Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs or sillcocks, require special care and protection during the cold winter months to prevent freezing, bursting, and water damage. Wrapping and insulating outdoor faucets properly is an easy preventative task that can save homeowners a lot of time, money, and headaches down the road. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to wrap outdoor faucets for winter.
Turn Off the Water Supply and Drain the Faucet
The first step in winterizing outdoor faucets is to shut off the interior water supply valve that feeds water to the outdoor faucet. This valve is usually located near the main incoming water line inside your home. After shutting off the water, open the outdoor faucet to allow any water inside to drain out completely. This will prevent any remaining water from expanding as it freezes and potentially cracking the pipe.
Disconnect Hoses and Remove Faucet Accessories
Remove any hoses, sprinklers, or other accessories attached to the outdoor faucet. Detach and store hoses in a dry place for the winter. Drain and pack away any sprinklers or other accessories too. Removing all attachments allows full access to the faucet to wrap it properly.
Clean the Faucet
Use a rag to wipe away any dirt, debris, or grime on the faucet and surrounding areas. Start with the spout and work your way back to the pipe and wall surface. Avoid using harsh cleaners. You want the area to be free of anything that may prevent the insulating cover from sealing tightly.
Apply Pipe Insulation or Foam Cover
Most home improvement stores sell pre-shaped foam faucet covers that fit tightly over standard outdoor faucets. Cut a hole in the bottom allowing the water to drain out. Wrap the insulation around the faucet down to the pipe, securing it tightly with duct tape. You can also use flexible pipe insulation, wrapping it around the faucet several times and taping it securely. The key is to get a snug, protective layer over the entire faucet and pipe section leading outdoors.
Seal with Plastic and Duct Tape
Place a heavy plastic bag over the covered faucet, folding and sealing the open end snugly around the pipe insulation with waterproof duct tape. This adds an additional waterproof barrier and creates an insulating air pocket around the faucet. Wrap duct tape over the entire plastic covered area for maximum hold and protection.
Check Throughout Winter
It’s a good idea to visually inspect the wrapped outdoor faucets occasionally during winter. Check for any rips, tears, or other damage to the protective materials that may need re-taping. Also ensure water has not leaked into the covered area by feeling for any dampness or moisture. Rewrap immediately if you find any issues.
Remove Insulation in Spring
When spring arrives and the threat of freezing has passed, carefully remove all of the insulation, plastic and duct tape. Confirm the insulating materials protected the faucet adequately throughout the winter before reconnecting your hoses. Turn the water supply back on slowly to check for any leaks.
Properly wrapping and insulating outdoor faucets for winter takes only a small amount of time and effort but pays off in preventing costly plumbing repairs and water damage. Follow these key steps, and your outdoor faucet will make it through the winter in great shape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrapping Outdoor Faucets for Winter
Wrapping outdoor faucets for the winter is an essential seasonal maintenance task for any homeowner. Here are answers to some common questions about properly insulating outdoor faucets to prevent freezing and burst pipes:
Should I shut off the water supply before winterizing the faucet?
Yes, you should always shut off the interior water supply valve that feeds the outdoor faucet before winterizing. This prevents water from continuing to flow into the pipe as you insulate it.
What are the best materials to use to insulate my outdoor faucet?
Pre-shaped foam faucet covers, flexible pipe insulation, plastic bags, and waterproof duct tape are ideal materials for protecting outdoor faucets in winter.
How do I know if my outdoor faucet is sufficiently protected for winter?
The faucet and pipe should be covered with insulation so no metal is exposed. Plastic and duct tape should be wrapped tightly over the insulation. There should be no gaps or tears in the protective materials.
Should I remove hoses before winterizing my outdoor faucet?
Yes, any hoses or accessories attached to the faucet should be removed before insulating it for winter. Removing attachments allows full access to properly wrap the faucet.
How often should I check my wrapped outdoor faucet during winter?
It’s a good idea to visually inspect wrapped faucets occasionally during winter to check for any damage to the insulation or moisture getting in. Rewrap immediately if you notice any issues.
When can I remove the protective insulation materials from my outdoor faucet?
Once spring arrives and the threat of freezing temperatures has passed, you can remove the insulation, plastic, and tape from your wrapped outdoor faucets.
How can I prevent water damage if my insulated faucet still freezes and bursts?
Wrapping outdoor faucets properly will prevent most freezing. But installing an indoor shut-off valve just before the pipe exits outdoors can minimize water damage if a burst still occurs.
Is it okay to wrap my outdoor faucet with just plastic and duct tape?
No, plastic and duct tape alone are not sufficient insulation against freezing. Proper insulation like foam or pipe wrap should be applied before the plastic and tape.
Conclusion
Protecting outdoor faucets against sub-freezing winter temperatures is vitally important for avoiding ruptured pipes and costly plumbing issues. Following the key steps of shutting off water, draining lines, insulating with foam covers and pipe wrap, sealing with plastic and duct tape, and checking periodically will help safeguard outdoor faucets from freezing damage. A few simple materials and a bit of seasonal maintenance can save homeowners from huge headaches and repairs. Properly winterizing outdoor faucets will allow for worry-free enjoyment of indoor plumbing and water access all winter long.