pipes before putting insulating covers over them for extra freeze protection.
How long do outdoor faucet covers last?
With proper maintenance, most faucet covers will last 3-5 years or more. Inspect regularly for wear and replace damaged covers immediately.
What do I do if pipes freeze anyway?
If you find your pipes are frozen despite covers, don’t attempt to thaw with heat. Call a plumber to safely thaw pipes and prevent bursting or leaks.
Using faucet covers is an easy, affordable way to avoid major pipe problems. Follow this guide to choose, install, and maintain outdoor spigot covers to keep your plumbing functional even in winter temperatures. With the right preparation, you can rest easy knowing your pipes are protected from freeze damage.
Conclusion
Installing insulating covers is the best way to safeguard outdoor faucets from freezing and bursting. This simple, inexpensive solution can prevent costly plumbing repairs and water damage.
Be sure to select the right size cover for a tight, secure fit over your exterior spigots. Carefully follow the installation steps to properly protect the pipes. Proper use and seasonal removal of the covers will ensure they last many years.
With faucet covers in place, you can relax knowing your outdoor taps are safe from freezing issues. Your plumbing will remain intact no matter how low the temperatures get. Protect your pipes this winter and avoid emergency thawing or pipe replacement by taking a small amount of time to install faucet covers.
Summary of Main Points:
- Outdoor faucet covers prevent pipes from freezing and bursting
- Choose style based on climate and pipe type – foam, fabric, plastic
- Measure faucet size carefully to get a tight, secure fit
- Install by removing accessories, cleaning faucet, applying tape
- Maintain by checking condition and resealing if needed
- Open cover to access faucet, close immediately after use
- Remove in spring once freeze risk has passed
- Alternative insulation options include foam, bags, fiberglass
- Prevent freezing further with heat tape, drip taps, maintaining heat
- Covers protect down to -20°F or below in extreme cold