Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs or sillcocks, are water spigots located on the exterior of homes and buildings. They provide convenient access to water for gardening, washing cars, filling pools, and other outdoor needs. However, being exposed to the elements year-round makes outdoor faucets susceptible to weather damage and freezing in cold climates. Covering outdoor faucets in winter and during cold snaps is highly recommended to prevent costly repairs or replacements. There are several compelling reasons why properly protecting outdoor faucets with faucet covers is a wise idea.
Prevent Freezing and Burst Pipes
One of the main reasons to cover outdoor spigots is to prevent freezing and burst pipes in winter. Outdoor faucets are vulnerable to freezing because they lack the insulation and warmth of being indoors. Frozen water inside pipes expands, which can lead to cracked or burst pipes. Pipes that burst can leak large amounts of water, causing interior water damage, mold growth, and high repair costs.
Proper faucet covers create an insulating barrier that protects outdoor spigots from freezing temperatures. High-quality covers are made of thick, waterproof materials with foam lining to prevent cold air from reaching the faucet. Securing the cover tightly creates a warm pocket around the pipe beneath. This prevents water inside from freezing and expanding. Taking the simple preventative step of covering outdoor faucets keeps them functional all winter long without the risk of frozen or burst pipes.
Save Money on Plumbing Repairs
Another compelling reason to use faucet covers is to avoid expensive plumbing repairs. The cost to fix a burst pipe often exceeds $500, sometimes over $1,000. The actual damage from water leaking indoors also adds to the hefty repair bill. Preventing frozen pipes in the first place by covering outdoor faucets saves all the costs associated with water damage and emergency plumbing service calls.
Even if pipes don’t burst, allowing faucets to freeze damages the inner components. This can lead to leaks or drips that require repairing or replacing the entire faucet. Properly covering outdoor spigots is an easy and affordable way to prevent faucet damage and avoid costly plumbing repairs. Investing in faucet covers leads to significant savings compared to repairing or replacing damaged outdoor faucets.
Maintain Access to Outdoor Water
Covering outdoor faucets allows continued access to exterior water all winter long. Uncovered, exposed faucets often freeze shut with the first hard freeze. Frozen spigots are unusable until they thaw. This leaves no outdoor access to water for winter car washing, giving animals fresh water, watering landscapes that don’t go dormant, or other outdoor needs. With faucet covers installed, outdoor spigots remain functional even when temperatures plummet below freezing. The ability to keep using exterior faucets is a key benefit of insulating outdoor spigots with covers.
Protect Faucets from Weather Damage
Exposed plumbing fixtures experience wear and tear from year-round exposure to the elements. Outdoor faucets endure UV radiation, pollution, wind, rain, snow, ice, lawn chemicals, and other environmental factors. This can degrade seals, washers, and O-rings as well as dull and oxidize the fixture’s finish. Quality faucet covers protect outdoor spigots from weathering damage that shortens their lifespan. Just like vehicle covers shield paint from sun damage, faucet covers prevent UV rays from fading and cracking faucet finishes. They also reduce wear and tear from precipitation, dirt, debris, and other exposure. Keeping outdoor spigots covered when not in use helps maintain their appearance and functionality.
Prevent Accidental Breakage
Active yards with kids playing, gardening projects, and frequent use of hoses and sprinklers create risks for accidentally damaging outdoor faucets. It’s easy to bump the faucet with lawn mowers, string trimmers, bikes, sports balls, or other activities. Hard knocks and collisions can bend, break, or dislodge faucets, requiring repair. Durable faucet covers form a protective barrier that shields outdoor spigots from inadvertent impacts and trauma. Quality covers withstand bumps and blows without cracking or falling off. Keeping outdoor faucets wrapped in protective covers prevents accidental breakage, bent pipes, and loose fixtures.
