How to Winterize Your Outdoor Spigot

Winterizing your outdoor plumbing is incredibly important. It might seem like a chore, but it can prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting (an emergency plumbing situation that can have costly and damaging effects). At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Charlotte, our Charlotte plumbers walk you through the steps of winterizing your outdoor spigots to ensure they are protected when the temperature drops.

Steps to Winterize Your Outdoor Spigots

Step 1: Disconnect your hoses

Before winter sets in you want to remove all hoses, splitters, or other fittings. Even if you have a freeze-proof spigot type, you should remove any add-on features to eliminate the risk of water getting trapped and freezing your spigot. You should pre-emptively do this step and not wait until the very last second before the freezing occurs.

Step 2: Inspect your faucets for leaks

Check all your spigots and faucets for leaks or drips. Dripping can indicate a leaky cartridge or washer, which can freeze and block up a spigot or pipe. If you find any, replace the fixture before the temperature drops.

Step 3: Drain your spigots and pipes

You want to get as much water out of your pipes as possible. The best way to do this is to shut off your interior shut-off valve leading to your outdoor spigots and then open those spigots to let the water drain out of them. You should leave the spigots open for a few hours.

If you do not have an indoor shut-off valve, this step is even more necessary to insulate the spigot from the outdoors.

Step 4: Add outdoor faucet covers

The last step to winterizing your outdoor spigots is to install covers over them to insulate and protect them. Even if you have frost-free spigots, you should invest in faucet covers. You can find square or dome-shaped covers that are padded with thick fabric to keep your spigot insulated through freezing temperatures.

If you are having trouble winterizing your outdoor plumbing, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Charlotte for help. Our professional Charlotte plumbers can assist and make sure your pipes are protected this winter.

Want to read more? Check out our other winter blogs:

• Three Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen
• Where to Find Exposed Plumbing Lines for Insulation

Last Updated: 3/11/21