As a gardening and landscape gardening expert , I understand the importance of wintertime - proof outdoor spigot to foreclose them from freeze and potentially cause damage to pipe . While there are various methods to protect outdoor faucets from freezing in wintertime , it ’s essential to choose the most effective and reliable techniques . In my experience , relying solely on insulate covers may not always be sufficient .

Here are some step I recommend adopt to winter - validation an out-of-door spigot :

1 . Shut off the body of water provision : start up by locating the keep out - off valve for the outdoor faucet . Typically , it is find inside the menage near where the spigot pipage embark the paries . twist off the water supply to the outdoor faucet by closing this valve . This step is crucial as it prevents water system from flowing into the spigot and freeze .

2 . Drain the water : After shutting off the pee supply , get to the outdoor faucet to enfeeble any stay on water . This step helps remove any water trapped in the pipework , reducing the risk of freeze . It ’s important to check that no water is left inside the spigot or pipes as it can thrive when frozen , leading to burst pipes .

3 . Insulate the pipe : While isolate covers can put up some security , they are not foolproof . To heighten insularity , take wrapping the disclose pipes leave to the outside spigot with foam pipe insulation . This foam insularism helps retain heat and prevents immobilise . Ensure that all joints and connection are covered adequately .

4 . Install a hoar - liberal spigot : If you ’re looking for a more longsighted - term answer , count installing a frost - detached faucet . These spigot are designed with a shut - off valve located deeply inside the paries , out from the frigid outside temperature . When in good order installed , a Robert Frost - innocent faucet eliminates the demand for winterize as it automatically drain the weewee when turned off .

6 . Insulate the faucet itself : Regardless of the insulation cover , it can be beneficial to isolate the faucet itself . This can be done by wrapping the faucet with a faucet masking or using an insulating froth lodgings . These cover charge help protect the spigot from lineal exposure to cold temperatures and wind frisson , reducing the risk of freezing .

7 . Eliminate draft copy and flow of air : Take a near flavor at the area surround the outside spigot . key any gap , cracks , or gap where cold atmosphere can enter . Seal these gaps with weatherstripping or caulk to annihilate draft and prevent cold air from reaching the spigot . Additionally , consider installing a faucet cover that provide detachment and blocks airflow .

8 . start the faucet slimly : In situations where there is no keep out - off valve inside the theater , you’re able to start the outside spigot slightly after shutting off the weewee supplying . This allows any remain water in the pipes to expand without get damage if it freezes . However , it ’s important to take note that this method is not unfailing and may not be suitable for highly cold region .

By combining these steps , you’re able to importantly reduce the risk of frozen outdoor faucets and potential pipe damage . However , it ’s crucial to supervise the weather condition and take additional caution if necessary . Remember , bar is always good than dealing with the consequences of burst pipes .

Caroline Bates