How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Prevent Frozen Pipes
Short answer: Before the first hard freeze, disconnect and drain hoses, close the indoor shutoff valve for each outdoor faucet, then open the outdoor faucet to drain and leave it open. Add an insulated faucet cover. Keep the house heated to at least 55 degrees F when you are away.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 15 to 30 minutes
- Updated
- November 9, 2026
What is causing it?
Water left in an outdoor faucet or the pipe feeding it expands as it freezes and can split the pipe. The damage often shows up as a leak inside the wall the first time the faucet is used in spring. A hose left attached traps water even in a frost-free sillcock.
Tools and materials
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Tools
- FlashlightTo find indoor shutoffsCheck price on Amazon
Materials
- Insulated outdoor faucet coversCheck price on Amazon
- Foam pipe insulationFor exposed pipes in crawl spaces and garagesCheck price on Amazon
- Hose reel or storage hangerCheck price on Amazon
How do you winterize outdoor faucets? Step by step
Disconnect hoses
Remove every hose, drain it, and store it. The American Red Cross recommends removing, draining and storing outdoor hoses.
Close the inside shutoff
Find the valve on the pipe inside the house that feeds each outdoor faucet and close it.
Drain the faucet
Open the outdoor faucet and let it drain. If the indoor valve has a small drain cap, open it over a bucket. The Red Cross advises leaving the outside valve open so any remaining water can expand without breaking the pipe.
Cover and insulate
Put an insulated cover over each faucet. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, garages and attics.
Shut down irrigation
Turn off and drain in-ground sprinkler systems following the system's instructions, or have them blown out by an irrigation pro.
Keep the heat on
During cold snaps, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls and let a faucet drip. When away, keep the heat at 55 degrees F or higher.
Safety notes
- Never use an open flame, torch or propane heater to thaw a pipe.
- To thaw a frozen pipe, open the faucet and apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, heating pad or warm towels, working from the faucet back toward the frozen section.
- If a pipe has burst, shut off the main water valve right away.
When should you call a pro?
- You cannot locate or reach the frozen section of pipe.
- A pipe has burst or water is leaking inside a wall or ceiling.
- You want frost-free sillcocks or heat cable installed.
Frequently asked questions
Do frost-free faucets need winterizing?
They still need the hose removed so the long stem can drain. An insulated cover adds protection.
When should I winterize outdoor faucets?
Before the first hard freeze forecast for your area.
Should I let faucets drip in freezing weather?
The National Weather Service and the Red Cross note that running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Sources
Steps are based on these manufacturer and safety references. Your product's own manual comes first.