How to Winterize Outdoor Spigot: Easy DIY to Prevent Burst Pipes

Key Takeaways

• Learning how to winterize outdoor faucets is important to avoid costly repairs and water damage caused by burst pipes.
• Winterizing outdoor faucets can be done using a variety of methods, from adding insulation with covers to installing a freeze-proof spigot.
• Using spigot covers is a quick and affordable way to shield your outdoor faucets from the cold, with several options available: foam, fabric, and heated covers.
• Frost free hose bibs offer a long-term solution to avoid the need for seasonal winterizing.

 

Understanding the Problem: Frozen Spigots and Burst Pipes

Water expands as it freezes, which is why frozen pipes and outdoor spigots can lead to burst pipes. When water turns into ice, it takes up more space. If this happens inside a pipe or spigot, the expanding ice puts pressure on the pipe walls. The frozen pipe can crack or burst if the pressure gets too high.

This cracking or bursting is not just a minor inconvenience. It can lead to significant water damage once the ice thaws and water starts leaking through these cracks. Repairing burst pipes is often expensive, not only because of the plumbing costs but also due to the potential water damage to walls, floors, and belongings. Thus, preventive measures for your outdoor plumbing and hose bibs are crucial in avoiding these costly and damaging scenarios in your yard.

 

How to Know if Your Outdoor Faucet Has Frozen

Recognizing the signs of a frozen outside water faucet is crucial for taking timely action to prevent damage. Here’s what to look out for:

1. No Water Flow: The most obvious sign is when you turn the handle and there's little to no water coming out from the spigot. This indicates that the water inside the pipe has likely frozen and is blocking the flow.
2. Strange Noises: If you hear unusual sounds, like whistling, banging, or clanking when the outdoor faucet is turned on, it could be a sign that ice is forming and the water is struggling to flow through the constricted space.
3. Frost or Ice on the Faucet or Pipe: Visible frost or ice accumulation on the exterior of the faucet or any exposed pipe is a clear indicator of freezing weather affecting your plumbing.
4. Unusually Slight Water Flow: If water flows out but with less force than usual, this could suggest that ice is partially blocking the water flow inside the pipe.
5. Leaks Around the Faucet: Sometimes, when the ice expands inside the pipe, it may cause small cracks that lead to leaks near the outside water faucet, which can be visible when the weather warms up a bit and the ice starts to melt.

 

4 Methods to Winterize Outdoor Faucets

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

When you turn off the water supply to the outdoor spigot, you're essentially creating a barrier that keeps the water line safe from the cold weather outside. This separation helps to ensure that any water remaining in the outdoor section of the pipe can be drained out, reducing the risk of freezing and subsequent damage.

To winterize outdoor faucets, start by locating the shut off valve inside your home, which could be in the basement, crawl space, or utility area. Turn this shut off valve clockwise to stop water from flowing to the outdoor spigot, preventing it from entering the pipes and freezing. After closing the shut off valve, check for any leaks to ensure no water can seep through and reach the outdoor faucet.

Finally, test the spigot outside by turning it on to make sure no water comes out, confirming that the water supply is successfully isolated and the spigot is ready for cold winters.

2. Drain the Remaining Water

Draining the water minimizes the risk of ice formation inside the pipes. When water freezes, it expands by about 9%, and this expansion can exert significant pressure on the pipe walls, leading to cracks or bursts. As water drains, this ensures that no water is left in the pipes that can freeze and create pressure within the outdoor plumbing system.

How to Properly Drain an Outdoor Faucet

1. After shutting off the internal water supply valve, go outside and open the outdoor spigot. This action allows any water remaining in the pipes to flow out. If the water doesn’t immediately start draining, give it some time as it may trickle out slowly.
2. Allow all the water to drain from the spigot. Depending on the length and orientation of the pipes, this could take several minutes. Ensure the water has stopped flowing before proceeding to the next step.
3. Position a rag or a bucket under the spigot to catch any residual drips. This precaution helps prevent water from causing damage or forming ice on nearby surfaces.
4. After the water appears to have stopped flowing, leave the spigot open for a bit longer to ensure all water has drained out. This step is crucial to make sure there's no water left that could freeze.

3. Insulate Your Outdoor Spigot Using Faucet Cover

Using insulated spigot covers is a straightforward and effective way to protect your garden faucets from below zero temperatures and freezing weather. These outdoor faucet covers typically feature an insulated material, often with a hard outer shell or a thick layer of insulating fabric, which is secured over the spigot.

