Show summary Hide summary
As winter tightens its grip, a familiar hazard lurks outside many homes: exterior plumbing lines left full of water. Mike Holmes, the contractor known from HGTV, stresses that many costly pipe failures start at outdoor spigots. A few simple checks today can spare you frozen or burst pipes tomorrow.
Why outdoor faucets are often overlooked and at risk
Homeowners focus on indoor pipes, but exposed taps face the cold first. Pipes that remain connected to the water supply can trap water and freeze. When ice forms, it expands and can cause cracks or bursts in the line. This damage often happens in wall cavities or crawlspaces, making it hard to detect until major repairs are needed.
Michaels holiday finds under $25: 20 new gifts that look like $50
Target wall-mounted find frees up countertop space: timeless style for small kitchens
Checking exterior plumbing is an early, low-effort protection that pays off in avoided repair bills and stress.
Simple winterizing steps you can do right now
Turn off and drain: the core actions
- Locate the shutoff valve that feeds each outdoor faucet. It’s usually in the basement or crawlspace.
- Turn the valve clockwise to close the water supply to the spigot.
- Open the outdoor faucet to let remaining water drain out.
- Leave the spigot open slightly after draining to prevent trapped moisture.
Protect the exposed fixture
- Install an insulated faucet cover over the spigot to block wind and chill.
- In a pinch, wrap the valve and pipe with cloth or towels, then add tape or plastic to hold it in place.
- For added defense, insulate the supply line running to the outdoor tap.
Draining and capping outdoor taps is a fast way to reduce freeze risk and is recommended before the first hard freeze.
Upgrades that reduce future winter headaches
For long-term peace of mind, consider replacing standard spigots with frost-resistant models. These fittings place the shutoff point deeper inside the wall. That design keeps the valve in a warmer spot and lowers the chance of ice damage.
- Frost-free outdoor faucets: ideal if you live where temperatures drop below freezing often.
- Pipe insulation: foam sleeves or heated tape can protect exposed supply lines.
- Relocate shutoffs indoors: if practical, move the control point to a heated space for easier winter access.
Practical tips and common mistakes to avoid
- Don’t forget multiple taps. Many houses have more than one outdoor faucet.
- A closed valve alone may not be enough—always drain the line after shutting it off.
- A hose left attached prevents proper drainage and increases freeze risk.
- Inspect for small leaks or corrosion; even minor damage can worsen in cold weather.
Routine checks before cold snaps can stop a small issue from turning into a major repair job.
