Winterizing Outdoor Faucets Each Fall

Why it matters

A split hose-bib line often stays hidden until spring, on the first warm Saturday, when the spigot is opened and the flow sprays inside the rim joist rather than onto the tulips. By then the drywall, insulation and whatever sits below have been soaking quietly.

The routine, in order

1. Disconnect every hose. Any coupled hose holds a column of water inside even the frost-proof style of spigot.
2. Hunt down the indoor valve. Follow the pipe inward from where the spigot pokes through; there is usually a small handle on the ceiling of the basement within a metre of the wall.
3. Turn that handle clockwise until snug.
4. Go outside and open the spigot. A splash, then nothing, is what you want.
5. Empty the stub. Many indoor valves have a tiny brass cap on the side; with a bowl underneath, unscrew it to let the trapped water run out, then refit it.
6. Leave the outdoor spigot open until April, so any stray drip can escape.

Mistakes to avoid

• Assuming a long frost-free spigot needs no attention. It still needs the hose off.
• Shutting the indoor valve but leaving the outside one closed, which keeps water in the line.
• Leaving foam covers off on a north wall exposed to wind off the lake.

Where a plumber takes over

When a spigot drips with the handle shut, leaks inside the wall when opened, or has no shut-off. Our hose bib repair page explains the fix, and our frozen pipe manual covers the rest of the house.