Winterizing your outdoor faucets
Last updated August 7, 2023
As the colder months approach, it's vital to winterize your outdoor hose connections to prevent freezing, bursting, and potential water damage inside your home. Sanford Kramer, a master plumber, provides some easy-to-follow steps to ensure your outdoor faucets are ready for winter.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Remove Attachments: Begin by removing any garden hoses or hose connections from the outdoor faucet, often called a silcock or hose valve. Make sure to turn off the water before removing the hose. Store the hose somewhere safe so it's ready for spring.
- Indoor Shut-off Valve:
- Locate the shut-off valve on the inside of your house. Typically, it's on a straight path through the wall from where your outdoor faucet is, often found in the basement or the ceiling of the basement.
- Turn this valve off (clockwise) until it can't turn any further. This action stops the water supply to the external faucet.
- Address the Vacuum Breaker (if present):
- Some hose bibs have a vacuum breaker at the point where you attach your hose. If you have one, locate the ring on it.
- Pull this ring down to allow any remaining water to drain out. This action helps prevent freezing.
- Leave this ring pulled down throughout the winter.
- Drain Remaining Water:
- Return outside to the hose bib and open the valve to let any leftover water drip out.
- Leave the valve open all winter. Doing so ensures that any condensation or moisture inside will be able to drain, preventing freezing and potential damage.
See our video walkthrough below:
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