As temperatures drop in the winter months, one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face is the freezing of outdoor faucets or spigots. When water inside these faucets freezes, it can expand and cause the pipes to burst, leading to water damage and expensive repairs. Fortunately, there are several ways you can prevent your outdoor faucets from freezing and avoid these costly issues.
In this guide, we will cover various methods to keep your outdoor faucets or spigots from freezing during the colder months. From simple DIY techniques to more permanent solutions, we’ll help you protect your home’s plumbing system and ensure that your outdoor water supply remains functional throughout winter.
Why Do Outdoor Faucets Freeze?
Outdoor faucets freeze when the temperature drops below 32°F (0°C), causing the water inside the faucet and connecting pipes to freeze. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the faucet and pipes. This pressure can cause the pipes to crack or even burst, leading to significant damage once the weather warms up and the ice thaws.
Faucets that are located on exterior walls, or those exposed to harsh weather conditions, are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, if the faucet has a long exposed pipe or is connected to an unheated space, freezing becomes more likely.
Now that we understand why outdoor faucets freeze, let’s explore the best ways to keep them safe during the winter months.
How to Keep Outdoor Faucets From Freezing
1. Disconnect and Drain Garden Hoses
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent freezing is to disconnect and drain garden hoses. Leaving a hose attached to your outdoor faucet can trap water inside the hose, which can freeze and then block or damage the faucet. Even if there’s no water in the faucet itself, a hose filled with water can create a blockage that prevents the faucet from draining properly.
How to do it:
- Disconnect any garden hoses from your outdoor faucets before the temperature drops.
- Turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water in the hose and faucet.
- Store the hose in a dry, protected area to prevent damage from freezing.
By removing hoses and draining your faucets, you minimize the chances of freezing and ensure your outdoor faucets stay functional.
2. Install Outdoor Faucet Insulation Covers
Insulation covers for outdoor faucets are one of the most reliable and affordable ways to keep your faucets from freezing. These covers are typically made from foam or other insulating materials that help prevent the cold from reaching the faucet and its connecting pipes.
How to do it:
- Purchase a foam or insulated faucet cover at a hardware store. These covers are inexpensive and easy to use.
- Place the cover over your outdoor faucet, ensuring it fits snugly around the spigot.
- Some covers have a Velcro strap or tie to secure them in place, while others simply slip over the faucet.
- Check that the cover is firmly attached to prevent it from blowing away in high winds.
Insulated faucet covers are a quick and effective way to add protection during the winter months. They can be used on most standard outdoor faucets and are highly recommended for homeowners in colder climates.
3. Install a Frost-Free Faucet
If you live in an area with harsh winters, installing a frost-free or freeze-proof faucet is a more permanent solution. These faucets are designed to prevent freezing by using a long stem that extends into the home’s heated space. This ensures that the water inside the faucet remains above freezing temperatures, even when the outside temperatures drop.
How to do it:
- Hire a professional plumber to install a frost-free outdoor faucet.
- The plumber will replace your existing faucet with one that features a long valve stem, which shuts off the water inside the house rather than at the faucet.
- Frost-free faucets can be more expensive initially, but they provide long-term protection and reduce the risk of freezing and burst pipes.
A frost-free faucet is a great investment if you frequently deal with freezing temperatures and want to avoid the hassle of covering and insulating your faucet every winter.
4. Insulate Pipes and Faucets
If your outdoor faucet is connected to an exposed pipe or runs along an unheated wall, insulating the pipes can be an effective way to prevent freezing. Insulation works by adding a layer of protection around the pipe, keeping it warmer and reducing the chance of freezing.
How to do it:
- Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to wrap the pipes connected to your outdoor faucet.
- Foam pipe insulation can be found at most hardware stores and comes in pre-slit tubes that easily slip over the pipes.
- Alternatively, you can use heat tape, which plugs into an electrical outlet and warms the pipe to prevent freezing.
- If your faucet is attached to an unheated exterior wall, you can add insulation around the wall itself, such as spray foam or fiberglass insulation.
Pipe insulation is a low-cost solution that adds long-term protection against freezing temperatures, especially in areas prone to severe cold.
5. Shut Off the Water Supply to Outdoor Faucets
If you’re not planning on using your outdoor faucet during the winter, one of the best ways to ensure it doesn’t freeze is to shut off the water supply to the faucet entirely. Most homes have a shutoff valve inside the house that controls water flow to outdoor spigots.
How to do it:
- Locate the shutoff valve for your outdoor faucet inside your home, typically in the basement or crawl space.
- Turn off the valve to stop water from flowing to the outdoor faucet.
- Open the faucet to drain any remaining water in the pipe and prevent it from freezing.
- Leave the faucet open during the winter to ensure any residual water can escape.
Turning off the water supply to your outdoor faucet is one of the most foolproof methods for preventing freezing and protecting your plumbing.
6. Use Heat Tape or Cable
Heat tape or heat cables are electrical devices designed to wrap around pipes to prevent them from freezing. These are particularly useful for pipes that run outside or through unheated spaces like crawl spaces.
How to do it:
- Purchase heat tape or heat cable designed for outdoor pipes.
- Wrap the tape or cable around the pipe leading to your outdoor faucet, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Plug in the heat tape, and it will begin warming the pipe to prevent freezing.
Heat tape and cable provide an extra layer of protection for pipes that are particularly vulnerable to freezing. While they do require electricity, they are a reliable solution for severe cold weather.
7. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Outdoor Faucets
Gaps and cracks around your outdoor faucet can allow cold air to reach the faucet and its pipes, increasing the risk of freezing. Sealing these gaps can help to keep the faucet and surrounding pipes warmer.
How to do it:
- Inspect the area around your outdoor faucet for any gaps or cracks in the wall or around the faucet.
- Use weatherstripping, caulk, or spray foam insulation to seal any gaps or cracks.
- Ensure that the area around the faucet is tightly sealed to prevent cold air from getting in.
Sealing gaps and cracks not only helps protect your faucet from freezing but also increases the overall energy efficiency of your home by keeping drafts out.
Conclusion
Freezing outdoor faucets can cause significant damage to your plumbing, but with the right preventative measures, you can keep your outdoor faucets and spigots in good condition throughout the winter. Whether you’re using simple insulation covers, disconnecting hoses, or installing a frost-free faucet, there are many ways to protect your outdoor water supply.
By taking these proactive steps, you’ll reduce the risk of frozen pipes and save yourself the hassle and expense of repairs. Stay ahead of the cold weather, and ensure that your outdoor faucets remain functional and safe all winter long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I tell if my outdoor faucet has frozen?
Signs of a frozen faucet include reduced or no water flow, and frost or ice visible around the faucet. If you suspect freezing, check the pipes leading to the faucet for cracks or bulging.
Is it necessary to shut off the water to outdoor faucets in winter?
Yes, shutting off the water supply to outdoor faucets is one of the best ways to prevent freezing and ensure your faucet remains in good condition throughout the winter.
Can I use a hair dryer to thaw a frozen outdoor faucet?
Yes, if your faucet is frozen, you can use a hair dryer to gently thaw the pipes. Start at the faucet and work your way back toward the shutoff valve to ensure the ice melts and water can flow freely.
How long do faucet covers last?
Faucet covers are generally durable and can last several winters. However, they should be checked each season for any damage or wear. If the cover is worn out or damaged, replace it to ensure effective protection.
Do I need to use heat tape on all outdoor pipes?
Heat tape is recommended for pipes that are particularly exposed to the cold, such as those outside or in unheated spaces. If you live in an area with mild winters, it may not be necessary, but it’s an added layer of protection in extreme cold.
