When Should You Winterize Outdoor Faucets?
Winterize vulnerable exterior plumbing before the first expected freeze, not after temperatures have already fallen. Disconnect hoses, follow the fixture manufacturer’s instructions, and drain or isolate seasonal lines that are not designed to remain active in freezing weather.
Winterize Exterior Plumbing
Below freezing temperatures can seriously damage exterior plumbing. If required, drain and winterize your exterior plumbing.
At what temperature can pipes freeze?
Risk rises when air around vulnerable plumbing remains below freezing, but wind, insulation, pipe location, and duration matter. Do not rely on one exact outdoor temperature.
Should garden hoses be disconnected?
Yes. A connected hose can trap water and interfere with drainage from some frost-resistant faucets.
What is a frost-free faucet?
Its shutoff occurs farther inside the heated structure, but it must be installed with proper drainage and generally still requires the hose to be removed.
How do I shut off an exterior line?
Identify and label the correct interior valve in advance. Close and drain it only as the plumbing design and manufacturer direct; have unreliable valves serviced.
Turn this advice into a simple home-care routine.
Correct Home Care can email you when it is time and keep the important details handy when you need them.
General guidance reviewed against American Red Cross frozen-pipe guidance. Follow product instructions, local requirements, and qualified professional advice for your home.