Winterize hose bibs before the first hard freeze
Quick answer
Before the first hard freeze, disconnect every hose, close the interior shutoff for each outdoor faucet, and open the outside faucet to drain the line. Loosen the bleeder cap over a bucket, then add an insulated cover. It takes about 20 minutes.
A burst hose bib is the most common preventable flood we see in Utah. Twenty minutes in October saves a ceiling in January.
This guide is general information and is awaiting technical review by Pando Plumbing. Always follow your fixture manufacturer's instructions.
Tools
- Flathead screwdriver
- Bucket
Supplies
- Insulated faucet cover
Before you start
- Do this before the first hard freeze.
- Find the interior shutoff for each outdoor faucet, usually just inside the rim joist.
- Have a bucket ready under the bleeder cap.
Steps
- 1
Disconnect every hose
A hose left attached traps water in the bib. That trapped water freezes, expands, and splits the pipe inside your wall.
- 2
Shut the interior valve
Find the dedicated shutoff for each exterior faucet, usually just inside the rim joist, and close it.
- 3
Open the outside faucet and drain
With the interior valve closed, open the outdoor spigot to let the line drain, then leave it open all winter.
- 4
Bleed the bleeder cap
Many interior shutoffs have a small bleeder screw. Loosen it over a bucket to release the last of the water in the run.
- 5
Cover and label
Slip on an insulated cover and mark the interior valve so next fall takes five minutes instead of twenty.
Common mistakes
- Leaving a hose attached, even to a frost-free bib.
- Closing the outdoor faucet after draining instead of leaving it open all winter.
- Forgetting to open the bleeder cap.
- Not labeling the interior valve for next year.
Final check
Every hose is off, each interior valve is closed, each outdoor faucet is open and has stopped dripping, and the covers are on. If you hear water running in a wall after a freeze or a bib sprays when opened, call Pando.
Plumber's tip
Blow out your sprinkler system the same weekend. Frost-free bibs still fail when a hose is left attached.
Stop and call Pando if...
You hear water running in a wall after a freeze, a bib sprays when opened, or you cannot find an interior shutoff.