Winterizing outdoor faucets is an important part of preparing your home for the colder months ahead. If water is left in your outdoor faucets and pipes, it can freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst and crack. This can lead to costly plumbing repairs and water damage in your home.
If your outdoor faucet doesn’t have a shut off valve inside your home, winterizing can seem daunting. But there are some simple steps you can take to get the job done without a shut off valve and avoid frozen pipe disasters.
What You’ll Need
Before starting the winterizing process, make sure you have the following materials:
- Compressed air or a small hand pump
- Foam insulation covers or bubble wrap
- Duct tape
- Rag
- Plastic bags
Step 1: Locate Water Supply Lines
The first step is locating the water supply lines connecting to your outdoor faucet. You want to find where the pipe exits your home’s exterior wall and connects to the faucet handle.
Follow the pipe coming out of the house to the faucet connection. The supply lines are usually copper but may be PEX plastic tubing. Trace the water line back into your basement or crawl space if possible.
Knowing where your supply lines enter the house will help you avoid freezing issues inside as well.
Step 2: Turn Off Main Water Supply
Since there’s no interior shut off valve for your outdoor faucet, you’ll need to shut off the water where it enters your home.
Find the main water shut off valve for your house and turn it to the closed position. This is usually near your water meter.
Turning off the main supply ensures no water is continuing to feed the outdoor faucet while you disconnect and drain the line.
Step 3: Open Outside Faucet
With the main water supply turned off, head back outside and turn on your outdoor faucet.
Make sure the handle is turned fully to the open position.
This allows any water left in the line to drain out completely as you disconnect the line in the next steps.
Step 4: Disconnect Water Line
Now underneath the faucet, disconnect the flexible water line running to the spigot.
Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen the nut connecting the line.
With the nut loosened, you can then unscrew the line from the faucet completely.
Use a rag or bucket to catch any drips.
Step 5: Drain Remaining Water
At this point water should be fully drained from the supply line. But it’s a good idea to blow out any lingering drops of water just to be safe.
Use a hand pump, compressed air, or even a drinking straw to force air through the line.
Cover the end with a rag and force air through until no more water comes out.
Shake the line to dislodge any stuck water droplets. This ensures full drainage.
Step 6: Disconnect Faucet
With water drained, now finish disconnecting the faucet from the exterior wall.
Use a wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the screws holding the faucet/spigot assembly in place.
Carefully pull the faucet away from the wall once detached.
Make sure to have a towel handy to catch any remaining drips during removal.
Step 7: Insulate Pipes
Your pipes are now disconnected and drained. But to protect against freezing you’ll need to insulate them.
Start by wrapping any exposed section of the supply line with insulation or bubble wrap.
Use duct tape to hold the insulation material firmly in place.
Then take a plastic bag and slip it over the end of the pipe protruding from the wall. Secure the bag with tape.
This seals the end and prevents cold air, snow, and moisture from entering.
Step 8: Cover Faucet Opening
The open faucet hole must also be sealed up to keep cold out.
Take a rag and stuff it lightly into the faucet opening, using a screwdriver handle or stick to carefully push it in.
Then cover the hole using either rigid foam insulation, cardboard, bubble wrap or a plastic bag.
Duct tape it firmly into place.
This insulation keeps freezing air away from the vacant water line behind the wall.
Step 9: Insulate Hose Bibb
For additional protection, wrap your detached hose bibb (faucet) with insulation or bubble wrap.
Then slip it into a plastic bag, sealing the opening with tape.
This provides 360-degree insulation coverage.
Store your wrapped faucet bibb somewhere like a garage or basement where temperatures stay above freezing.
Step 10: Turn Water Back On
Once everything is fully disconnected, drained and insulated you can turn your home’s main water supply back on.
Slowly turn the main shut off valve to the open position.
Check for leaks just to be safe before heading back inside.
Your outdoor faucet is now successfully winterized and ready for freezing temps! Just be sure to remove all insulation and reconnect everything in spring.
Tips for Effective Winterization
Follow these tips to get the most protection from your winterizing efforts:
- Completely seal all openings with plastic and tape – air gaps ruin insulation’s effect.
- Check insulation seals periodically during winter for any loosening.
- Consider shutting off and draining additional vulnerable pipes like swim spas or sprinklers.
- Use heat tape or pipe insulation wraps for exposed pipes in unheated areas like attics.
- Make sure indoor and outdoor shut off valves are fully operational before winter.
- Disconnect garden hoses and store indoors after draining.
- Maintain consistent heat in your basement/crawlspace near water lines.
Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes
Check for these signs of potential freezing issues during brutally cold weather:
- Reduced water pressure from faucets and fixtures.
- No water coming from certain faucets.
- Strange noises like banging or cracking coming from pipes.
- Visible ice or frost on exposed pipes.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, don’t wait – take action immediately!
Thawing Safely With No Shut Off Valve
If you find yourself with a frozen pipe and no shut off valve, you can still thaw it safely. Follow these steps:
- Shut off main water supply line to your home.
- Open the frozen faucet to relieve pressure as ice expands.
- Apply a warm towel or heating pad to the frozen section of pipe. Avoid open flames!
