Winterizing an outdoor faucet, often called a hose bib or spigot, is necessary maintenance that protects your home’s plumbing system from freezing temperatures. This simple procedure involves preparation and insulation, acting as a proactive measure against significant water damage during the colder months. Properly preparing and wrapping these fixtures ensures water does not remain trapped inside the line, preventing damage when the weather turns cold.
Understanding the Risk of Unprotected Faucets
Insulation is necessary because water expands by about 9% of its volume when it transitions from a liquid state to ice. When this expansion occurs inside a rigid, enclosed space like a water pipe, it generates immense pressure that the pipe cannot withstand. The failure point is often not directly at the faucet but in the pipe section located inside the wall, which is exposed to the exterior cold.
If the pipe bursts behind the wall, the damage remains hidden until the ice thaws and water begins to leak. This water can saturate insulation, damage drywall, and lead to mold growth and costly structural repairs inside the home. Preventing the water from freezing inside the pipe section leading to the exterior wall is the primary motivation for winterizing these fixtures.
Essential Pre-Insulation Steps
Before any physical wrapping is applied, the most important step is removing the water from the line susceptible to freezing. Start by disconnecting any hoses, splitters, or other attachments from the outdoor faucet. These accessories can trap water and prevent the line from draining completely, which can cause damage to both the faucet and the hose itself.
Next, locate the interior shut-off valve that controls the water flow specifically to the outdoor faucet, which is often found in a basement, crawl space, or utility room. Turn this valve to the off position, which cuts off the supply of water to the exterior fixture.
After the supply is shut off, return to the outdoor faucet and open the handle completely to allow any remaining water to drain out of the line. This action is paramount because it relieves pressure and ensures the pipe between the shut-off valve and the spigot is empty, preventing ice formation in this vulnerable section.
Applying the Insulation Materials
Once the line has been drained, the physical insulation can be applied to protect the fixture from exterior cold. A common and accessible solution is a rigid foam cover, which is typically dome-shaped and designed to fit directly over the spigot. These covers are generally made of dense, insulating material like Styrofoam and often have a cord or flexible gasket to secure them.
To apply this insulation, position the cover over the faucet and press it firmly against the house siding, ensuring the edge creates a tight seal against the exterior wall. For covers with a drawstring, cinch the cord tightly around the faucet neck, close to the house, to block cold air circulation.
Other effective options include flexible, insulated bags made of thick, weather-resistant fabric, or wrapping the faucet with several layers of old towels or rags as a temporary solution. If using fabric, cover the material with a plastic bag and secure it with duct tape. This prevents the fabric from getting saturated with rain or snow, which would reduce its insulating effectiveness.
The purpose of the physical cover is to trap minimal heat radiating from the house and provide a thermal barrier against the outside temperature. Before concluding the winterization, ensure the faucet handle is turned back to the closed position and all hoses are disconnected and stored away.