As winter approaches, protecting your outdoor plumbing from freezing temperatures is crucial, especially in regions like Minnesota, where harsh winters are typical. Properly winterizing your lawn faucets can prevent costly damage and ensure your plumbing system remains intact throughout the cold season.
According to forensic engineers at EDT, “If the outdoor faucet doesn’t drain, then the remaining water can freeze. The area with the greatest heat loss, often near the hose attachment location, will freeze first creating an ice plug. This ice plug is effectively a freeze seal.”
“Due to the expansion of water as it freezes, subsequent ice growth will result in an exponential increase in water pressure between this ice plug and the base of the outdoor faucet. Material stress will rise and eventually a fracture will result.”
Why Winterize Your Outside Faucets?
When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside your pipes can freeze and expand, potentially causing pipes to burst. Winterizing your faucets allows air to flow freely inside the pipes, preventing this damage.
Types of Outdoor Faucets
Frost-Free Models
Many modern lawn faucets are frost-free, featuring a stem that stops water flow 12 inches or more from the outside handle. These models also have an interior valve for additional protection.
Older Silcock Style
Some older faucets are not frost-proof and require extra care during winterization.
How to Winterize Your Outside Faucets: Step-by-Step Process
1. Shut Off the Interior Valve
Locate the interior valve, which can be either:
- A round-handled wheel valve (turn clockwise to shut off)
- A ball valve with a lever (turn perpendicular to the pipe to close)
2. Drain the Pipes
- Unscrew the small bleeder cap on the side of the interior valve.
- Allow water to drain from the pipe section leading to the lawn faucet.
- St. Paul Pipeworks recommends leaving the cap off and storing it in a small plastic bag attached to the wood joist above the valve.
3. Open the Outdoor Faucet
Go outside and open the lawn faucet handle. This creates airflow on both sides of the valve, allowing for expansion if any water freezes inside.
4. Disconnect and Store Hoses
- Detach all hoses from outdoor faucets.
- Store hoses indoors (garage or basement).
- Pro tip: Connect the two ends of each hose to prevent water leakage during transport.
Spring Reopening Process
When spring arrives, reverse the winterization process:
- Close the outdoor lawn faucet (turn clockwise).
- Hand-tighten the brass drain cap on the interior shut-off valve.
- Open the basement shut-off valve (handle should be inline with the water pipe).
Winterization Checklist
Spring Reopening Checklist
For any questions about how to winterize your outside faucets or if you need a reliable plumber in the St. Paul and Minneapolis metro area, don’t hesitate to contact St. Paul Pipeworks.
Remember, proper winterization is key to maintaining your plumbing system and avoiding costly repairs. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your outdoor faucets are well-protected throughout the winter months.
Yours Truly,
Matthew Dettwiler
Social Media Manager
FAQs: Winterize Your Outside Faucets
Q: Why is it important to prepare my lawn faucets for winter?
A: Preparing your lawn faucets for winter is crucial to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting, which can lead to costly water damage and plumbing repairs. Frozen faucets can also disrupt your outdoor water supply, making it difficult to maintain your garden or lawn during the colder months.
FAQ 2: When should I start preparing my lawn faucets for winter?
A: It’s best to start preparing your lawn faucets for winter in the fall, ideally before the first freeze. By doing so, you can ensure that your outdoor plumbing is protected from the cold temperatures that can cause damage to pipes and faucets.
FAQ 3: What steps should I take to winterize my lawn faucets?
A: To winterize your lawn faucets, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucets.
- Disconnect and drain any hoses or attachments.
- Install faucet covers or insulating sleeves to protect against freezing.
- Insulate any exposed pipes leading to the faucets.
- Ensure the faucets are tightly closed and not dripping.
FAQ 4: Can I use any materials to insulate my lawn faucets?
A: Yes, you can use a variety of materials to insulate your lawn faucets. Common options include foam faucet covers, insulating sleeves, or even towels and blankets. The key is to provide a barrier against the cold and prevent freezing.
FAQ 5: What if I forget to prepare my lawn faucets for winter?
A: If you forget to prepare your lawn faucets for winter and freezing temperatures are in the forecast, it’s not too late. Take immediate action by turning off the water supply to the outdoor faucets and opening them to drain any remaining water.
This can help prevent freezing and minimize the risk of damage until you can properly winterize them. However, it’s always best to plan ahead and avoid this last-minute approach to protect your plumbing effectively.
