Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Shut off and drain outdoor hose bibs to prevent pipe freezing and bursting.
DIY Cost
$0
If Ignored
$5k
Frequency
Once a year
Difficulty
Easy DIY
Most homeowners can handle this in under an hour with basic tools.
How to do it — step by step
Locate the shut-off valve for outdoor faucets (usually in the basement or crawlspace). Turn it off. Then go outside and open the hose bib fully to drain remaining water. Leave it open slightly to allow air to pass through and fully drain the line. Remove and store garden hoses. A frozen outdoor pipe can burst and flood your basement or wall cavity. This is one of the highest-impact, easiest tasks to do yourself.
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