Don’t Let Your Faucets Freeze: A Quick Winter Prep Guide

When temperatures drop, outdoor faucets become one of the first casualties of winter. A little prep now can save you a big, wet headache later. Here’s your go-to checklist for avoiding burst pipes and costly repairs this season.

· Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate your outdoor water shut-off valve (usually in the basement or utility room) and close it. This stops water from flowing to exterior faucets that could freeze.

· Drain the Faucets

Head outside, open those taps, and let gravity do the work. Make sure every drop drains out before closing them again.

· Disconnect Hoses

Don’t leave hoses attached. Drain and store them to prevent cracking or freezing that can back up into your plumbing.

· Install Frost-Free Covers

These inexpensive covers act like winter coats for your faucets. They help prevent frost from sneaking in and freezing your pipes solid.

· Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you’ve got pipes running through unheated areas (garages, crawl spaces, etc.), wrap them up. A little insulation can go a long way toward preventing freeze damage.

· Seal Gaps and Cracks

Check around walls, windows, and where pipes enter your home. Sealing up these small spaces keeps warm air in and cold air out—protecting your plumbing and lowering your heating bill.

The Bottom Line

A frozen faucet isn’t just inconvenient—it’s expensive. Take a half-hour this week to go through this checklist, and you’ll save yourself a lot of grief (and cash) when winter really hits.