How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets in 15 Minutes

To winterize an outdoor faucet: disconnect the hose, close the indoor shut-off valve that feeds the faucet, open the outdoor faucet to drain the water, and leave it open. An insulated faucet cover adds extra protection. The whole job takes about 15 minutes per faucet and should be done before the first hard freeze.

Water left in the pipe can freeze, expand and split the pipe inside the wall. You often won’t notice until spring, when you turn the faucet on and water leaks into the wall or basement.

What you need

• A bucket or towel
• An insulated outdoor faucet cover (foam or fabric, sold at hardware stores)
• A flashlight for finding the indoor valve
• Optional: a screwdriver or adjustable wrench for stiff valves

Step by step

These steps follow American Red Cross guidance on preventing frozen pipes (Red Cross fact sheet).

1. Disconnect and drain the garden hose. Unscrew it from the faucet, drain it, and store it in a garage or shed. A hose left attached traps water in the faucet.
2. Find the indoor shut-off valve. It is usually in the basement, crawl space or utility room, on the pipe that runs toward the outside wall where the faucet is. It may be a round handle or a lever.
3. Close the indoor valve. Turn a round handle clockwise until it stops. Turn a lever so it is perpendicular to the pipe.
4. Open the outdoor faucet. Water left in the line between the valve and the faucet will drain out. Leave the faucet open all winter, so any remaining water has room to expand without breaking the pipe.
5. Drain the bleeder cap, if there is one. Some indoor valves have a small cap on the side. Put a bucket under it and unscrew it to let trapped water out, then replace it.
6. Cover the faucet. Fit an insulated cover over the outdoor faucet and tighten its strap.

Tip: Put a piece of tape on the indoor valve with the date and “outdoor faucet: OFF”. In spring, you’ll know exactly which valve to reopen.

Do frost-free faucets need winterizing?

Frost-free (or freeze-proof) faucets have a long stem, and the actual valve sits inside the heated part of the wall. When you turn them off, the water drains out of the part exposed to cold.

They still need one step: disconnect the hose. With a hose attached, water can’t drain from the faucet body and can freeze and crack it. A cover adds protection in very cold areas.

How to tell if you have one: frost-free faucets usually stick out from the wall at a slight downward angle, and the pipe behind them is long (often 6–12 inches or more inside the wall).

What if there’s no indoor shut-off valve?

Some older homes and slab houses have no separate valve for the outdoor faucet. In that case:

• Disconnect the hose and fit an insulated cover.
• Consider having a plumber add a shut-off valve or replace the faucet with a frost-free model. This is a small, inexpensive job compared with a burst pipe.

Other pipes to protect before winter

The same Red Cross guidance recommends:

• Insulating pipes in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces and attics.
• Draining sprinkler supply lines following the installer’s instructions.
• Keeping garage doors closed if water lines run through the garage.
• Keeping the heat no lower than 55°F if you travel in cold weather.

Add these to your monthly home maintenance checklist so they happen every fall.

How do you know if an outdoor faucet froze?

Signs include no water flowing in spring, water dripping inside the wall or basement when the faucet is on, or a split visible on the faucet body. Turn off the indoor valve immediately and call a plumber if you see water inside.

When should you winterize outdoor faucets?

Before the first hard freeze, when temperatures are forecast to stay below freezing for several hours. In most of the northern US that is between October and November. If you’re unsure, do it when you put the garden away for the season. It’s also a good moment to plan next year’s raised bed soil mix.

The bottom line

Disconnect the hose, close the indoor valve, drain the faucet and leave it open, then add a cover. It takes 15 minutes and prevents one of the most expensive winter repairs. For extra peace of mind, a water leak sensor near the indoor valve is an easy first device; see our smart home setup guide for beginners.

Frequently asked questions

Should I leave the outdoor faucet open or closed in winter?

Open, after you’ve closed the indoor shut-off valve. An open faucet lets any trapped water expand without cracking the pipe.

Do faucet covers work on their own?

They help, but they don’t replace shutting off and draining the line. Use them together.

Can I winterize outdoor faucets if I rent?

Usually yes, since it’s simple and reversible, but check your lease and tell your landlord, especially if you can’t find the indoor valve.

How do I turn the outdoor faucet back on in spring?

Close the outdoor faucet first, then slowly open the indoor valve. Check inside for leaks the first time you use it.

Find more seasonal maintenance guides in our Home Improvement section.