How To Winterize Outdoor Spigots
It gets cold here in Fort Collins! As temperatures drop, it’s important to protect your home’s plumbing—especially outdoor spigots. If left unprotected, the water inside your exterior faucets and pipes can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst. That can lead to expensive water damage and repairs. Winterizing your outdoor spigots is a small task that can save you from a major headache.
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
To winterize your outdoor spigots, start by shutting off the water supply to the exterior faucets. Most homes have a dedicated shut-off valve located inside, usually in the basement, utility room, or crawl space. If your home doesn’t have a separate shut-off valve for outdoor spigots, consider having one installed to make winterization easier in the future.
2. Drain the Faucet
Once the water supply is off, you need to drain any remaining water from the pipes to prevent freezing and expansion. You can do this by turning on the spigots and letting any trapped water drip out. Leave them open to make sure no residual water stays in the pipes. If your spigot has a vacuum breaker or backflow preventer, press the small valve or button to release any remaining water.
3. Disconnect Any Garden Hoses
Leaving a garden hose attached to an outdoor spigot during freezing temperatures can trap water inside, leading to ice buildup and potential pipe damage. Like your spigots, take a minute to drain all the water from your hoses before storing. Storing them properly will help extend their lifespan and prevent cracks.
4. Install a Faucet Cover or Insulation
Even after shutting off the water supply and draining the spigot, it’s important to add extra protection with insulation. You can purchase an insulated faucet cover from a hardware store. These foam covers fit over the faucet and help retain heat. If you don’t have a store-bought cover, you can wrap the faucet with towels, rags, or insulation material and secure it with plastic wrap or duct tape.
For extra protection, consider installing a frost-free outdoor faucet, which is designed to prevent freezing by keeping water away from the exposed area.
5. Make Sure Everything is in Good Condition
Before winter hits, check for any leaks or drips from your outdoor spigots. Even a small drip can cause water to freeze and create pressure in the pipes.
If you notice leaks, replace washers or gaskets to create a tight seal. Persistent leaks may indicate a more serious issue, so if you can’t get a leak to stop, have a plumber take a look.
Why do I need to winterize my outdoor spigots?
Taking these easy steps before winter arrives can help prevent frozen pipes, costly repairs, and water damage inside your home. To keep your plumbing system in top shape, make sure that winterizing outdoor faucets is part of your annual home maintenance routine.
Need help with your outdoor spigots? Aspen Plumbing is here to help.
We offer repairs for outdoor spigots for people in Fort Collins, Colorado, and surrounding areas. Don’t stress about fixing a spigot yourself! Our team can get the job done in no time. Reach out today to schedule your appointment.
