When temperatures drop, outdoor faucets are among the first parts of your plumbing system to freeze. If left unprotected, frozen faucets can lead to burst pipes, water damage, and costly repairs. The good news is that you can take simple preventative steps to avoid this winter plumbing disaster.
If you need outdoor faucet winterization services in Beloeil, Plomberie Beloeil offers professional plumbing solutions to protect your home from freezing temperatures. Here’s how to keep your outdoor faucets from freezing this winter.
Why Do Outdoor Faucets Freeze?
? Water left inside the faucet or pipes expands as it freezes
? Cold air exposure accelerates freezing in uninsulated pipes
? Poor drainage traps water, increasing the risk of ice buildup
? Extreme cold temperatures cause rapid freezing, even in newer faucets
? Fact: A single burst pipe from a frozen faucet can release hundreds of liters of water, causing major home damage.
How to Prevent Outdoor Faucets from Freezing
1. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets
✔ Why it’s important:
Leaving water in the faucet increases the risk of freezing and pipe bursts.
?️ How to do it:
✅ Locate and turn off the outdoor faucet shutoff valve (usually in the basement or utility room).
✅ Open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water.
✅ Leave the faucet slightly open to prevent pressure buildup.
? Draining your faucets before winter is the #1 way to prevent freezing!
2. Use Outdoor Faucet Covers
✔ Why it’s important:
Faucet covers add a layer of insulation to protect against freezing temperatures.
?️ How to do it:
✅ Purchase foam faucet covers from a hardware store.
✅ Secure the cover tightly over the faucet to block cold air.
? Need help winterizing your faucets? Plomberie Beloeil can install the best freeze-protection solutions.
3. Insulate Exposed Pipes
✔ Why it’s important:
Exposed pipes leading to outdoor faucets are at high risk of freezing.
?️ How to do it:
✅ Wrap pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape.
✅ Use pipe insulation tape for tight spaces.
✅ Seal any gaps in the walls where pipes enter to block cold drafts.
? Pipes in unheated garages or crawl spaces also need insulation!
4. Install Frost-Free Outdoor Faucets
✔ Why it’s important:
Frost-free faucets are designed to drain water automatically, reducing the risk of freezing.
?️ How to do it:
✅ Replace old faucets with frost-free models.
✅ Ensure the faucet is installed at a downward angle so water drains properly.
? Upgrading to frost-free faucets? Call Plomberie Beloeil for expert installation.
5. Disconnect and Store Garden Hoses
✔ Why it’s important:
Leaving hoses connected traps water in the faucet, increasing the risk of freezing.
?️ How to do it:
✅ Disconnect all hoses before the first freeze.
✅ Drain hoses and store them indoors or in a garage.
? Even if your faucet is insulated, a connected hose can cause freezing!
6. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
✔ Why it’s important:
Running water prevents freezing by relieving pressure inside pipes.
?️ How to do it:
✅ During extreme cold snaps, let the outdoor faucet drip slightly.
✅ If your faucet doesn’t have a shutoff valve, dripping water can help prevent ice blockages.
? This method is useful for last-minute freeze prevention!
What to Do If Your Outdoor Faucet Freezes
? If your faucet is frozen, act fast to prevent a pipe burst!
✔ Step 1: Turn off the main water supply to prevent damage.
✔ Step 2: Open the outdoor faucet slightly to relieve pressure.
✔ Step 3: Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels to thaw the faucet.
✔ Step 4: Check for leaks once the water starts flowing again.
? If you suspect pipe damage, call Plomberie Beloeil immediately!
Why Choose Plomberie Beloeil for Winter Plumbing Protection?
? Expert winterization services for all outdoor faucets and pipes
✅ Fast, professional installation of frost-free faucets and insulation
? Emergency plumbing repairs for frozen or burst pipes
? Affordable preventative solutions to protect your home all winter long
? Don’t wait until it’s too late—winterize your outdoor faucets today!
Protect Your Outdoor Faucets—Call Plomberie Beloeil Now!
Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on unprotected outdoor faucets. Whether you need pipe insulation, frost-free faucet installation, or emergency repairs, Plomberie Sherbrooke Plus has you covered.