Understanding Outdoor Faucet Types

Before winterizing your outdoor faucets, it's essential to know which type you have, as this will dictate the appropriate winterizing steps.

• Compression Faucets: These are the most common types that require you to turn the handle multiple times to open or close the valve. The tightening action compresses a washer against a valve seat to control water flow.

• Frost-Free Faucets: Specifically designed to reduce the risk of freeze damage, they have a long stem (or shaft) that shuts off water deep within the wall, away from the cold outside temperatures.

• Ball Faucets: These faucets have a single handle that rotates over a ball to control water flow and temperature. Ball faucets do not use washers like compression faucets.

• Ceramic Disk Faucets: These are newer and have two ceramic disks that slide over each other to regulate water flow. They are known for their durability and are less prone to dripping.

• Cartridge Faucets: Similar in appearance to compression faucets, they operate with a moveable stem cartridge that moves up and down to regulate water flow.

Here is how the types compare in terms of vulnerability to freezing:

Faucet Type	Freeze Vulnerability
Compression	High
Ball	Moderate to High
Ceramic Disk	Moderate
Cartridge	Moderate
Frost-Free	Low

Each type of faucet requires a different approach when winterizing, so ensure you follow the correct procedure for your specific faucet type to protect against the winter cold.

Locating Outdoor Faucets

Before you can winterize your outdoor faucets, it's important to locate all of them around your property. This will typically include hose bibs on the exterior of your home as well as any outbuildings like sheds or garages.

1. Start at the Front: Check the front of your home for any faucets; they're often found near the front garden or driveway.
2. Move to the Back: Examine the back of your house. Faucets here may be near a garden or outdoor living space.
3. Check All Sides: Look along the sides of your house. Sometimes faucets are placed for convenience to gardens or lawns.
4. Don’t Forget Outbuildings: If you have other buildings on your property, ensure you check around them as well.

Here's a quick reference to help you track:

Location	Noted (Yes/No)
Front of House
Back of House
Left Side House
Right Side House
Outbuildings

Make sure to note the location of each faucet on paper or a digital note-taking app. If you discover a faucet that’s difficult to access or obscured by vegetation, clear the area to ensure easy access for winterization. On a similar note, if your property includes a sprinkler system, identify the system's shut-off valve as it will also require attention.

Remember, these outdoor faucets are vulnerable to freezing temperatures and must be properly located to ensure they are adequately winterized to prevent damage.

Gathering Necessary Supplies

Before winterizing your outdoor faucets, ensure that you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Beginning with the basics, you'll need:

• Insulated faucet covers: These provide a physical barrier to protect against freezing temperatures.
• Adjustable wrench: Useful for tightening and loosening fittings.
• Plumber's tape: This helps to seal and prevent leaks.

Additionally, consider having these items:

• Foam pipe insulation: To cover exposed adjacent piping.
• Plastic zip ties or duct tape: For securing insulation in place.

Maintain a workspace with:

• Bucket or towel: To catch any remaining water.
• Flashlight: If additional light is needed.

It's helpful to store these supplies in a dedicated toolkit for outdoor plumbing maintenance. Prepare beforehand, and the process will be straightforward and efficient.

Shutting Off Water Supply

Before winter arrives, it's crucial to shut off the water supply to your outdoor faucets to prevent freezing and bursting pipes.

Locate Main Shut-Off Valve

Your first task is to find the main shut-off valve for your home's water supply. This is typically located in a basement, garage, or utility area. Look for a valve with a wheel or lever marked as the main water shut-off.

1. Basement/Garage: Usually found on a wall that faces the front of the house.
2. Utility Area: Often near the water heater or furnace.

Turn Off Water Supply

After locating the main shut-off valve, follow these steps:

• Ensure you have easy access to the valve.

• Turn the valve clockwise to close it, stopping the flow of water to your outdoor faucets.

  Turn Direction	Action
  Clockwise	Close (shut off)
  Counterclockwise	Open (turn on)

• Double-check that the valve is fully closed by attempting to turn on an outdoor faucet. No water should flow.

Draining Faucet and Pipes

Properly draining your outdoor faucets and pipes is crucial to prevent water from freezing inside, which could lead to cracks and costly repairs.

Open Faucet to Drain

Begin by shutting off the water supply to the outdoor faucet. Then, open the faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out. Ensure that all water is removed from the pipes to prevent freezing.

Use Air Compressor if Necessary

If water doesn't drain out completely or you want to ensure thoroughness, use an air compressor. Connect it to the faucet and turn on to blow out any residual water. Keep the pressure moderate to avoid damaging the pipes.

Insulating Faucets

Proper insulation of outdoor faucets prevents freezing and bursting pipes during cold weather. Ensuring full coverage is crucial for effective protection.

