The short answer
Find the Shutoff Valve
Before you do anything, locate the shutoff valve for your outdoor faucet. It is usually inside your home, often in a basement, crawlspace, or utility room. Turn this valve clockwise to close it and stop water from reaching the outdoor spigot.
If you cannot find it, trace the pipe from the outdoor faucet to where it enters the house. In colder areas, some homes have a valve specifically for outdoor lines. If you live in Layton, keep the shutoff valve location written down so you can find it quickly in an emergency.
Drain the Water Line
After closing the shutoff valve, go outside and open the outdoor faucet. This lets any water left in the pipe drain out. Leave the faucet open for a few minutes to ensure all the water is gone.
If your faucet has a bleeder cap or a small drain valve, open that too. Some faucets are self-draining, but you should still open the spigot to release pressure. Once the water stops flowing, close the faucet, but leave the shutoff valve closed.
- Open the outdoor spigot fully
- Leave it open until water stops dripping
- Open any bleeder cap if present
- Close the spigot after draining
- Keep the shutoff valve closed all winter
Insulate the Faucet
Even with the water drained, the outdoor faucet itself can freeze. Wrap it with insulation tape or a faucet cover. You can use a simple cloth or a foam cover made for this purpose. This helps protect the metal from extreme cold.
If your faucet is on an exterior wall, consider adding a layer of foam pipe insulation to the exposed pipe. This reduces heat loss from the inside. Do not leave a hose attached, as water trapped in the hose can freeze and damage the faucet.
- Use a foam faucet cover
- Wrap the pipe with insulation tape
- Disconnect and drain any garden hose
- Store hoses indoors
- Seal any gaps around the pipe entry point
Check for Leaks
After you have drained and insulated, check the indoor shutoff valve for drips. A small leak can cause water to collect and freeze, expanding and cracking the pipe. If you see moisture, tighten the valve or replace the washer.
Also inspect the outdoor faucet for cracks or damage before winter. A cracked faucet can leak when you open it in spring. If you notice damage, replace the faucet before the cold weather sets in.
What If You Skip This
If you do not winterize, water left in the line can freeze and expand. This can burst the pipe or crack the faucet. When the ice thaws, you may find water leaking inside your walls or crawlspace.
Water damage from a burst pipe can be extensive. If that happens, you may need to remove wet flooring or dry out the crawlspace. Acting quickly after a leak helps limit the damage to your home.
Water damage does not wait
Call (801) 383-0232 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
Do I need to winterize a frost-proof faucet?
Frost-proof faucets are designed to drain themselves, but you still need to close the inside shutoff valve and open the outdoor spigot to let water out. If the hose is attached, remove it. Even with a frost-proof model, it is wise to insulate the faucet in extreme cold.
Can I use a faucet cover instead of draining?
A faucet cover alone is not enough. You must shut off the water supply and drain the line first. The cover only adds insulation, not protection from a full pipe freezing. Always drain the line before adding any cover.
What if I cannot find the shutoff valve?
If you cannot locate the shutoff valve, you may need to shut off the main water valve for your house. This stops all water flow, but you will need to drain the entire plumbing system. This is more involved, so consider calling a plumber to help you find the correct valve.