As winter approaches, homeowners begin preparing for colder temperatures, especially when it comes to protecting outdoor spigots. Freezing outdoor spigots can lead to serious plumbing problems, including burst pipes and costly repairs. The good news is that with a few simple steps, you can prevent your outdoor spigots from freezing, even during the coldest months.
In this guide, we’ll explore expert tips and solutions on how to stop outdoor spigots from freezing. From winterizing your outdoor plumbing to upgrading your spigots, you’ll learn the best practices to keep your outdoor water sources functioning properly year-round.
Why Outdoor Spigots Freeze and Why You Need to Care
Outdoor spigots, also known as hose bibs or outdoor faucets, are designed to provide easy access to water outside the home. However, because these spigots are typically installed outside and often connected to pipes running through unheated areas (like exterior walls, crawl spaces, or basements), they are vulnerable to freezing during the winter.
When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside these exposed pipes can freeze, causing the water to expand. This expansion can create pressure within the pipes, leading to cracks or breaks in the pipes or the faucet itself. Once the ice thaws, you may be left with a damaged faucet or, even worse, a flood inside your home.
By taking proactive measures to winterize your outdoor spigots, you can avoid these costly repairs and ensure your outdoor plumbing remains intact.
Expert Steps to Prevent Outdoor Spigots from Freezing
1. Shut Off the Water Supply to Outdoor Spigots
One of the first steps in preventing frozen outdoor spigots is to shut off the water supply to the faucet. Most homes have an interior valve that controls the flow of water to the outdoor faucet. This valve is typically located inside the house, in a basement, crawl space, or utility room.
To prevent freezing:
- Locate the shut-off valve that controls water to the outdoor spigot.
- Turn off the valve, ensuring the water supply is completely cut off.
- Once the water is turned off, open the outdoor spigot to allow any remaining water in the pipe to drain out. This reduces the risk of water freezing inside the pipe.
2. Install Frost-Free Outdoor Faucets
Frost-free outdoor faucets are designed to prevent freezing by keeping the valve inside your home or a heated space. Unlike traditional outdoor faucets, which are exposed to cold temperatures, frost-free faucets have a long stem that connects to a valve located inside the home or an insulated wall. This design prevents the part of the faucet exposed to the elements from freezing.
If your home is equipped with older, traditional spigots, replacing them with frost-free models is a worthwhile investment. These faucets are widely available at home improvement stores and can often be installed by homeowners or with professional help.
Benefits of Frost-Free Faucets:
- The valve is positioned inside the house or well-insulated area.
- The spigot is designed to drain water when the faucet is turned off, preventing water from freezing.
- Long-lasting and low-maintenance, frost-free faucets provide protection even during extreme winter weather.
3. Use Outdoor Faucet Covers
If replacing your outdoor spigots with frost-free models isn’t an option, another quick and inexpensive solution is to install faucet covers. These insulated covers help protect your outdoor faucets from freezing by providing an extra layer of insulation around the spigot.
Faucet covers are typically made of foam or fiberglass insulation and are designed to slip over the spigot, keeping the cold air away from the faucet. They’re easy to install and can be found at most hardware stores. Simply slip the cover over the faucet and secure it with a tie or strap. Be sure to remove the cover once the weather warms up to allow proper airflow around the faucet.
Benefits of Faucet Covers:
- Inexpensive and easy to install
- Can be reused year after year
- Protects faucets from freezing temperatures, especially in areas with milder winters
4. Insulate Exposed Pipes
In addition to protecting the faucet itself, it’s important to insulate the pipes that lead to the outdoor spigot. Exposed pipes, particularly those running along exterior walls or through unheated crawl spaces, are especially vulnerable to freezing.
To insulate these pipes:
- Use foam pipe insulation or fiberglass sleeves to cover any exposed plumbing. These materials are readily available at hardware stores and are relatively easy to install.
- Pay close attention to areas where the pipes are most exposed, such as near windows, doors, or exterior walls.
- Seal any gaps or cracks around windows or doors near plumbing to keep cold air from infiltrating.
Insulating pipes helps to maintain a more consistent temperature and reduces the chances of water freezing inside the pipes, especially during extreme cold spells.
5. Let Faucets Drip
In areas that experience prolonged freezing temperatures, experts recommend letting outdoor spigots drip slightly during the coldest weather. The movement of water through the pipes prevents it from freezing.
This method is particularly useful for homes that may not have access to an interior shut-off valve for outdoor spigots. Allowing water to drip from the faucet creates enough flow to reduce the likelihood of freezing. However, this method should only be used as a last resort and is not as effective as turning off the water supply and draining the pipes.
Important Considerations:
- Only use this method when freezing temperatures are expected for extended periods.
- Make sure the drip is small; a continuous stream of water can waste water and increase your utility bills.
6. Apply Heat Tape
For homes with exposed pipes that run through crawl spaces, basements, or attics, heat tape can be an effective solution. Heat tape is an electrical heating element that can be wrapped around pipes to keep them warm during the winter months.
This is an especially useful solution for pipes that cannot be easily insulated or for areas that experience extreme cold. The heat tape can be set to automatically activate when the temperature drops below a certain level, ensuring that the pipes remain warm and free from the risk of freezing.
Important Notes on Heat Tape:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for safe installation.
- Make sure the tape is rated for use on water pipes and can withstand outdoor conditions.
7. Regularly Check for Leaks or Signs of Freezing
Throughout the winter, it’s important to check your outdoor spigots and the surrounding plumbing for any signs of damage. Look for leaks, cracks, or unusual water flow that may indicate frozen or damaged pipes. Early detection of a problem can help prevent more extensive damage and reduce the need for costly repairs.
If you do detect a frozen pipe, you can try to thaw it with a hairdryer or space heater. However, if you are unsure about how to safely address a frozen pipe, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
Conclusion
Stopping outdoor spigots from freezing is crucial for preventing costly damage and ensuring that your plumbing remains in good working order through the winter. By following these expert recommendations—from shutting off the water supply to installing frost-free faucets or using insulation—you can safeguard your outdoor faucets and avoid plumbing mishaps.
It’s a good idea to prepare well in advance of the first freeze by inspecting your outdoor plumbing, installing necessary upgrades, and taking proactive measures like insulating pipes and using faucet covers. By making these small investments in time and materials, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your outdoor spigots are safe, even during the coldest winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best way to protect outdoor spigots from freezing?
The best way to protect outdoor spigots is to shut off the water supply to the faucet, install frost-free faucets, and insulate exposed pipes. Using faucet covers or heat tape can also provide extra protection.
2. How do I know if my outdoor faucet is frost-free?
A frost-free faucet has a long stem with the valve located inside the wall or in a heated area. The faucet design prevents freezing because it drains water from the exposed part of the faucet.
3. Can I use regular faucet covers to prevent freezing?
Yes, faucet covers made from foam or fiberglass can help prevent freezing by providing insulation around the faucet. These covers are easy to install and offer temporary protection during cold weather.
4. Should I let my outdoor faucet drip to prevent freezing?
Allowing an outdoor faucet to drip can help prevent freezing, especially in extreme cold, by maintaining water movement through the pipes. However, this method is less effective than shutting off the water supply and draining the pipes.
5. How can I tell if my outdoor pipes are frozen?
Signs of frozen pipes include reduced or no water flow from the faucet, unusual sounds in the pipes, or visibly frozen pipes. If you suspect a frozen pipe, try gently thawing it with a hairdryer or space heater. If unsure, call a plumber for assistance.
