The first hard freeze of the season has a way of sneaking up on homeowners. One cold night is all it takes for water trapped in an outdoor faucet or hose to freeze, expand and crack a pipe. Sometimes the damage only shows up in spring, when you turn on the tap and water starts leaking inside a wall.

The good news is that protecting your outdoor plumbing is one of the easiest and cheapest jobs on the autumn to-do list. Most homes can be done in an afternoon. Here is how.

Why freezing water is a problem

Water expands when it freezes. In an outdoor faucet or the pipe feeding it, that expansion can put enough pressure on the pipe to split it. Because the break is often inside the wall or under the house, you may not notice until the pipe thaws and water starts flowing where it should not. The goal of winterising is simple: get the water out and keep the cold away.

Step 1: Disconnect and drain your hoses

Start with the easiest job. Unscrew every garden hose from its faucet. A hose left attached can trap water in the faucet, even on so-called frost-free models.

Drain each hose by laying it on a slope or lifting it hand over hand to push the water out. Coil it loosely and store it in a garage, shed or basement. Sunlight and freezing temperatures shorten a hose’s life, so bringing it indoors will help it last longer.

Do the same with spray nozzles, splitters and timers, which can crack if water freezes inside them.

Step 2: Shut off and drain outdoor faucets

Many homes have an indoor shut-off valve for each outdoor faucet, usually in a basement, crawl space or utility area close to where the pipe exits the house. Here is the basic process:

  • Find the shut-off valve on the pipe leading to the outdoor faucet and turn it off.
  • Go outside and open the faucet fully to let the remaining water drain out.
  • If your indoor valve has a small drain cap, open it over a bucket to let trapped water escape, then close it again.
  • Leave the outdoor faucet open for the winter if your plumber or the valve instructions recommend it.

If you have frost-free faucets, they are designed to drain themselves, but only if the hose is disconnected. They are still worth checking for leaks or drips.

Step 3: Insulate exposed faucets and pipes

Once the faucets are drained, add a layer of protection. Inexpensive foam faucet covers fit over outdoor spigots and help keep out the cold. For exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages or along exterior walls, foam pipe insulation sleeves are easy to cut to length and slip on.

Pay extra attention to pipes on north-facing walls or in unheated areas, which are most at risk.

Step 4: Deal with sprinkler systems

In-ground irrigation systems need extra care, as water left in the lines can freeze and damage pipes, valves and sprinkler heads. Steps generally include:

  • Turning off the water supply to the system.
  • Switching the controller to its off or rain mode.
  • Draining the lines using the system’s manual or automatic drain valves.

Some systems need to be blown out with compressed air to clear all the water. This can damage components if done incorrectly, so many homeowners hire an irrigation professional for this step. Check your system’s manual before you start.

Step 5: Check for leaks and drafts

While you are working outside, look for gaps where pipes enter the house. Sealing them with caulk or expanding foam keeps cold air away from your plumbing and can help reduce heating costs.

Also check for dripping faucets. A slow leak in autumn can turn into a frozen, damaged faucet in winter.

When to call a plumber

Call a professional if you cannot find a shut-off valve, notice cracked pipes, see water stains near outdoor faucets inside the house or are unsure how to drain your sprinkler system safely. A quick visit now costs far less than repairing water damage later.

The bottom line

Winterising outdoor plumbing takes a few hours and very little money, and it can prevent burst pipes and costly repairs. Disconnect the hoses, shut off and drain the faucets, add some insulation and take care of the sprinkler system before the first hard freeze. Your future self, and your water bill, will thank you.

Image: Garden Hose Faucet via Rawpixel, CC0 1.0