Protecting outdoor faucets from freezing is an important winterization task for any homeowner. Exposure to freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly water damage. Covering and insulating outdoor spigots properly will help prevent bursts and keep your plumbing intact all winter long. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to cover outdoor faucets for the winter months.
Why Cover Outdoor Faucets?
Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs or sillcocks, are vulnerable to freezing because they are exposed to the elements. The water sitting in the pipe leading to the faucet can freeze and expand, causing the pipe to burst. This can lead to major water damage in your home if left unaddressed.
Covering and insulating outdoor faucets is crucial to avoid the following issues:
- Pipe bursts – Frozen water in the pipes expands, causing pipes to break open. This can lead to flooding and water pouring into your home.
- Costly repairs – Fixing burst pipes and water damage can be expensive. Plumbing and home repair bills can easily run into the thousands.
- Compromised water supply – Bursts can disrupt water supply to parts of your home. This can leave you without running water until repairs are made.
Covering outdoor spigots properly ensures pipes are protected from the cold and reduces the risk of freezing and bursts over winter. A little time invested in preparing faucets for winter can save you from huge headaches later on.
Materials Needed
Covering outdoor faucets doesn’t require any specialized tools. You will need the following materials:
- Faucet covers – Prefabricated covers that fit over faucets are available at hardware stores. Choose an insulated one.
- Foam pipe insulation – To wrap pipes leading to faucets for extra protection.
- Weatherproof tape – To seal covers against entry points for cold air. Duct tape or electrical tape works.
- Hose bib shutoff valve – Allows you to shut off water to the faucet from inside your home.
- Wood strips – Can be used to make DIY faucet covers if needed.
- Insulation materials – Such as fiberglass, rock wool, or foam.
- Plastic bags – To provide a waterproof layer over insulation.
How to Cover Outdoor Faucets
Covering outdoor faucets involves a few simple steps. Here is the basic process:
Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply and Drain Pipes
- Locate the shutoff valve for the outdoor faucet inside your house. This could be in the basement or where water lines enter the home.
- Turn the valve clockwise to shut off water to the outdoor faucet.
- Open the outdoor faucet and leave it open. This will allow any water in the pipes to drain out.
Step 2: Disconnect Hoses and Remove Faucet Accessories
- Detach any hoses or sprinklers connected to the faucet. Store hoses away for winter.
- Remove any attachments or accessories from the faucet.
Step 3: Insulate Pipes
- Take foam pipe insulation and wrap it around exposed pipes leading to the faucet. This includes both vertical and horizontal sections.
- Seal the ends with weatherproof tape to keep the insulation in place.
Step 4: Cover the Faucet
- Place a faucet cover over the outdoor spigot. Make sure it fits snugly.
- Seal the edges of the cover with weatherproof tape to prevent air gaps.
- If using a plastic cover, wrap plumbing insulation around the faucet before putting the cover on.
- For a DIY cover, use wood strips, insulation, and plastic held together with weatherproof tape.
Step 5: Check in Spring
- When winter is over, check your outdoor faucets for any signs of damage before turning the water back on.
- Dispose of any old insulation and covers.
- Reattach hoses and accessories as needed.
Following these steps properly will ensure your outdoor faucets stay protected from freezing all winter long.
Tips for Effective Faucet Covers
Here are some useful tips to ensure your faucet covers keep pipes protected from freezing:
- Wrap pipes with insulation before putting covers on. This provides an extra buffer against cold.
- Make sure covers fit tightly over the faucet with no gaps or air pockets. Seal edges with tape.
- Use heat tape or heating cables along with pipe insulation for exposed pipes prone to freezing.
- Install covers before the first frost when nighttime temps start dropping below freezing.
- Use rigid covers that don’t sag over time. Replace covers that get damaged.
- For frequent use faucets, consider installing frost-proof sillcocks that have built-in freeze protection.
- Make sure shutoff valves are fully closed but avoid overtightening.
- Check insulation and seals on covers periodically over winter. Reapply tape if needed.
Taking steps beyond just covering the faucet, like insulating pipes, can provide enhanced freeze protection. Combine several layers of protection for best results.
Answering Common Questions
People often have additional questions when learning how to protect outdoor faucets in winter. Here are answers to some common queries:
Should I cover both hot and cold outdoor faucets?
Yes, it’s recommended to cover both hot and cold outdoor spigots. The hot water line is just as vulnerable to freezing as the cold water line. Any residual water left in the pipes can still freeze.
How do I insulate a frost-free faucet?
Frost-free, sillcock-style faucets have built-in mechanisms to drain water out of the pipes so they don’t require covering. But you should shut off the water supply and disconnect hoses. Insulating exposed pipes can provide added protection.
Can I cover faucets with a plastic bag?
Plastic bags alone don’t provide enough insulation against freezing. Use rigid covers sealed with tape. Plastic can be used as an extra waterproof layer over pipe insulation before putting on covers.
Should I drain the entire plumbing system for winter?
Draining all your home’s pipes is only necessary if you have an unheated property or are going away for an extended time. For regular use, just draining the outdoor faucets is sufficient protection.
How do I unhook hoses when they are frozen onto spigots?
Never force a frozen hose off a faucet. Thaw it first with a towel soaked in hot water or a portable heater directed on the connection. The hose should come off once ice melts.
Conclusion
Outdoor faucet covers are an important part of winterizing your home. Take the time to properly insulate and seal outdoor spigots before winter hits to prevent costly freezing damage. Test and maintain your covers regularly once installed. With the right covers and preparation, you can protect your plumbing from the cold and safely keep your water flowing all season long.