Apply Faucet Covers

• Step 1: Purchase a faucet cover suitable for your faucet type. Outdoor faucet covers come in different materials—such as foam, insulated fiberglass, or hard plastic.

  Materials Needed

  • Faucet cover
  • Clip or strap (if not included with the faucet cover)

• Step 2: Attach the faucet cover over the spigot. Secure it firmly with any provided clips or straps so that there is no exposure to the outside air.

Use Insulation Tape

• Step 1: Start by cleaning the faucet thoroughly to ensure the insulation tape adheres properly.

  Preparation Checklist

  • Clean, dry faucet
  • Insulation tape

• Step 2: Apply self-sealing insulation tape by wrapping it around the spigot, overlapping each layer slightly. Cover all exposed metal to prevent heat loss and block drafts.

Protecting Pipes

Proper insulation and sealing are your first lines of defense in protecting outdoor pipes from freezing. Ensuring these steps are done correctly can save you from costly repairs.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

• Materials Needed: Pipe foam insulation, pipe insulation tape, or heat tape/cables
• Steps:
  1. Measure the length and diameter of your pipes.
  2. Purchase suitable insulation material based on your measurements.
  3. Fit the foam insulation snugly around the pipe.
  4. Secure the insulation with tape, ensuring there are no gaps.
  5. For additional protection, wrap heat tape or cables around the insulation, particularly in areas known to reach sub-zero temperatures. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Seal Gaps and Holes

• Materials Needed: Caulk and caulk gun, expanding foam sealant
• Steps:
  1. Inspect the areas where pipes run through walls or foundations.
  2. Use caulk for smaller gaps and holes; a caulk gun can ensure even application.
  3. For larger openings, apply expanding foam sealant with care to avoid overfilling.
  4. Allow the sealant to dry completely, forming a firm barrier against cold air penetration.

Installing Frost-Free Sillcocks

Frost-free sillcocks prevent outdoor faucets from freezing during the winter months by housing the valve mechanism inside the home, away from the cold. Ensuring proper installation is crucial to avoid water damage and ensure longevity.

Remove Old Faucet

To remove the old faucet:

1. Shut off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Drain any remaining water from the pipe and faucet by opening the faucet valve.
3. Disconnect the faucet from the interior water line, usually found under a sink or in the basement.
4. Unscrew and remove the old faucet from the exterior wall.

Install New Sillcock

To install the new sillcock:

1. Apply pipe thread sealant to the threads of your new sillcock.
2. Ensuring proper pitch, install the new sillcock by screwing it into place, which allows water to drain from the spout when it's turned off.
3. On the inside, connect the sillcock to the water supply line with appropriate fittings.
4. Check for leaks by turning the water supply back on and testing the new sillcock.

Maintaining Faucets Through Winter

To ensure your outdoor faucets endure the winter without damage, it is vital to perform some routine maintenance.

Step 1: Shut Off Water Supply Locate the shut-off valve for your outdoor faucet, which is typically found indoors. Turn it clockwise to cut the water supply, preventing water from reaching the outdoor faucet.

Step 2: Drain Faucets Open the outdoor faucet to let any remaining water drain out. This step is crucial to prevent any water left in the pipes from freezing and causing the pipes to burst.

Step 3: Insulate the Faucet Cover the faucet with an insulation kit, commonly a foam cover, to provide a barrier against freezing temperatures. Secure insulation with heavy-duty tape if necessary.

• Faucet Cover Types:
  • Foam
  • Hard shell
  • Insulation tape

Step 4: Service and Repair Inspect the faucet for leaks or drips. Repairing these issues before winter arrives can prevent water from freezing inside the faucet or its piping.

• Common Service Points:
  • Washers
  • O-rings
  • Valve seats

Step 5: Check and Seal Gaps Examine the area around the faucet for any gaps or holes that can cause drafts. Use caulk or expandable foam to seal these gaps, keeping the cold air out.

Remember, regular maintenance not only extends the life of your faucets but also saves you from potential costly repairs. Taking these steps can protect your outdoor water sources from the harshness of winter.

Preventing Future Issues

To ensure your outdoor faucets remain undamaged through future winter seasons, adopt these preventative measures.

Insulate Your Faucets:

• Purchase foam faucet covers from a hardware store.
• Securely attach the covers to your faucets every winter.

Service Annually:

• Schedule an annual check-up for your plumbing before winter.
• Replace worn washers or components to avoid leaks.

Drain Garden Hoses:

• Disconnect and drain your garden hoses.
• Store them in a garage or shed to prevent freezing.

Empty the System:

• Shut off the internal valve controlling outdoor faucets.
• Open the faucet to allow any trapped water to escape.

Apply Heat Tape:

1. Wrap exposed pipes with electrical heat tape.
2. Plug in the heat tape to an outlet for the winter months.

Using these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of freeze-induced damage and costly repairs.