- Pour warm (not boiling) water onto the pipe, focusing on the coldest spot.
- Use a hair dryer on its lowest setting if needed, again avoiding one spot.
- Check often to avoid bursting once the ice melts.
- When fully thawed, turn main supply back on SLOWLY. Check for cracks and leaks.
Shutting off your home’s main line allows you to relieve pressure and safely thaw the pipe with minimal bursting risk.
Preventing Freeze Damage
Avoiding frozen pipes in the first place is easier when you:
- Seal air leaks in your home to prevent freezing winds.
- Ensure adequate insulation in walls and attics near pipes.
- Caulk around pipe penetrations through exterior walls.
- Disconnect and drain sprinkler systems and swimming pools.
- Keep garage doors closed if pipes are located in the space.
- Let faucets drip during extreme cold to keep water moving.
- Maintain consistent heating at normal levels even while away.
Taking preventative measures will help keep your pipes running smoothly all winter long!
Why Outdoor Faucets Are Prone to Freezing
Outdoor faucets are very vulnerable to freezing for several key reasons:
Direct Exposure to Elements
Your outdoor faucet deals with cold winds, freezing rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures straight on. This makes it more prone to freezing than protected indoor plumbing.
Lack of Insulation
Outdoor pipes lack the insulation your indoor plumbing receives from being surrounded by warm air inside your home.
Water Still in Lines
Standard faucets have water sitting in the supply line and faucet body when not in use. This residual water can freeze easily.
Sudden Temp Drops
A sudden cold snap or winter storm can cause temperatures to plummet rapidly overnight. These quick changes catch pipes off guard before they acclimate.
Elevated Installation
Exterior faucets are often installed on higher exterior walls, which exposes plumbing to colder temperatures.
Shut Off Valves vs Frost-Free Faucets
Adding an indoor shut off valve for your outdoor faucet makes winterizing much simpler. But frost-free faucet alternatives offer another solution.
Shut Off Valves
- Allow you to easily shut off water from inside to prevent freezing.
- Let you drain the line with the valve closed.
- Require professional installation if your faucet lacks this valve.
Frost-Free Faucets
- Contain a special valve that drains all water automatically.
- Can be installed DIY to replace a standard faucet.
- More expensive than non-frost free options.
Either option prevents frozen pipe headaches! Discuss your options with a plumber.
Hiring a Professional
If you aren’t comfortable tackling winterization yourself, hire a licensed plumber. Professionals have experience getting the job done efficiently and correctly.
Benefits of professional winterization:
- Experts know all the proper steps and avoid amateur mistakes.
- They have special tools and materials for insulating lines.
- Licensed plumbers can evaluate your plumbing for vulnerabilities.
- Professionals can test pipes for any leaks or damage after reconnecting.
- They can drain and disconnect additional lines like pools, spas etc.
For DIYers, calling a plumber just for winterization may be overkill. But if you need to replace your faucet with a frost-free model, professional help is a must.
In Conclusion
Although winterizing outdoor faucets without a shut off valve takes more effort, it’s still very doable. With some simple disconnecting, draining, insulating and sealing, you can protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures and costly damage. Using air pressure to fully empty supply lines and sealing all openings are the two most critical steps.
Stay diligent in checking your insulation seals during winter. And take preventative measures like sealing air leaks before cold weather sets in. With attention and care, your outdoor faucet can make it through winter safely, even without a handy shut off valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs my outdoor faucet is frozen?
Common signs of frozen outdoor faucets include:
- No water coming out when handle is turned on.
- Reduced flow or just a trickle of water coming out.
- Ice or frost visible on the faucet exterior.
- Strange noises like cracking or creaking coming from faucet.
What temperature do outdoor faucets freeze?
Outdoor faucets are in danger of freezing when temperatures dip below 20°F. But freezing can occur in any temperature below 32°F if the wind chill is cold enough.
Can I use a hair dryer to thaw a frozen pipe?
Yes, you can use a hair dryer on its lowest heat setting to gradually warm up a frozen pipe. Just be very careful to avoid overheating or burning one spot. Never aim high heat at a frozen section.
What should I use to insulate outdoor faucets?
- Foam pipe insulation wraps or tubing.
- Fiberglass insulation like batts or blown-in insulation.
- Foam insulation boards or sealants.
- Plastic bubble wrap or insulation sheets.
- Faucet covers or foam jackets.
Is it OK to turn on a frozen faucet?
No, you should never turn on a faucet you suspect is frozen. The pressure could cause the frozen section to burst. Always thaw it first by warming the pipe gradually.
Can I use WD-40 to prevent outdoor faucet freezing?
No, WD-40 is not recommended for preventing frozen pipes. It can actually rinse away pipe lubricants and damage seals. Insulation is a safer method.
How do you winterize a frost-free faucet?
Frost-free faucets winterize themselves, so no steps are needed. Just make sure the faucet is draining fully when water is shut off. If not, the internal vacuum-breaker valve may need replacing.
Should I cover my outdoor faucet with a box?
Yes, placing an insulated faucet box over your outdoor spigot provides excellent freeze protection. Ensure no gaps or air leaks around the edges.