Frozen Pipes? No Thanks! Don’t mess around with Colorado winters. A frozen outdoor faucet or cracked irrigation line can quickly turn into a costly repair. The good news? With a little fall prep, you can protect your home’s outdoor plumbing and start spring stress-free. Here is a step-by-step how to guide.
Step 1: Disconnect & Drain Hoses
- Unhook all garden hoses from your outdoor faucets.
- Drain any leftover water and coil them neatly for storage in your garage or shed.
- Leaving hoses attached can trap water inside your faucet, which may freeze and cause damage.
Step 2: Shut Off & Drain Outdoor Faucets (Hose Bibs)
- Find your hose bib shutoff valve inside your home. This isn’t a tool—it’s already built into your plumbing. You’ll usually find it in the basement, crawl space, or utility room. It controls the water line that feeds your outdoor faucet (the hose bib).
- Turn the valve to the off position.
- Go outside and open the outdoor faucet to let any remaining water drain out.
- For extra protection, slip on an insulated faucet cover—an inexpensive safeguard that helps keep freezing air out.
💡 Pro Tip: Look for a small handle or knob on the indoor water line near the wall where your outdoor faucet connects. That’s your shutoff valve.
Step 3: Winterize Your Irrigation System
Unlike outdoor faucets, sprinkler systems are more complex. Even a little water left in underground lines can freeze, expand, and crack pipes. That’s why irrigation systems should always be professionally winterized with compressed air.
A quick blow-out service in the fall is far cheaper than repairing broken irrigation pipes in the spring!
🧰 Tools & Supplies
- Hose storage hanger or bin
- Insulated faucet covers
- Bucket or towel (to catch drips when draining faucets)
- No tools needed for the shutoff valve—it’s already part of your home.
🛠️ When to Call a Pro
- For winterizing your irrigation system (this one is a must).
- If you can’t locate your hose bib shutoff valve.
- If you notice leaks, cracks, or dripping faucets after shut-off.
Why It Matters
Frozen pipes = expensive headaches. Taking time now to disconnect hoses, drain faucets, and properly shut down your irrigation system helps protect your home and wallet. Plus, it means no unpleasant surprises when you turn everything back on in spring.
And if you’re already thinking about bigger updates—like a kitchen refresh or bath remodel—fall is the perfect season to call DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of the Pikes Peak Region. From quick tips to full-service remodels, we’re here to help you love your home in every season.
📞 719-636-2444
admin@dreammakercs.com
