How To Turn Off Outside Water Faucet For Winter

How to Turn Off Your Outside Water Faucet for Winter: A Comprehensive Guide

Winterizing your home is crucial to prevent costly and damaging plumbing issues. One often-overlooked step is properly turning off your outside water faucet. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to significant water damage and expensive repairs. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your outdoor faucets are winter-ready.

Understanding Your Outdoor Faucet

Before you begin, it's important to identify the type of outdoor faucet you have. There are primarily two types:

1. Standard Hose Bibb (Frost-Proof Faucet):

This is the most common type. These faucets have a shut-off valve inside the wall, usually about 6-12 inches from the exterior. Water is only exposed to the elements near the spout, significantly reducing the risk of freezing. These faucets usually require less attention during winterization.

2. Regular Hose Bibb (Non-Frost-Proof Faucet):

This type of faucet lacks the internal shut-off valve. The water line runs directly to the spout, making it far more vulnerable to freezing. These faucets require more attention during winterization and may need to be completely drained.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Off Your Outside Faucet for Winter

The process varies slightly depending on your faucet type. Follow the steps below tailored to your specific faucet.

For Frost-Proof Faucets:

1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve inside your home, usually near where the pipe enters the wall. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water flow.
2. Turn on the outside faucet: Open the outside faucet fully. This will allow any remaining water in the line to drain out.
3. Check for leaks: After a few minutes, check for any leaks around the valve inside the wall.
4. (Optional) Insulation: Consider adding some insulation around the outside faucet, such as a foam cover, for extra protection against extreme cold.

For Non-Frost-Proof Faucets:

1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve inside your home, usually near where the pipe enters the wall. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.
2. Turn on the outside faucet: Open the outside faucet fully to allow any remaining water to drain.
3. Drain the faucet: If your faucet has a small drain hole near the handle or base, use a small, pointed object to clear any blockage to aid drainage.
4. Disconnect the hose: Disconnect any hoses connected to the outside faucet to prevent water from being drawn back into the line.
5. Insulate: Thoroughly insulate the faucet and exposed pipe with materials designed for winter protection (e.g., pipe insulation foam sleeves). This is essential for preventing freezing.

Additional Tips for Winterizing Your Outdoor Faucets:

• Inspect Regularly: Even with the proper steps, periodically check your outside faucets during periods of extreme cold to make sure they are not frozen.
• Consider a Vacuum Breaker: Vacuum breakers are pressure relief valves that can help prevent backflow into your home’s water system.
• Professional Help: If you are unsure about any step or are uncomfortable working with plumbing, it is always best to consult a qualified plumber.

By following these steps, you can protect your outdoor plumbing from freezing and avoid costly repairs. Remember, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way in maintaining your home’s integrity and saving you money.