Hose Bibb Winterization Guide

How to Properly Winterize Your Exterior Faucets

As temperatures drop, one of the most important steps homeowners can take to protect their plumbing system is winterizing outdoor hose bibbs (also known as exterior faucets or spigots). Failing to do so can lead to frozen pipes, leaks, or even significant water damage inside your home once the weather warms up.

At Wacker Plumbing, we routinely see freeze-related damage each winter that could have been prevented with a few simple steps or a professional winterization service. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Hose Bibb Winterization Is Essential

When water freezes, it expands. Any residual water trapped inside a hose bibb or the connected supply line can create pressure strong enough to rupture the pipe. Often, these cracks occur inside walls or crawl spaces where damage isn’t visible until spring—when thawing ice releases water into your home.

Properly winterizing your hose bibbs ensures water is fully drained or shut off before freezing temperatures arrive, protecting your plumbing system and avoiding unnecessary repair costs.

Steps to Winterize Hose Bibbs

1. Disconnect All Hoses and Attachments

   Remove garden hoses, sprinklers, and any other attachments. Leaving them connected traps water in the faucet and prevents proper drainage. Sometimes hoses get stuck, especially if bimetal electrolysis has occurred, and we can remove it for you if it has become seized.

   
   

2. Shut Off the Interior Valve

   Most homes have a dedicated interior shut-off valve controlling each outdoor faucet. This valve is typically located in a basement, crawl space, or mechanical room. Turn this valve off completely to stop the water supply. Test to ensure the valve works. If it needs replacing, we can easily take care of this for you.

   
   

3. Drain Water

   Once the inside valve is shut off, open the exterior faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out. Leave the faucet slightly open through the winter to relieve pressure if any residual moisture freezes.

   
   

4. Bleed Remaining Water

   Open the bleed at the inside shutoff valve to drain any residual fluid. If your shutoff does not have a bleed, we can install the proper type for you. Also, if a vacuum breaker anti-siphon device is installed (required by code), ensure it is in the proper position before opening the bleed to allow for proper drainage.

   
   

5. Inspect or Upgrade to Frost-Free Hose Bibbs

   If your home is older or has standard exterior faucets, consider upgrading to frost-free hose bibbs. These are designed so the shut-off point sits inside your home, keeping the water line protected from freezing conditions. Also ensure your hose bibb has a backflow prevention device as this is required by code. It is integrated into the design of the frost free hydrants but may need to be added to a sillcock or an older hose bibb.

   

Professional Winterization Services

While many homeowners can perform basic winterization themselves, professional service ensures that all outdoor lines, interior shut offs, and vulnerable plumbing areas are thoroughly inspected and protected. Our technicians verify that each hose bibb is fully drained and check for any leaks or deterioration that could lead to problems during the winter.

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Protect Your Home Before Temperatures Drop

Preventing frozen pipes is far less costly than repairing them. Scheduling professional hose bibb winterization with Wacker Plumbing ensures your home’s plumbing system is ready for the cold months ahead.

Contact Wacker Plumbing at 703-450-5565 today to schedule your winterization service, hose bibb replacement, or shutoff valve install/replacement and protect your home from freeze-related damage.