Covering outdoor faucets in winter is important because it helps to prevent them from freezing. When water inside the pipes or faucet freezes, it expands, which can cause the pipes to burst or the faucet to crack. This can lead to costly repairs and water damage.
By covering the faucet, you add an extra layer of insulation to help keep the water inside from freezing. You can also take other precautions such as insulating the pipes or installing a heat tape to help prevent freezing. By taking these steps, you can help protect your outdoor faucets and pipes from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures.
5 Ideas to cover outdoor faucets when winter is coming
- Use a faucet cover: These are made of insulating materials and are designed specifically to fit over outdoor faucets. They are easy to install and can help prevent freezing by providing an extra layer of insulation.
- Install a heat tape: Heat tape is a cord or ribbon that is wrapped around the faucet and plugged in to an electrical outlet. It generates heat to keep the faucet and pipes warm, preventing them from freezing.
- Insulate the pipes: If your outdoor faucet is connected to exposed pipes, consider insulating them with foam pipe insulation. This will help keep the water in the pipes from freezing.
- Use a hose bib cover: These covers fit over the handle of the faucet and are made of insulating materials to help prevent freezing.
- Drain the water from the pipes: Before the temperature drops below freezing, turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucet and drain the water from the pipes. This will help prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. Be sure to turn the water supply back on once the weather warms up again in the spring.
How Do These Faucet Covers Work?
Faucet covers are designed to fit over the outdoor faucet and provide an extra layer of insulation to help prevent freezing. They are typically made of materials such as foam, fabric, or plastic that have insulating properties to keep the faucet and pipes warm. To use a faucet cover, simply slide it over the faucet and secure it in place. Some faucet covers may have additional features such as a Velcro strap or elastic band to help hold them in place.
The insulating properties of the faucet cover help to keep the temperature of the faucet and pipes above freezing, even when the outside temperature drops below freezing. This can help prevent the water inside the pipes from freezing and expanding, which can cause the pipes to burst or the faucet to crack. Faucet covers are an easy and effective way to protect your outdoor faucets from freezing during the winter months.
What temperature need to cover the faucets?
This is generally recommended how to cover outdoor faucets when the temperature is expected to drop below freezing. This means that the temperature is forecasted to be 32°F (0°C) or below. At this temperature, water inside the pipes or faucet can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to burst or the faucet to crack. By covering the faucet, you add an extra layer of insulation to help keep the water inside from freezing.
It is also a good idea to cover your outdoor faucets if you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time and the temperature is forecasted to be below freezing. This will help protect your faucets from freezing and the resulting damage while you are away.
Keep in mind that even if the temperature is above freezing, it is still a good idea to take steps to protect your outdoor faucets. For example, insulating the pipes or installing a heat tape can help prevent freezing even when the temperature is slightly above freezing.
Faucet covers available on Amazon
- PF WaterWorks PF0690-2: This cover is made of heavy-duty insulation and has a durable vinyl exterior. It fits over most standard outdoor faucets and has a Velcro closure to help keep it in place.
- Homsky Outdoor Faucet Cover for Winter: These socks are made of insulating material and can be easily slipped over the faucet. They have an elastic band at the bottom to help hold them in place.
- Faucet Cover by Frost King: Protects exterior wall faucets from freezing.
- GonLei Outside Faucet Covers For Winter: The GonLei winter faucet cover has enough reflective Velcro straps on both sides to help the faucet cover stick tightly to the faucet. When putting the faucet socks, be sure to stick the Velcro to prevent the rain from entering. To clean this faucet hose bib cover, you can use a soft bristle brush to wipe clean with warm water.
- HNYTLCO Outside Water Faucet Cover: HNYTLCO Outside Water Faucet Cover upgrade measures 13″ W x 25″ H. Compared with similar brand, Our outside faucet cover increases by 4~5 inch, Universal fit over any standard outside yard hydrant.
When shopping for a faucet cover, be sure to choose one that is the right size for your outdoor faucet and made of durable, insulating materials.
Thank you for visiting our blog post research on “how to cover outdoor faucets when winter is coming”. We hope that you found the information provided helpful in protecting your outdoor faucets from freezing and the resulting damage. Thank you again for visiting and we hope that you have a safe and enjoyable winter season.