How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs

Why outdoor faucets are vulnerable

Outdoor hose bibs extend through the exterior wall, exposing a section of pipe to freezing air. When water trapped in that section freezes, it expands and can crack the brass body or split the copper supply line behind the wall — often without any visible sign until you turn the faucet on in spring and discover water pouring inside the wall cavity. A single burst hose bib costs $150–$500 to repair, plus potentially thousands in water damage if it goes undetected.

Step-by-step winterization

• Disconnect all hoses — a connected hose traps water in the faucet body, guaranteeing a freeze. Drain hoses, coil them, and store indoors or in a shed
• Locate the interior shut-off valve — most homes have a dedicated valve on the supply line feeding each outdoor faucet, usually in the basement or crawl space near the exterior wall penetration
• Close the shut-off valve — turn the valve clockwise until fully closed
• Drain the residual water — with the shut-off closed, open the outdoor faucet and let any remaining water drip out completely. Leave it in the open position through winter so any trapped water can expand without building pressure
• Install insulated covers — foam faucet covers ($3–$8 each) provide an extra layer of freeze protection. They slip over the hose bib and secure with a drawstring or Velcro strap
• Check frost-proof models — if you have frost-proof (anti-siphon) hose bibs, they still need hoses disconnected. The long stem moves the valve seat 8–12 inches inside the heated wall, but a connected hose traps water ahead of the seat and defeats the frost-proof design

Signs you may already have damage

In spring, turn on each outdoor faucet while someone checks the supply line inside. Look for dripping behind the wall, damp drywall, or unexplained musty smell. Low pressure at a single faucet that was fine last fall usually means a cracked valve body.

When to call a plumber

Call a licensed plumber if you cannot locate the interior shut-off valve, if the shut-off valve itself leaks when closed, if you want to upgrade standard hose bibs to frost-proof models ($150–$300 installed per faucet), or if you discover evidence of a freeze-related burst. A pre-winter plumbing check ($100–$200) covers all outdoor faucets, irrigation tie-ins, and exposed pipes in one visit.