Should You Cover Your Outdoor Faucets In The Winter? An Expert Explains

From prepping birdbaths to cleaning gutters, there are a lot of things for homeowners to do once temperatures start to dip.

Unfortunately, just because you won’t be using your outdoor faucets during the winter months doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about them. As much as we dislike adding another thing to your winter preparation list, a little work up front might save you from a big repair bill in the future.

Credit: Getty Images

The Importance Of Winterizing Outdoor Faucets

Experts recommend insulating outdoor faucets to prevent damage to pipes from freezing temperatures. A burst spigot can lead to water flowing against the side of the house or even making its way inside.

Investing in foam covers or even fashioning DIY covers from items in your home can help protect your pipes during a cold snap. When sealed correctly, a faucet cover traps heat radiating from indoor plumbing around the tap, preventing it from freezing and causing a burst pipe. Not only are they easy to install, but faucet covers are also an eco-friendly alternative to letting spigots drip when temperatures drop.

Even if your home or structure is equipped with frost-proof outdoor faucets, Paul Abrams, company spokesperson for Roto-Rooter, says that it’s still a good idea to cover the faucets with an insulated cover. “After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” he adds.

Types Of Outdoor Faucet Covers

Experts agree that foam faucet covers are the best option for a standard outdoor spigot. The foam sits flush to the outside of the house, keeping out freezing air and making it less likely that your pipes will freeze.

Though less effective at insulating than foam, fabric covers mold to the shape of the faucet, making them ideal for oddly shaped and/or freestanding spigots. These are inexpensive and readily available at most hardware stores or home centers.

Credit:Getty Images

How To Install Outdoor Faucet Covers

Start by disconnecting garden hoses and making sure that there are no leaks in or around your spigot. Turn the water supply to the faucet off and allow any remaining water to drain.

Fit the faucet cover tightly over the faucet, leaving no gaps between the house and the cover. For cloth covers, cinch the drawstring tightly around the faucet so there is a good seal between the cover and the siding or bricks.