Deter Theft and Tampering
Another benefit of faucet covers is deterring theft or tampering. The water accessed from exterior faucets is often municipal utility water that incurs a cost. In some regions, unprotected outdoor spigots present an opportunity for thieves to illegally access free water. Covers that completely block access to the faucet also prevent tampering with or sabotaging outdoor spigots. For homeowners who have exterior faucets in public areas vulnerable to non-authorized use, faucet covers provide security and peace of mind. The covers provide a physical barrier preventing exploitation of outdoor spigots.
Increase Property Value
Covered and protected outdoor faucets also potentially increase a home’s property value versus visibly damaged or leaky faucets. Improving the exterior appearance shows buyers the home was properly maintained. Preventing frozen or burst pipes also avoids major repair costs that could be uncovered during a home inspection. Taking excellent care of outdoor faucets demonstrates pride of ownership and responsibility, qualities buyers seek. Real estate agents also advise maximizing curb appeal prior to listing a home, and protected faucets have a better aesthetic than faded, dilapidated fixtures. Such minor improvements can positively impact potential offers on the property.
How Do Faucet Covers Work?
Faucet covers work by creating an insulating air pocket around the pipe to prevent freezing. Most covers secure over the faucet with adjustable drawstrings and toggle tightening loops. This allows cinching the cover snugly to seal in warmth. Foam lining inside further insulates the faucet. The outer material is thick and waterproof, blocking cold external air from reaching the covered faucet. Some covers have multiple layers and feature reflective outer layers to trap radiant heat. The best covers are durable and weatherproof yet still breathable to prevent moisture condensation inside. Well-designed covers easily install over existing outdoor faucets without removing the handle. They include strong cinch points to create a tight seal that locks in heat around the pipe. This prevents water inside the faucet from freezing in sub-freezing temperatures.
What to Look for When Choosing Faucet Covers
- Material – Quality faucet covers use weatherproof, water-resistant outer material such as nylon, vinyl or polycanvas with insulating foam lining. Microfiber layers also help block wind. Avoid thin plastic covers.
- Design – Choose covers with adjustable drawstrings, zippered flaps or secure toggle closures to create a tight seal around the faucet snout and pipe. Elasticized openings enable snug fits.
- Durability – Look for rugged, thick covers that won’t crack in winter winds. Reinforced stress points prevent rips and tears. Sturdy covers withstand bumps and use over multiple seasons.
- Weatherproofing – Effective covers are waterproof and protect against snow, ice, rain and moss. Reflective outer layers repel rather than absorb solar radiation. Condensation-reducing vents prevent interior moisture buildup.
- Fit – Match cover size to your faucet model. Look for adjustable closures and wide openings to accommodate most standard outdoor faucet sizes. Measure hose bib diameter if covers seem loose.
- Ease of Use – Choose covers that install without removing existing handles or fixtures. Quick-release buckles allow fast on/off. Toggle tighteners make cinching the cover snug and simple.
- Price – Balancing cost, longevity and quality of construction, durable all-weather faucet covers range from $10-$50 depending on size, materials, closure method and added features.
When to Install and Remove Faucet Covers
The critical times to install protective covers on outdoor faucets are in late fall before first freeze and during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing. Covers should be put on outdoor spigots by early to mid October in northern climates, or by late November in warmer southern regions.
Faucet covers are designed for temporary seasonal use and need removal during spring. Take covers off outdoor faucets by mid to late April so pipes beneath can air out and avoid moisture buildup during warmer weather. Store faucet covers over summer and reinstall in late fall.
Brief cold snaps with sub-freezing nights also warrant temporary cover installation even during spring or fall. Pay attention to weather forecasts, and add covers a day prior to cold nights predicted in shoulder seasons. Remove them promptly after warmer weather returns. Consistently checking forecasts and proactively adding or removing covers based on temperature predictions provides optimal freeze protection.
How to Install Faucet Covers
Installing protective covers on outdoor faucets is simple:
- Clean faucet exterior with rubbing alcohol to remove grime. Dry thoroughly.