The faucet cover creates a sealed environment, trapping warmth and preventing cold air from reaching the faucet and the exposed pipe. This thermal barrier helps to keep the spigot and adjacent pipe sections above freezing temperatures, even in extremely cold weather.

There are several types of outdoor faucet covers available, each designed to fit different needs and climates. Let’s explore the options:

1. Foam Covers: A budget-friendly choice, these covers are designed to fit snugly over the outdoor faucet and provide a basic layer of insulation. Foam spigot covers are easy to install and effective in areas where temperatures don’t drop too drastically.
2. Fabric Covers: With a higher level of insulation compared to foam, fabric covers are better suited for regions with harsher winters. Their flexibility makes them easy to adjust, and they typically feature secure straps to hold them in place over the outside water faucet.
3. Heated Covers: For areas with extremely colder climates, heated spigot covers offer the best protection. These covers use a built-in heating element to actively keep the outdoor faucets warm, even in sub-zero temperatures. While more expensive, they provide the peace of mind that your spigot will remain frost-free throughout the winter.

To properly cover an outside faucet:

1. Ensure the outdoor faucet is fully drained of water.
2. Place the insulated cover over the faucet, making sure it fits snugly and covers the entire fixture.
3. Secure the faucet cover as directed, often with a tie or Velcro strap, to ensure it stays in place and fully insulates the faucet.

In addition to covering the spigot itself, it’s also important to protect the pipes leading to the outdoor faucet. One effective way to do this is by using pipe sleeves.

These foam or rubber covers provide insulation to the exposed pipes, helping to keep them warm and prevent freezing. Pipe sleeves are especially useful in areas where pipes are more exposed to cold air, adding an extra layer of protection beyond the faucet cover.

Is It Better to Cover Outside Faucets or Let Them Drip?

When it comes to winterizing outdoor faucets, the common debate is between letting them drip or covering them. While a slow drip or moving water can help alleviate pressure build-up, it does not guarantee that the water in the pipes won’t freeze. In severe cold weather, even a dripping faucet can freeze, especially if the drip is not sufficient or if the ground temperature drops drastically. Additionally, dripping outside faucet in winter can lead to a significant waste of water over time.

On the other hand, covering outside faucets with insulated covers is a more effective and environmentally friendly method. These outdoor faucet covers help maintain a warmer temperature around the outside water faucet and its adjacent pipes, significantly reducing the risk of freezing. This approach is also applicable to hose bibs and outside sink faucets, which should be drained and covered following the same principles.

4. Consider a Freeze Proof Spigot

Freeze proof spigots, also known as frost free faucets, are designed to reduce the risk of water freezing inside the pipes, leading to bursts and leaks. These specialized water faucets work by automatically draining excess water from the pipes when the shut off valve is turned off.

It features a valve mechanism located not at the spout but deeper inside the pipe. When you turn off the outside water faucet, the valve inside the warm area closes, and the water remaining in the pipe section leading outside drains out through a small vent. This design prevents water from being trapped in the pipes where it could freeze and cause damage.

There are a few types of frost free hose bib available, and choosing the right one depends on your residential plumbing setup and your specific needs.

• Frost Free Sillcock: Most common type of freeze proof faucet, it’s designed with a long stem that places the valve several inches inside the house, far from freezing temperatures. When you turn off the faucet, the water shuts off deep inside the home, preventing any residual water from sitting in the outdoor portion of the pipe.
• Anti-Siphon Valve: An anti-siphon valve is an additional feature found on some frost free hose bibs. This valve prevents water from flowing back into your home’s water supply, which is especially helpful when using garden hoses or other attachments. By stopping potential contamination from entering the main water line, the anti-siphon valve adds an extra layer of protection for your water system.

When considering a freeze proof spigot, it’s important to choose a material that will stand up to the demands of your climate and water system.

• Brass: A popular choice for outdoor faucets due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. It can handle the wear and tear of outdoor use while maintaining its effectiveness over time. However, brass can be more expensive than other materials, and its weight may make it harder to install.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is another excellent material option, known for its resistance to rust and extreme cold weather conditions. It is especially useful in regions with harsh winters or where water quality might cause corrosion. While it can be more costly upfront, stainless steel faucets typically last longer and require less maintenance compared to other materials.

 

How to Fix a Frozen Spigot

Thawing a frozen outdoor spigot requires caution to avoid damaging the pipes. To fix this, start by gently warming the pipe leading to the spigot using a hair dryer or heat tape, moving along the pipe evenly to gradually defrost the ice. Never use an open flame as it can damage pipes and create a fire hazard. As the ice defrosts and melts, open the spigot slightly to allow water to flow, which will help to melt the ice more quickly and relieve built-up pressure. Continue applying heat until full water flow is restored.

