Last checked: October 21, 2026 · Applies to: any U.S. home where it freezes

Winterizing outdoor faucets and hose bibs

Why it matters

Water expands when it freezes, and that pressure can break a pipe. The American Red Cross lists outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines and sprinkler lines first among the pipes that freeze most often, along with pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages and kitchen cabinets, and pipes along poorly insulated outside walls. [1]

When to do it

Before the first freeze where you live. Frost dates vary a lot across the country, so use your own: look up your average first and last frost dates, or ask your local National Weather Service office or Extension service. Keep faucets winterized until your last frost date has passed in spring.

Checklist: each outdoor faucet

• Unhook the hose and any splitter or timer. Drain the hose and store it. [1]
• Find the indoor shutoff valve for that faucet, often in the basement or crawl space on the pipe that runs to that wall, and close it. (Red Cross: "Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs.") [1]
• Open the outdoor faucet to let the water in it drain out, and leave it open so any water left in the pipe can expand without breaking it. [1]
• Optional: put an insulated faucet cover over it.
• No indoor shutoff? Disconnect the hose anyway, and think about asking a plumber about adding a valve.

While you're at it

• Drain the sprinkler/irrigation system following the manufacturer's or installer's directions. Don't put antifreeze in these lines unless the directions call for it. [1] See our sprinkler draining steps. [2]
• Insulate exposed pipes in the garage, attic, crawl space and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets with pipe sleeves, or UL-listed heat tape or heat cable. [1]
• Find your main water shutoff valve now and make sure it turns, so you can close it fast if a pipe bursts.

During a cold snap

• Keep garage doors closed if water lines run through the garage. [1]
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warmer air reaches the pipes. Move cleaners out of reach of kids. [1]
• Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Even a trickle helps. [1]
• Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. If you're away, leave the heat on at no lower than 55°F. [1]

If a pipe freezes

• A faucet that gives only a trickle is a sign of a frozen pipe. Keep it open while you thaw the pipe. [1]
• Thaw with gentle heat: an electric heating pad, a hair dryer, a space heater kept away from anything flammable, or towels soaked in hot water. Never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame. [1]
• Check your other faucets. If one pipe froze, others may too. [1]
• Can't find the frozen spot, can't reach it, or can't thaw it? Call a licensed plumber. [1]

Watch how: How to Winterize Your Hose Bib (Beginner's Guide) (Drip Depot, YouTube) · How to Prevent Frozen Pipes (This Old House, YouTube)

Sources (fetched and checked October 21, 2026)

1. American Red Cross, Preventing & Thawing Frozen Pipes.
2. Rain Bird, Tips for Winterizing Your Sprinkler System.

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