How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets Before the First Freeze

Water expands as it freezes. When a hose stays attached or water remains in the spigot, ice builds up and presses on the pipe. The pipe often cracks inside the wall, and the leak only shows once the weather warms. Coastal New Hampshire sees many freeze and thaw cycles, so protection matters every year.

The job takes only a few minutes per faucet, and it prevents costly repairs.

1. Disconnect and drain all garden hoses and splitters.
2. Find the interior shutoff valve for the outdoor line.
3. Close the interior valve completely.
4. Open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water.
5. Leave the faucet slightly open so air can move.
6. Cover the faucet with an insulated cap.

Supply lines in unheated garages, crawlspaces and basements are also at risk. Foam pipe sleeves are a cheap and effective protection. Seal drafts around pipes where they pass through walls and keep garage doors closed on the coldest nights.

• Install foam sleeves on exposed pipes
• Seal air leaks near pipes
• Open cabinet doors on exterior walls during cold snaps
• Keep the heat on in vacant spaces
• Let a faucet drip during extreme cold

When freezing weather ends, open the interior valve slowly and check the faucet and wall for leaks. Watch for dripping inside the house near the outdoor faucet, which may reveal a pipe that cracked during the winter.

• Close the outdoor faucet first
• Open the interior valve slowly
• Check the faucet for drips
• Look inside near the wall for dampness
• Call a plumber if you find a leak

Make winterizing a yearly habit by tying it to another fall chore, such as putting away patio furniture. A short checklist prevents missed steps and gives you confidence that every outdoor line is protected before the first hard freeze arrives.

• Disconnect, drain and store all hoses
• Close interior shutoffs for outdoor lines
• Drain and cover each outdoor faucet
• Insulate exposed pipes in garages and crawlspaces
• Drain irrigation and outdoor showers
• Locate the main shutoff in case of an emergency

A burst pipe inside a wall can release hundreds of gallons in a short time, damaging drywall, insulation, flooring and belongings. Repairs often involve opening the wall, replacing pipe and drying the structure. Compared to that, a foam cover and ten minutes of effort are very cheap protection.

If you are tired of winterizing every year or your faucet has frozen before, consider replacing it with a frost free sillcock and adding an interior shutoff. A plumber can install these quickly, and they reduce the chance of damage in extreme cold. Adding a vacuum breaker also protects your drinking water from backflow.