With temperatures in Southeast Idaho already dipping below 50 degrees, it’s clear that winter is approaching. While it may not be freezing yet, now is the perfect time to prepare your plumbing for colder weather to winterize outdoor faucets and prevent frozen pipes. When our pipes freeze, it doesn’t just stop water flow—the pipes can expand, crack, and burst, causing significant water damage and costly repairs. Acting now to protect your home is the best way to avoid an expensive emergency.
Winterizing your outdoor faucets is a fairly simple DIY process, but following the correct steps can save you from potentially thousands of dollars in repair costs. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to locate your shut-off valve, properly drain your outdoor faucets, and use extra precautions to prevent frozen pipes—so your plumbing stays safe all winter long.
Finding the Shut-Off Valve
A shut-off valve (sometimes called a service valve or isolation valve) controls water flow to your outdoor faucets. Most standard homes have one, but some older or custom-built homes may not have one. Knowing where it is ensures that water can be fully drained from the line before winter.
Common locations for service valves include:
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Crawl space—along the pipe leading back from the outdoor faucet.
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Basement—near the pipe leading from the hose supply line.
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Near the water heater—sometimes a shut-off on a nearby supply line can serve multiple faucets.
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Close to your home’s main water shut-off—in some homes, a branch line valve controls outdoor faucets.
If your home doesn’t have a dedicated shut-off valve, or you’re unsure, a professional plumber can identify alternatives or install one for proper winterization. Once you’ve located the valve, close it before moving to the next step—winterizing your faucet.
How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Before you start draining your faucet, it helps to know exactly what you’ll be doing. You’ll remove any hoses, open the faucet and waste valve, and let the water fully drain. Fully draining the lines is crucial because even a small amount of leftover water can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst. The following steps walk you through the process in an easy, manageable way—so you can protect your plumbing without stress.
4 Steps to Drain an Outdoor Faucet:
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Remove the hose from the faucet.
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Open the hose valve and ensure the faucet served by the service valve is in the “on” position.
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Drain water by placing a container under the hose valve and another under the waste cap. Leave the hose valve open and the waste cap loose.
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Check drainage:
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If water flows, the line is clear, and you’ve removed the water that could freeze.
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If no water comes out, pipes may already be frozen—call a professional plumber immediately to avoid potential damage.
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Extra Tips to Winterize Outdoor Faucets in Southeast Idaho
Timing Matters: Frozen pipes typically occur at 32°F or below. Plan to winterize before the first hard freeze, usually late October or early November in Southeast Idaho.
Know Your Outdoor Faucet Type:
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Standard faucets: must be fully drained.
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Frost-free faucets: designed to drain automatically, but it’s still wise to check that no water remains in the line.
Tools and Materials You Might Need:
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Basic wrench or pliers to remove hoses.
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Bucket or container to catch draining water.
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Optional: foam faucet covers or pipe insulation for extra protection.
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Towels or rags for minor drips.
Extra Precautions:
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Disconnect and store garden hoses indoors.
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Check for leaks or slow drips before winter; frozen water can worsen these issues.
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For homes with slab foundations or unique plumbing layouts, steps may differ slightly. It’s always best to get professional guidance to ensure nothing is missed.
Not Up for DIY? Let Our Plumbers Handle it
Some steps can be tricky, and mistakes can lead to bigger problems—or higher costs—later on. Our expert team is ready to help with all your outdoor and indoor plumbing needs.
As temperatures in Southeast Idaho begin to dip, it’s crucial to ensure your plumbing is prepared for the colder months. Frozen pipes can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. Spotting early warning signs—like no water flow, frost on pipes, or bulging along water lines—can help you act quickly and prevent costly damage. For a more detailed overview, check our guide on the 5 Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen.
For prompt plumbing help in Pocatello, ID, call or schedule online today!