- Select right size cover for snug fit. Elasticized openings stretch over larger pipes.
- Loosen all drawstrings and opening adjusters on cover before placing over faucet.
- Slip cover over faucet spout and pipe without removing handle. Align as needed for coverage.
- Tighten drawstrings, zippers, flaps, hook-and-loop straps or toggle loops to secure cover tightly over faucet. The cover should seal completely around pipe with no gaps.
- Make final cinching adjustments to ensure cover is snug and tucked closely around curves and angles of faucet exterior. The cover should not sag or loosen.
- For quick on/off convenience during warmer spells, use covers with detachable fasteners like hook-and-loop straps or plastic buckles. Drawstring and toggle closures take more time to remove and reinstall.
- Check periodically that covers remain securely installed throughout winter season. Tighten or adjust as needed after high winds or snow accumulation.
Covering outdoor faucets properly before winter provides protection from frozen pipes and costly repairs. Follow directions included with purchased faucet covers for optimal installation and usage. With proper annual installation each fall, faucet covers deliver inexpensive yet reliable freeze prevention year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Faucet Covers
Q: How do faucet covers actually prevent freezing?
A: Faucet covers create an insulating dead air space around the pipe that prevents radiant heat loss. This keeps the temperature inside the covered faucet safely above freezing.
Q: When should I install and remove outdoor faucet covers?
A: Install covers in late fall before first frost, and remove them in spring after all freezing danger has passed. Put on and take off covers based on weather forecasts during transitional seasons.
Q: How can I tell if my faucet cover fits properly?
A: A properly fitted cover forms a tight seal around the faucet snout and pipe with no gaps or sagging. The openings should be snug around the curves and angles of the exterior pipe. Adjust closures to eliminate looseness or openings.
Q: Do I need special skills or tools to install faucet covers?
A: No special skills are needed. Use included cords or straps to cinch covers into a tight fit over existing outdoor faucets. You do not need to shut off water or remove faucet parts.
Q: Can I just wrap my outdoor faucet with an old towel?
A: Towels provide minimal insulation and won’t seal out cold air. Use purpose-made faucet covers with weatherproof, insulating materials, and adjustable closures that protect entire fixture.
Q: Is it okay to leave faucet covers on year-round?
A: No. Remove covers in spring to allow moisture to evaporate and prevent condensation buildup during warm seasons. Faucet covers are for temporary winter use only.
Q: How much do good faucet covers cost?
A: Expect to spend $10 to $50+ for quality faucet covers, depending on size, materials, and closure types. More expensive covers tend to be more durable investments.
Q: Can I make DIY faucet covers?
A: It’s best to purchase purpose-made covers to ensure the right materials and snug fit. Making reliable, weatherproof covers that last multiple seasons is challenging.
Covering outdoor faucets every winter provides cold weather protection, avoids frozen pipe disasters, and saves on plumbing bills. A little seasonal prevention goes a long way toward maintaining access to exterior water and preventing costly water damage all winter long. Be sure to install sturdy, weather-resistant faucet covers on any outdoor spigots before freezing temperatures arrive.
Conclusion
Protecting outdoor faucets with insulating covers is a simple yet critical seasonal maintenance task for homeowners. Properly covering exterior hose bibs and sillcocks keeps them functioning all winter by preventing frozen or burst pipes. Quality faucet covers are an inexpensive investment compared to emergency plumbing repairs and water damage restoration. Beyond avoiding frozen pipes, covers protect fixtures from weather damage, accidental impacts, tampering, and wear and tear. Taking a few minutes to install snug fitting outdoor faucet covers each fall provides year-round benefits that save money, time and headaches. Just as vehicles need protective covers in inclement weather, outdoor faucets need an insulating barrier against freezing temperatures and winter storms. Following the appropriate guidelines for installing covers, checking fittings, and removing them in spring ensures maximum protection. A few practical tips and inexpensive faucet jackets make enjoying accessible exterior water all winter problem-free.