Do I Need to Turn off the Outside Water for Winter?

Whether you need to turn off the outside water for winter largely depends on your local climate and how well you've winterized your outdoor plumbing. In regions where temperatures regularly fall below freezing, it's crucial to turn off the external water supply to prevent frozen faucet and bursting pipes.

Proper methods to winterize outside faucets, including draining the water and insulating the faucets, can mitigate the risk, but turning off the water adds an extra layer of protection. For those in milder climates, the risk may be lower, and homeowners might choose not to turn off the water, especially if the water faucets are well-insulated and used periodically during winter.

 

How to Repair a Leaky Outdoor Spigot

Repairing a leaky outdoor spigot usually involves replacing worn-out components like washers or seals. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Before starting the repair, turn off the water supply to the spigot to prevent water from gushing out when you disassemble it.
2. Remove the Handle: Unscrew and remove the handle from the spigot. You might need a screwdriver or a wrench, depending on the design of your spigot.
3. Take Out the Stem: Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew and remove the stem assembly from the spigot body. This is where you'll usually find the washer that needs replacing.
4. Replace the Washer: Inspect the washer at the end of the stem. If it's worn or damaged, replace it with a new one of the same size and thickness.
5. Reassemble the Spigot: Once the washer is replaced, reassemble the stem, handle, and any other components you removed, ensuring everything is tight and secure.
6. Test for Leaks: Turn the water supply back on and check the spigot for leaks. If it still leaks, there may be additional worn parts that need replacement, or the valve seat may be damaged.

The tips provided here are general guidelines for repairing a leaky outdoor spigot. It's best to consult with a professional plumber for specific issues or more complex repairs. They can offer expert advice and service to ensure your outdoor plumbing is properly fixed and maintained.

 

Protecting Outdoor Sprinkler Systems

Winterizing your outdoor sprinkler system is just as important as protecting your outdoor faucets. If not properly prepared for the cold, the water left inside sprinkler lines can freeze, expand, and cause cracks or bursts in the pipes. To protect it from freeze damage, drain and winterize the system by turning off the water supply, blowing out the remaining water, and covering exposed outdoor plumbing pipes where appropriate.

 

Safety Considerations in Winterizing Outdoor Faucets

While winterizing outdoor faucets is a relatively simple task, it’s important to stay mindful of safety to avoid injuries or accidents, especially when working in cold winters or near water sources. Here are a few key safety considerations:

• Wear Protective Gear: Wearing gloves not only protects your hands from the cold but also gives you a better grip when handling tools or outdoor faucet covers. If working with insulation materials like foam or fiberglass, safety glasses may help protect your eyes from debris.
• Be Cautious with Water and Electricity: If your outdoor faucet is located near electrical outlets, always be cautious when draining the faucet or using water nearby. Any accidental contact between water and electricity can lead to serious injury. It’s a good idea to cover or avoid any exposed electrical components while winterizing.
• Watch for Icy Conditions: When working outside in cold temperatures, icy conditions can make surfaces slippery. Use proper footwear with good traction to avoid slipping or falling.

By following these safety guidelines, you can winterize your outdoor faucets with confidence, avoiding potential hazards and keeping both your home and yourself safe during the colder months.

 

FAQs on How to Protect Water Spigot from Freezing

How to keep outside spigot from freezing?

Insulate the spigot with a cover, drain any remaining water, and shut off the interior water supply valve to prevent freezing.

What temp should you drip faucets?

You should drip faucets when the temperature drops to 20°F (-6°C) or lower. At this point, the risk of pipes freezing increases, and dripping the faucet keeps water moving, reducing the chance of freezing.

Can water spigot locks protect outdoor faucets in winter?

Water spigot locks are primarily designed to prevent water theft and unauthorized use of outside faucets during winter, rather than protecting the outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures. Crafted with a rust-resistant brass inner fitting and a sturdy chrome-plated brass cover, TRADESAFE Water Spigot Locks offer exceptional durability and resistance to harsh outdoor conditions. They are also equipped with a tough rubber gasket for a leakproof seal.

What is the difference between a hose bib and a spigot?

A hose bib is a specific type of spigot designed to have a threaded connection for attaching a garden hose, whereas "spigot" is a more general term for any outdoor faucet.

How long do outdoor spigots last?

With proper maintenance, outdoor spigots can last between 15 to 20 years, depending on the material, usage, and exposure to freezing weather conditions.