Protecting outdoor faucets from freezing during winter is crucial to avoid burst pipes and costly water damage. With some simple preparation and maintenance, you can keep your outdoor faucets functional all winter long.
Why Outdoor Faucets Freeze
Outdoor faucets, also called hose bibs, are vulnerable to freezing because they are exposed to cold exterior temperatures. When water inside pipes and faucets drops below 32°F/0°C, it expands as it turns to ice. This expansion puts pressure on the pipes and can cause them to burst. Pipes that rupture due to freezing can leak hundreds of gallons of water per hour into your home.
Pipe insulation is usually inadequate to protect outdoor faucets from prolonged freezing temperatures. This is because the valves and connectors on hose bibs are not designed to be completely water-tight. Small amounts of standing water inside these fixtures can freeze and expand, breaking the faucet.
Preventative Measures
Taking a few simple steps before winter can help prevent frozen pipes and costly plumbing repairs.
Disconnect Hoses and Tools
The first thing you should do is detach any hoses, nozzles, or sprinklers hooked up to outdoor spigots. Water left trapped in hoses and attachments can freeze and cause faucet damage. Coil up hoses neatly and store them in a dry place like a garage or shed.
Install Insulating Covers
Slip-on insulating covers are available that fit snuggly over outdoor faucets. The cover acts as a barrier between the pipe and frigid air, providing excellent freeze protection. Choose a cover with a thick insulating layer and weatherproof exterior.
Weatherstrip Hose Bib Access Doors
Many outdoor faucets are located behind hose bib access panels on exterior walls. Make sure the access door has a tight seal using weatherstripping or caulk to prevent cold drafts.
Drain and Shut Off Water
To be extra safe, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any standing water from the pipes. Opening the spigot allows leftover water to drain out before it can freeze. You can also use compressed air to efficiently blow out any remaining moisture. Just be sure to re-open the water supply in the spring!
Insulate Pipes and Walls
For extreme climates, pipes to outdoor faucets can be wrapped with special insulating sleeves or heating tape. Insulating basement foundation walls helps retain indoor ground warmth.
Maintain Landscaping
Keep plants, mulch and other landscaping at least a foot away from the exterior walls of your home. Vegetation too close to the foundation can prevent heat from radiating and make pipes more prone to freezing.
What to Do if Pipes Freeze
Even with preventative care, outdoor faucets can still occasionally freeze. Here is what to do if you have a frozen spigot:
- Shut off the water supply to the faucet using the indoor shutoff valve. This prevents pipes from bursting if pressure builds up.
- Apply gentle heat such as a hairdryer or space heater to thaw ice inside the faucet. Never use an open flame or heat lamp.
- Spray anti-freeze like WD-40 on the frozen section if gentle heat isn’t effective. The lubricant helps melt the ice.
- Call a plumber if you can’t get the faucet working again. They have professional grade tools to safely thaw frozen pipes.
- Be patient and turn the faucet on slowly once thawed. Sudden pressure changes can cause already weakened pipes to burst.
Winterizing Tips
Follow these additional tips to fully winterize outdoor faucets and avoid freezing issues:
- Test faucets at the beginning of fall and replace worn washers, O-rings and valves. Fix any drips or leaks promptly.
- Examine pipes and faucets for cracks or damage that can allow water seepage and freezing.
- Ensure outdoor faucets have a backflow prevention device to stop water from migrating backwards.
- Consider installing frost-proof sillcocks that have a special valve deeper in the warm house piping system.
- Keep a water hose connected in the garage as an emergency water source if pipes freeze.
- Locate and label the shutoff valve for outdoor faucets for easier winter emergency access.
With proper seasonal care, you can keep your outdoor faucets from freezing all winter long. Protecting water pipes now avoids huge headaches and repair bills down the road. Just a few preventative steps will give your plumbing lasting protection against ice dams and burst pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to keep outdoor faucets from freezing?
The easiest way is to detach hoses and install slip-on insulating faucet covers. The thick foam covers act as an insulating barrier against freezing temperatures.
Should I shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets?
Yes, shutting off the indoor shutoff valve and opening the spigot to drain pipes adds wintertime protection. This eliminates any standing water that could freeze inside the pipes.
How do you thaw a frozen outdoor faucet?
Apply safe heat from a hairdryer or space heater to thawed frozen faucets. Never use an open flame. You can also spray anti-freeze lubricant to help melt the ice clog. Call a plumber if you can’t get it unfrozen.
What temperature do outdoor faucets freeze?
Outdoor faucets usually freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F (-6°C) for an extended time. Prolonged temperatures below freezing can cause ice blockages inside the faucet mechanism.
Should I drip my outdoor faucet in winter?
Dripping faucets is not necessary for outdoor hose bibs. The small amount of running water won’t prevent freezing. The best strategy is to shut off the water supply and drain the pipes completely.
Conclusion
Protecting outdoor water faucets from winter freezing involves disconnecting hoses, installing insulated covers, and shutting off water supplies. Any standing water left in pipes should be drained out before the first deep freeze. Maintaining weatherproofing and insulation also helps prevent freezing issues. With proper seasonal preparation, you can keep outdoor faucets working all winter to avoid burst pipes and water damage hazards. Following these best practices for winterizing outdoor hose bibs will lead to lasting plumbing protection.