How do I know if my outdoor faucet is frost-free?

A properly installed frost-free faucet will have a slight downward pitch which allows water to drain out when the faucet is shut off. When frost-free sillcocks aren't installed with this downward pitch, water will sit inside the stem of the sillcock even when it's turned off.

What does a frost free faucet look like?

On the outside, a frost-free faucet looks the like a conventional faucet, however the parts inside the house are different. On a frost-free model, the pipe that goes inside your home is longer than a traditional faucet, with the shutoff valve sitting additional inside your home where it's warmer.

What makes an outdoor faucet frost free?

A standard exterior faucet features a washer just under the valve, which serves as the shut-off point for the water. When you turn the faucet off, pressurized water remains in the lower part of the faucet and the connecting pipe, where it can easily freeze, causing the fitting to break.

What does a freeze proof outdoor faucet look like?

A freeze-proof outdoor faucet, also known as a frost-proof outdoor faucet, is the answer. It's basically a compression-style spigot with an extra-long barrel. It's designed for installation on the side of the house. You should also replace each of your garden spigots with a freeze-proof yard hydrant.

What makes a spigot frost-proof?

The frost-proof feature works by shutting off water flow back at the stem bottom (inside a heated space). The anti-siphon feature is built into the water spigot.

How To Check If Your Outdoor Water Faucet Burst

Will my outdoor faucet freeze?

When temperatures dip to 28 degrees or below, and the outside faucets freeze, ice can form in the water supply pipes that lead to those exposed outdoor faucets. If your outdoor faucets aren't properly prepared for winter, water damage from frozen pipes may occur.

Can I use my outside faucet in winter?

An outdoor water faucet is especially vulnerable to the cold, so it's extremely important to prep your water faucets for the winter. The heat from your home that is transmitted through the pipes most likely won't be enough to protect your outdoor faucet.

Do all outdoor faucets have shut off valves?

Most outdoor faucets are connected to a shut-off value in your home. This valve controls the flow of water to the outdoor faucet. Usually, the shut-off valve is located in the basement, crawl space or utility room. There are two primary types of shut-off valves; the gate valve and the ball valve.

How do you turn on a frost free spigot?

Frost proof spigots do not need to be turned on or off in the fall/spring, but the only way to entirely prevent the possibility of leaking is by turning off the water to your spigot, frost proof or not. First, tighten (close) the wheel/valve on the spigot(s).

Do I need a frost free hose bib?

If you live in an area with cold winters and freezing temperatures (e.g., St. Louis), frost-free is the way to go. A frost-free hose bib is low-maintenance and gives better protection against faucet leaks, burst pipes, and water damage.

How do I turn off my outside faucet for winter?

Your home's outdoor water shut-off valve is usually located near the ceiling, on the inside of the wall where the outdoor faucet is located. If the outdoor shut-off valve is tap- or knob-style, turn it clockwise, or to the right, to shut it off (remember: righty-tighty, lefty-loosey).

Can you use a frost-free spigot in the winter?

Frost-free Hose Bibs: Best Choice for Cold Winters

Frost-free hose bibs (also known as spigots, taps, faucets, etc.) are a great choice for homes which experience freezing winter temperatures. They are designed to prevent the tap and adjoining pipes from freezing even though they are mounted outside.

Should you drip outside faucets in cold weather?

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Where is the valve for my outside tap?

Your outside stop valve is normally located under a cover on the path or the road. It can also be: In the same area as your water meter. At the end of your road.

What is the cap on top of an outdoor faucet?

The vacuum cap is circular and about an inch in diameter, and it either slips or screws onto the top of the faucet. The device underneath it is known as a vacuum breaker or an anti-siphon valve.

At what temp should I drip my faucets?

When a cold wave hovers around or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius), it's time to let at least one faucet drip. Pay close attention to pipes that remain in attics, garages, basements or crawl spaces because temperature levels in these unheated interior areas usually imitate outside temperatures.

At what temperature do hose bibs freeze?

However, you absolutely MUST drain them before the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. We see the most emergency frozen pipes and frozen bibs at 20 degrees and temperature below. However, snow on the ground and wind chill can cause your outdoor spigots to freeze at a higher temperature.

When should I wrap my outside faucets?

Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibbs, can be damaged by freezing temperatures. A hose bibb that freezes and breaks can be expensive to replace, especially if the exterior of the house is brick. Cover your faucet during cold weather to prevent it from freezing. This is The Duck Brand's Flexible Faucet Cover.

Should you drip your outside faucets?

Drip outside faucets 24 hours a day (5 drops per minute). This is not necessary unless temperatures are expected to be 28 degrees or below for at least 4 hours. (Be sure to turn off the faucets after the threat of freezing weather.)

Is it better to cover or drip outside faucets?

Cover the exterior faucet with an insulated slip-on cover. This will prevent any remaining water from freezing. Exterior pipes should be wrapped with insulation tubing, which can be found at your local hardware store. Do not wrap your pipes with bath towels or newspaper!

Is it better to drip outdoor faucets or cover them?

Install Outdoor Faucet Covers

In most situations, however, the faucet cover will provide enough insulation. Frost-free spigots should still be covered as well—although they are resistant to freezing, they are not completely frost-proof in the coldest weather.

Is it better to cover outside faucets or let them drip?

Cover the faucet with the slip-on faucet cover. Cover exposed exterior pipes with insulation tubing to help prevent them from freezing. You may have seen people use things like old towels to insulate their pipes. Don't, as these soak up water, so you're basically wrapping ice around your pipes.

Should you turn off outside tap in winter?

Water expands when frozen, and if the frozen water has nowhere to go, it will destroy whatever's constraining it. For this reason, it's very important to shut off the valve that lets water flow into the faucet over the cold winter months – before the first frost.

How do I winterize my water spigot?