How do I keep my outside faucet from freezing?

Freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to outside faucets and pipes. When water freezes it expands, putting pressure on whatever is containing it. This pressure can cause pipes to burst and faucets to crack if the water inside them freezes. Taking some simple precautions and maintenance steps can help prevent the need for costly repairs.

Why Do Outside Faucets Freeze?

Outdoor faucets, spigots, and hose bibs are vulnerable to freezing because they are exposed to cold outside air temperatures. While the plumbing inside your house is protected from freezing because of the heated indoor temperatures, outdoor faucets do not have this protection.

Below are some of the main reasons why outside faucets and spigots are prone to freezing:

• Cold air exposure – Being outside means the faucet is subject to cold ambient temperatures.
• Lack of insulation – Outdoor plumbing is not wrapped or insulated like indoor plumbing.
• Positioning – Faucets on the north side of a building get less sun exposure.
• Water remains in the line – If the faucet is not fully drained, any remaining water can freeze.
• Sudden drops in temperature – Quick cold snaps can catch unprepared faucets.

Understanding these reasons helps explain why it is so important to take measures to prevent outside faucet freezing. Let’s look at some ways to do that.

7 Ways to Prevent Outside Faucet Freezing

Here are 7 tips and methods you can use to try and stop your outdoor spigots and bibs from freezing up in cold weather:

1. Disconnect hoses – Detach all hoses from the faucet and store them for the winter. The hose can contain water that can freeze and expand back into the pipe.
2. Insulate pipes – Wrap any exposed pipes leading to the faucet with insulation sleeves or heat tape. This helps moderate the temperature.
3. Seal gaps – Use caulk or insulation foam sealant to plug any spaces around the faucet and pipes where cold air could get in.
4. Turn off interior valves – Shut off the interior water supply valves that feed the outdoor faucets if available.
5. Open exterior valves – Make sure the exterior valves are completely open to allow any remaining water to drain out.
6. Drain the lines– After shutting off the interior water valves, open the outside faucet to allow the line to drain fully.
7. Use a faucet cover – Styrofoam faucet covers are available that slide over and insulate the fixture.

These prevention measures range from simple steps like detaching a hose to more involved insulation projects. Using several of these tips together can provide the best protection.

How to Drain and Shut Off an Outside Faucet for Winter

Draining outdoor faucets before winter is one of the most effective ways to avoid freezing problems. Here are the steps to drain and shut down an outside spigot or bib:

1. Locate the indoor shut off valve for the outdoor faucet and turn it off. This is usually near the main water line and will have a label.
2. Go outside and open the exterior faucet handle to the full on position. This will allow the line to drain any remaining water.
3. Once the water has finished draining from the faucet, close the exterior valve handle.
4. Disconnect any hoses, sprayers, or other attachments from the faucet.
5. Use a pipe insulation sleeve, heat tape, or faucet cover to insulate the now-drained fixture.

Following this simple process of turning off the water, draining the line, and insulating the valve can help prevent freezing all winter long. Just be sure to fully open the faucet after shutting off the water to allow proper drainage.

What to Do if an Outside Faucet Freezes

Even with preventive measures, outside faucets can still sometimes end up freezing. Here are some do’s and don’ts if you discover a frozen exterior faucet or pipe:

Don’t:

• Don’t try to thaw the pipe with an open flame – This can damage the pipe and cause a fire.
• Don’t leave garden hoses attached – Frozen water inside can burst the hose.
• Don’t turn the faucet on and off – This puts more stress on the already frozen water.

Do:

• Do begin thawing nearest to the faucet – This lets melting water drain out.
• Do use a hair dryer, heating pad, or other electric heat source – Slowly apply to thaw ice.
• Do make sure once thawed the valve stays open – Allows water to drain and pressure to release.
• Do consider calling a plumber for major issues – They have commercial thawing equipment.

The main goals are to safely thaw the ice without damaging the pipe, let the thawed water drain out, and relieve any pressure buildup. Calling a professional plumber is recommended if you are uncomfortable with the thawing process or if there is a major ice blockage.

Preventing Damage from Freezing Pipes and Faucets

Burst pipes and cracked faucets can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Here are some tips on preventing frozen pipe damage:

• Insulate vulnerable pipes – Wrap exposed outdoor and unheated indoor pipes with insulating pipe sleeve products.
• Seal air leaks – Use caulk or insulation to seal gaps and cracks where cold air can enter near pipes.
• Learn to shut off your water – Know where the water shutoff valve is so you can immediately turn water off if a pipe bursts.
• Drain pipes before vacations – If leaving your home for several days, drain your plumbing system.
• Set faucets to drip – During extreme cold snaps, set faucets to lightly run to keep water moving.

Catching and thawing freeze-ups early is also key. Set up routines to inspect pipes during cold weather. Look for leaks, icicles, or bulges indicating an imminent pipe burst. Taking action quickly can mean less damage.

Replacing a Frozen or Burst Pipe Outside Faucet

If you experience a complete faucet or pipe failure, replacement may be needed. Here are some tips on replacing an exterior frozen or burst faucet:

• Turn off main water supply before starting any work.
• Cut out any burst pipe sections and take them to the hardware store to match size and material.
• Thaw any frozen valves before attempting to remove the faucet.
• Clean pipe exteriors so any new parts have a solid attachment.
• Wrap pipes with heating tape and insulate after installing new faucet.

Outdoor faucet replacement is intermediate level DIY plumbing work. Make sure to watch tutorials or consult a plumber if you have any doubts. Preventing the issue in the first place is much easier than replacing damaged parts.

Conclusion

Freezing temperatures and outdoor plumbing can be a recipe for expensive damage. But taking some basic preventive measures can help avoid frozen pipe headaches. Disconnect hoses, insulate pipes, and drain water lines before winter sets in. If freeze-ups do occur, act quickly but safely to thaw ice blockages. With proper preparation and care, your outdoor faucets and pipes can make it through winter undamaged.