Winter can be tough on outdoor plumbing. When temperatures drop, unprotected pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting, leading to costly repairs and serious headaches. But with the right precautions, you can avoid disaster and keep your plumbing in great shape all season long.
Whether you’re dealing with garden hoses, outdoor faucets, or irrigation systems, a few simple steps can make all the difference. Let’s go over everything you need to know to keep your outdoor plumbing safe when the temperature plunges.
Why Freezing Temperatures Are a Problem for Outdoor Plumbing
Water expands as it freezes. When this happens inside a pipe, it puts extreme pressure on the walls of the pipe, which can eventually cause it to crack or burst. Outdoor plumbing is particularly vulnerable because it’s more exposed to the elements than indoor pipes.
A burst pipe isn’t just an inconvenience—it can lead to flooding, water damage, and expensive repairs. The good news? With a little preparation, you can prevent these problems entirely. Of course, if you notice any issues, getting in touch with a plumber in Dallas as soon as possible is a must.
Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets
The first step in winterizing your outdoor plumbing is shutting off the water supply to any outdoor faucets or spigots. Most homes have a dedicated shut-off valve for outdoor plumbing—this is usually located in a basement, utility room, or crawl space.
Once the water is turned off, open the outdoor faucet and let any remaining water drain out. Leaving water inside the pipes is what causes freezing, so you want them as empty as possible.
For extra protection, consider installing frost-proof hose bibs. These faucets have a special design that keeps the shut-off valve inside your home, where it’s warmer, reducing the risk of freezing.
Disconnect and Store Garden Hoses
Leaving a hose connected to an outdoor faucet during winter is a bad idea. Any water trapped inside the hose can freeze, and because hoses are connected to the spigot, the ice can back up into your plumbing system.
To prevent this, disconnect all hoses, drain any remaining water, and store them in a garage or shed. If you have an expandable hose, make sure it’s completely dry before putting it away to avoid cracking.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes that are exposed to the cold—such as those running along exterior walls, in unheated garages, or underneath decks—need extra insulation to prevent freezing.
There are a few options for insulating outdoor pipes:
- Foam Pipe Insulation – This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep pipes warm. Foam sleeves slip over the pipe and provide a protective barrier against the cold.
- Heat Tape – For extra protection, consider using heat tape. This electrically powered tape wraps around the pipe and provides a steady source of warmth.
- Old Towels or Blankets – In an emergency, wrapping pipes with old towels, rags, or blankets can provide some insulation. Just be sure to cover them with plastic to keep them dry.
Protect Outdoor Sprinkler Systems
Irrigation systems are particularly vulnerable in freezing weather, so they need special attention. The best way to prevent damage is to winterize your system before temperatures drop.
- Turn Off the Water Supply – Shut off the main valve that supplies water to the sprinkler system.
- Drain the Pipes – Use the manual or automatic drain method, or use an air compressor to blow out any remaining water.
- Insulate Above-Ground Components – Wrap exposed pipes, backflow preventers, and valves with insulation or foam covers.
If you’re unsure how to winterize your sprinkler system properly, it may be worth calling in a professional to do it for you.
Cover Outdoor Faucets
Even after draining the water, outdoor spigots can still be vulnerable to freezing temperatures. To protect them, use insulated faucet covers. These foam covers fit over the faucet and add a layer of insulation to keep the cold out.
If you don’t have a faucet cover, you can make a temporary one using an old sock or rag secured with a plastic bag and rubber band. It’s not as effective as a proper cover, but it’s better than nothing.
Keep an Eye on the Forecast
If a deep freeze is coming, take extra precautions to keep your plumbing safe. On especially cold nights, letting an indoor faucet drip slightly can relieve pressure in the system, reducing the chance of a pipe bursting.
If you have pipes in unheated areas—like a garage or basement—consider opening cabinet doors to let warm air circulate. A small space heater in vulnerable areas can also help keep pipes from freezing.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
Despite your best efforts, sometimes pipes still freeze. If you turn on an outdoor faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, you might be dealing with a frozen pipe. Here’s what to do:
- Turn Off the Water – If you suspect a pipe is frozen, shut off the water supply to prevent a burst.
- Locate the Frozen Section – Feel along the pipe for cold spots or areas with frost buildup.
- Apply Heat – Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater to slowly warm up the frozen area. Never use an open flame.
- Keep the Faucet Open – As the ice melts, the water will start to flow again.
If a pipe has already burst, turn off the main water supply immediately and call a plumber. The sooner you act, the less damage you’ll have to deal with.
Stay Ahead of Winter’s Challenges
Taking the time to winterize your outdoor plumbing can save you a lot of hassle (and money) when freezing temperatures hit. By shutting off water supplies, insulating pipes, and draining sprinkler systems, you can keep everything in good working order until spring.
It’s all about preparation—small steps now can prevent big problems later. So before the deep freeze sets in, give your outdoor plumbing the attention it needs.
