Prevent Frozen Pipes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Shutting Off Hose Bibs for Winter
- cirmarketing
- 13 hours ago
- 1 min read
How to Winterize Your Exterior Hose Bibs
Prepare for Winter
Ensure all underground irrigation systems are professionally blown out and winterized.
Locate Shut-Off Valves
Find your exterior hose bib shut-off valves with drain features. These are typically located in the mechanical room or behind an access panel in your basement ceiling.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Turn off the interior shut-off valves for each exterior hose bib.
Open the Hose Bibs
Go outside and fully open each exterior hose bib to allow air into the line.
Remove and Store Hoses
Detach all garden hoses and store them indoors for the winter.
Important: Leaving hoses attached can cause frost-free bibs to burst.
Drain the Line
Back inside, place a bucket under each shut-off valve and open the drain valve.
Let all water drain out, then close the drain valve.
Leave Bibs Partially Open
Leave the exterior hose bibs partially open over winter.
This helps prevent freezing and provides a visual cue if the shut-off valve fails to seal completely (you’ll see water dripping if it leaks—call a plumber if so).
How to Restart in Summer
Close the Hose Bibs
Close all exterior hose bibs before turning the water back on.
Turn On the Shut-Off Valves
Go inside and open the shut-off valves in your basement or mechanical room.
Open the Hose Bibs
Head outside and open each hose bib until water runs steadily and all air is flushed out.
You’re Ready!
Reattach your garden hoses and enjoy the summer season!
Blog provided by: Royal Flush Plumbing
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