Finalize the System — Disconnect Hoses and Accessories
Part of project
How to Winterize an Outdoor Faucet to Prevent Burst Pipes · Step 1 of 5
In this video
After all zones have been blown out, perform the final steps. First, return to the backflow preventer and set the handles on both ball valves to a 45-degree angle. This ensures no water is trapped inside the valve bodies. Next, go back to the basement shutoff valve. Place a bucket under the drain spigot (hose bib) located just after the shutoff valve and open it to drain any remaining water from the pipe leading outside. Leave this drain open for the winter. Finally, if you removed a backflow cartridge, store it indoors. Reinstall the cap on your blowout port.
Goal: Complete the winterization process by draining remaining water and setting valves for winter.
- If you have an RPZ backflow preventer, keep the internal cartridge indoors during the winter to protect it.
- Remember to open the drain valve in the basement to release any water trapped between the shutoff valve and the backflow device.
Used in this video
- Bucket (Bucket Size: 5 gallon) — Catching water drained from the hose bib in the basement.
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FAQs
How much time should I set aside for winterizing my outdoor faucet, especially as a beginner?
This is a quick and beginner-friendly project, typically taking only 15-30 minutes per faucet. The majority of the time is spent locating and operating the interior shut-off valve and ensuring complete drainage. It's a small investment of time that saves you from potentially costly pipe repairs.
What's the biggest mistake people make, and what are the consequences if I don't winterize correctly?
The most critical mistake is not completely draining all water from the pipe between the indoor shut-off valve and the outdoor faucet. Any residual water can freeze, expand, and burst the pipe, leading to significant water damage inside your home once temperatures rise. Ensure the pipe is completely empty before closing the outdoor faucet.
What if I can't find an interior shut-off valve for my outdoor faucet, or my home is older?
If you don't have an individual interior shut-off valve for the faucet, you'll need to turn off your home's main water supply, open the outdoor faucet to drain it, and then turn the main supply back on. Consider consulting a plumber to install a dedicated shut-off valve for easier future winterization, as this is a common upgrade.
What's the typical cost involved in winterizing an outdoor faucet?
The primary cost is usually for an insulated faucet cover, which typically ranges from $5-$20, like the Everbilt Hard Outdoor Faucet Cover 1981 listed. If you need to purchase a bucket, you might spend an additional $5-$10. Overall, it's a very inexpensive preventative measure compared to the cost of burst pipe repairs.
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Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.
Finalize the System — Disconnect Hoses and Accessories
Part of project
How to Winterize an Outdoor Faucet to Prevent Burst Pipes · Step 1 of 5
In this video
After all zones have been blown out, perform the final steps. First, return to the backflow preventer and set the handles on both ball valves to a 45-degree angle. This ensures no water is trapped inside the valve bodies. Next, go back to the basement shutoff valve. Place a bucket under the drain spigot (hose bib) located just after the shutoff valve and open it to drain any remaining water from the pipe leading outside. Leave this drain open for the winter. Finally, if you removed a backflow cartridge, store it indoors. Reinstall the cap on your blowout port.
Goal: Complete the winterization process by draining remaining water and setting valves for winter.
- If you have an RPZ backflow preventer, keep the internal cartridge indoors during the winter to protect it.
- Remember to open the drain valve in the basement to release any water trapped between the shutoff valve and the backflow device.
Used in this video
- Bucket (Bucket Size: 5 gallon) — Catching water drained from the hose bib in the basement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I set aside for winterizing my outdoor faucet, especially as a beginner?
This is a quick and beginner-friendly project, typically taking only 15-30 minutes per faucet. The majority of the time is spent locating and operating the interior shut-off valve and ensuring complete drainage. It's a small investment of time that saves you from potentially costly pipe repairs.
What's the biggest mistake people make, and what are the consequences if I don't winterize correctly?
The most critical mistake is not completely draining all water from the pipe between the indoor shut-off valve and the outdoor faucet. Any residual water can freeze, expand, and burst the pipe, leading to significant water damage inside your home once temperatures rise. Ensure the pipe is completely empty before closing the outdoor faucet.
What if I can't find an interior shut-off valve for my outdoor faucet, or my home is older?
If you don't have an individual interior shut-off valve for the faucet, you'll need to turn off your home's main water supply, open the outdoor faucet to drain it, and then turn the main supply back on. Consider consulting a plumber to install a dedicated shut-off valve for easier future winterization, as this is a common upgrade.
What's the typical cost involved in winterizing an outdoor faucet?
The primary cost is usually for an insulated faucet cover, which typically ranges from $5-$20, like the Everbilt Hard Outdoor Faucet Cover 1981 listed. If you need to purchase a bucket, you might spend an additional $5-$10. Overall, it's a very inexpensive preventative measure compared to the cost of burst pipe repairs.
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Video Transcript
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