How to Winterize Your Outdoor Faucets in Lubbock
Even though Lubbock winters are milder than northern states, temperatures can still dip below freezing. Cold weather can cause outdoor faucets and pipes to freeze and crack, leading to leaks and costly repairs. At Cotton City Plumbing, we help Lubbock homeowners protect their plumbing during the winter months.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to winterizing your outdoor faucets.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply to Outdoor Faucets
Most homes in Lubbock have indoor shut-off valves for exterior faucets, often located in the garage, basement, or utility room.
Steps:
Locate the shut-off valve for your outdoor faucet.
Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water from the pipe.
Tip: Make sure the faucet stays open during winter to allow any residual water to expand safely.
2. Disconnect Hoses and Sprinkler Systems
Leaving hoses attached can trap water in the faucet, increasing the risk of freezing.
Disconnect all garden hoses.
Drain any water from sprinkler lines if possible.
Store hoses and sprinkler components indoors for the winter.
3. Install Faucet Covers
Faucet covers are an inexpensive way to insulate outdoor faucets and protect them from freezing.
Covers are made of foam or insulated plastic.
Simply place the cover over the faucet and secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure the faucet is completely drained before covering.
4. Check for Pipe Insulation
If your outdoor faucet is connected to exposed pipes, consider insulating them with foam pipe sleeves or insulation tape.
Tip: Insulating the first few feet of pipe inside your home can also help prevent freezing near the exterior wall.
5. Inspect for Leaks Before Winter
Before the cold hits, check your outdoor faucets and surrounding pipes for:
Drips or leaks
Cracks in the faucet body
Loose connections
Tip: Even a small leak can worsen during freezing temperatures, so have it repaired promptly by a professional plumber.
6. Optional: Shut Off the Main Water Supply During Extreme Cold
For Lubbock homeowners anticipating an unusually cold spell, shutting off the main water supply and draining pipes entirely can provide extra protection.
Warning: Only do this if you are comfortable with turning your home’s main water system off — otherwise, call a professional plumber.
Why Winterizing Matters
Failing to winterize outdoor faucets can lead to:
Frozen or burst pipes
Costly water damage
Mold growth from leaks
Emergency plumbing repairs in the middle of winter
Winterizing is a small investment that saves money and prevents headaches later.
Trust Cotton City Plumbing for Lubbock Winter Plumbing Prep
Preparing your home for winter doesn’t have to be stressful. At Cotton City Plumbing, we provide inspections, winterization, and preventative plumbing services to keep your home safe and leak-free all season.