How Do You Winterize Exterior Plumbing?

Introduction

When winter hits Fayetteville, freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on outdoor plumbing. Water expands when it freezes, and that pressure can crack pipes, burst fittings, and cause major water damage once things thaw.

At Fayetteville Plumbing Services, we get dozens of emergency calls every winter from homeowners who didn’t realize how vulnerable their outdoor plumbing was. Fortunately, with a little preparation, you can easily prevent these problems. Let’s walk through how to properly winterize your exterior plumbing and protect your home this season.

1. Why Winterizing Exterior Plumbing Matters

Even a small amount of water trapped in exterior pipes can freeze and expand, causing:

• Cracked or burst pipes
• Broken hose bibs and spigots
• Costly water leaks when temperatures rise
• Flooding and foundation damage if leaks occur near walls or basements

Proper winterization eliminates trapped water and insulates vulnerable plumbing so it can withstand freezing temperatures.

2. Disconnect and Store Garden Hoses

The first step is also the simplest—remove and drain all garden hoses.

• Disconnect them from outdoor faucets.
• Drain the water completely.
• Store hoses in a garage or shed to prevent cracking.

Leaving a hose attached traps water inside both the hose and faucet, which can freeze and damage the faucet assembly or connected plumbing line.

3. Shut Off the Outdoor Water Supply

Most homes have a dedicated shut-off valve that controls water flow to exterior faucets. It’s typically located in the basement, crawl space, or utility area.

• Turn this valve clockwise to shut off water to the outdoor spigot.
• Once closed, go outside and open the faucet to drain any remaining water.
• Leave it slightly open during winter to allow any remaining moisture to expand harmlessly if it freezes.

If you don’t have a shut-off valve, consider having one installed—it’s an inexpensive way to protect your plumbing system year-round.

4. Drain and Protect Outdoor Faucets

Once the water is shut off, drain and insulate your outdoor faucets:

1. Open the outdoor faucet to release trapped water.
2. Once drained, turn the handle back to the “off” position.
3. Cover each faucet with a faucet insulation cover (available at any hardware store).

These foam covers provide extra protection against freezing air and can make a big difference on especially cold nights.

5. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Any exposed plumbing—especially in crawl spaces, basements, garages, or exterior walls—should be insulated to prevent freezing.

Use foam pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape for added protection. Pay close attention to pipes near unheated areas like:

• Crawl spaces
• Attics
• Garages
• Exterior walls

A small investment in insulation can save thousands in potential repair costs.

6. Drain and Winterize Sprinkler Systems

If you have an irrigation system, it also needs attention. Water left in sprinkler lines or valves can freeze and crack pipes underground.

Here’s how to protect it:

• Turn off the irrigation water supply.
• Use a manual drain valve or compressed air to remove any remaining water.
• Insulate exposed backflow preventers and valves.

It’s best to have a professional plumber perform this service to avoid damaging the system during the blow-out process.

7. Check and Insulate Outdoor Water Features

If your property includes fountains, ponds, or decorative water lines, follow similar steps:

• Drain the system completely.
• Remove and store pumps indoors.
• Cover or insulate exposed pipes.

Running water features through winter without protection can lead to expensive cracks or pump damage.

8. Inspect for Leaks Before Freezing Weather

Before shutting down your outdoor system completely, inspect for any small leaks or drips. Even minor leaks can worsen during freezing conditions.

At Fayetteville Plumbing Services, we can test your system for leaks and perform preventive repairs before temperatures drop. Fixing these issues early can save you a costly midwinter emergency call.

9. Bonus Tip: Protect Indoor Plumbing Too

While exterior plumbing is the most exposed, don’t forget about vulnerable indoor pipes near exterior walls or in unheated spaces. Keep cabinets open under sinks on freezing nights and allow a small trickle of warm water to flow—especially if temperatures dip below 25°F.

10. Fayetteville Plumbing Services Can Help

Our licensed plumbers offer complete winterization services for homes and commercial properties across Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. We’ll:

• Shut down and drain outdoor systems
• Insulate exposed pipes and spigots
• Inspect for leaks and damage
• Provide guidance for keeping your plumbing protected all winter long

Whether you’re preparing your home for freezing temperatures or reopening after winter, our team ensures your plumbing system stays in top shape.

Conclusion

Winterizing your exterior plumbing is one of the simplest ways to prevent frozen pipes, leaks, and expensive water damage. The key steps are:

1. Disconnect hoses
2. Shut off outdoor water supply
3. Drain faucets and irrigation lines
4. Insulate exposed plumbing

By taking these precautions—or scheduling a professional winterization with Fayetteville Plumbing Services—you’ll protect your home and avoid costly repairs when spring arrives.