What to Do if Your Outdoor Spigots Freeze?

Outdoor fixtures are prone to freezing during the long and harsh winter months.

However, this should not be the norm for most homeowners. If you want to avoid spigot freezing from being an ongoing problem, then there are a few simple steps that you should take.

Simply following a few winterizing tips will ensure that your spigot does not freeze this winter. You may also want to look into replacing your regular faucet with a faucet that is completely impervious to frost.

Here, however, our focus will be primarily on the steps you should take if your outdoor spigots freeze.

When Should You be Concerned About Frozen Pipes?

Both your outdoor and indoor pipes are susceptible to freezing once the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Pipes can freeze and thaw on their own without causing any damage to your pipes. However, when water freezes within a pipe, the pipe is forced to expand. When this happens, the internal pressure may grow so intense that the pipe may burst in due time.

The water damage caused by a burst pipe can cost some homeowners thousands of dollars to rectify, depending on the extent of the damage.

How to Winterize a Standard Spigot?

Begin by disconnecting the hose, as well as your splitters and other associated fittings. You should preemptively take this step before winter arrives.

Next, check the hose carefully for any drips or leaks. If you notice dripping, then the issue may be caused by a leaky washer or cartridge. If you don’t tackle the problem quickly, then freezing may occur, which may cause your pipes and spigots to become blocked.

Any fixtures that are leaking or dripping should be replaced before the temperature dips below freezing. Step three will require that you drain your pipes and spigots. The goal is to eliminate as much water as possible.

An easy way to do so is to turn off the interior shut-off valve that leads to the spigots that are situated outdoors. Once you have shut off the valve, you will need to open your outdoor spigots to drain them of water: This process will take a few hours to finalize.

To complete the winterization process, you will need to add outdoor faucet covers to the mix. By installing covers over your spigots you will help insulate and protect them from the elements. Most of the covers are padded with very thick material to protect your spigots from freezing temperatures, and the covers are also available in dome and square shapes.

What is a Frost-Proof Faucet?

Purchasing a faucet that is impervious to frost can help save you quite a bit of time and money in the long run. A frost-proof faucet has a longer barrel than a conventional spigot and serves as a compression-style spigot. You should install it on the side of your home.

To play it safe, we would also suggest that you also replace your garden spigots (if applicable) with a yard hydrant that is also frost-proof.

How to Install a Frost-Proof Faucet?

First, you will need to shut off the water to the pipe that leads to the spigot outside your home. You must then open the spigot so that the water that remains can be properly drained from your supply pipe.

The faucet sprout will then need to be extracted. Begin by taking out the mounting screws and then unscrew the sprout itself. The sprout can be hard to twist, so we would suggest that you use a handy pair of channel-lock pliers to get the job done.

You will also need to take accurate measurements for your new faucet. Carefully follow the included instructions to measure and mark the pipe before you begin cutting.

The water supply pipe also needs to be prepared. The water supply pipe will need to be cut where the faucet tube will be fixed. Once the frost-proof faucet is attached to the sink, you will need to examine your work for anomalies.

If you do not wish to install a frost-proof faucet yourself, then you can do so with the help of a plumber.

Protect Your Investment

Winterize your outdoor faucets before the cold winter weather hits. The entire process will be completed in a few hours and will not cost you very much. Winterizing your faucets will prevent them from freezing and subsequently bursting, which can cause massive property damage.

If you decide to hire a plumber to install your frost-proof faucets, then ensure that they are licensed and bonded. They must have a proven track record of success to be considered for the job.