Disconnect Hoses and Shut Off Valves
One of the easiest things you can do is disconnect any hoses attached to outdoor faucets and shut off the valves from inside your home. This eliminates any remaining water standing in the pipes leading to the outdoor faucet. Hoses can hold a surprising amount of water, which can freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst.
Insulate Pipes and Faucets
Insulating exposed water pipes and faucets provides an extra layer of protection from freezing temperatures. You can use specific pipe insulation wraps available at hardware stores. These are slit along the side so you can wrap them easily around pipes. For outdoor faucets, attach an insulated faucet cover. These fit snugly over the faucet head and handle to keep cold air away.
Let Faucets Drip
Allowing your faucets to slowly drip during extreme cold helps prevent freezing. The small trickle of moving water makes it harder for pipes to freeze. This is especially important for faucets on exterior walls where cold seeps in from outside. The drip doesn’t need to be large – just enough to keep water flowing.
Apply Heat Tape
For frequent freeze issues, you can apply heat tape or heating cable along exposed water pipes. When the temperature dips below freezing, the heat tape warms the pipe just enough to prevent water from freezing. Make sure to get an exterior-rated heat tape and install it according to instructions.
Use Heat Lamps or Space Heaters
For short-term protection, you can use heat lamps or space heaters near faucets during cold snaps. Take care not to leave these unattended or positioned too close to pipes. Only use this method for temporary freeze protection.
Winterize with Compressed Air
One thorough way to winterize outdoor faucets is using compressed air. After disconnecting water lines, open the faucet handle and let compressed air blow out any remaining water in the pipes. This completely removes standing water that could freeze.
Maintain Indoor Shutoff Valves
Make sure the shutoff valves inside your home that control water supply to outdoor faucets are fully functional. These allow you to isolate and shut off exterior faucets while keeping interior water on. Prevent freeze-ups before they start.
Add Extra Insulation
For frequent freeze issues, consider re-insulating exposed water lines in your home’s crawl space or basement. Pipes that run along exterior walls or in unheated areas are prone to freezing. Adding extra fiberglass insulation creates a cold barrier.
Bleed Sprinkler Systems
If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, make sure to drain and bleed out excess water from supply lines before winter. Sprinkler lines are very prone to freezing and can burst. Consult your sprinkler system manual for proper winterization.
Know the Signs of Frozen Pipes
It’s important to recognize signs of frozen pipes early. These include reduced water flow, loud banging or snapping sounds when water is run, and leaks or bursts along pipe joints. Act promptly if you suspect any freezing issue.
Be Proactive
Don’t wait until freezing weather hits to winterize your outdoor faucets. Take action early before winter sets in. It also helps to locate your home’s main water shutoff valve ahead of time so you can turn water off immediately in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Preventing Outdoor Faucets from Freezing
What is the easiest way to prevent outdoor faucet freezing?
The easiest preventative measure is to shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and disconnect any hoses before winter. This removes standing water in pipes that could freeze. Insulating the faucet head also helps prevent freeze-ups.
Should I wrap my outdoor faucet with a towel?
No, wrapping with a towel is not an effective method to insulate outdoor faucets from freezing. Use a purpose-made insulated faucet cover or pipe insulation wraps made specifically for cold weather.
How close should I keep a space heater to outdoor faucets?
Do not keep space heaters too close to faucets or pipes. Keep them at least a few feet away and monitor carefully to prevent overheating. Space heaters are best used only for temporary freeze protection.
Does insulating indoor pipes help prevent outdoor faucet freezing?
Yes, insulating exposed cold water pipes indoors provides complete freeze protection. Outdoor faucets connect to interior pipes, so insulating them helps guard the entire water supply against freezing.
Should I remove detachable faucet heads before winter?
Yes, removing and storing any detachable faucet heads indoors over winter is recommended. The small internal parts are vulnerable to freezing damage if left outside.
How often should I let my faucet drip to prevent freezing?
In extreme cold below 20°F, let faucets drip continuously. Inside the home where it’s warmer, dripping overnight is generally sufficient. Check flow occasionally to prevent clogs.
What temperature do pipes freeze?
Exposed water pipes are in danger of freezing when temperatures drop below 32°F. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F can freeze pipes in unheated indoor areas like basements or attics.
Can I use a heat lamp instead of heat tape?
Heat lamps are only safe for short-term use in dry indoor areas only. For continuous freeze protection outdoors, exterior-rated heat tape is a safer option. Always follow product instructions carefully.
How do I thaw a frozen outdoor faucet?
Turn off the water supply and open the faucet to relieve pressure. Apply a towel soaked in hot water to the frozen section of pipe. You may need to thaw pipes from indoors first. Never use an open flame.
Conclusion
Protecting outdoor plumbing from freezing is crucial to avoid catastrophic pipe bursts and water damage. The best approach is to be proactive before winter hits by insulating, sealing off faucets, and removing hoses. Letting faucets drip, using heat sources, and maintaining shutoff valves also helps safeguard outdoor faucets from freeze-related issues. With some simple annual preparation, you can keep your outdoor faucets running smoothly all winter long.