Also, if you are still an old-fashioned shut-off valve drain system, replacing it with the modern frost-free hose or spigot will prevent any damage to your water pipes in winter. Winterizing your outdoor faucet without a shut off valve is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. When you shut down the water on a frost-free faucet, the water stops behind the valve, set further back inside the home. Additionally, it can cause water to pool around the foundation of the house, potentially leading to flooding or other damage. Exterior faucets can cause plenty of problems for your plumbing in the winter. Open the outside faucet until it runs dry. In other words, it protects the drinking water by keeping water from going back through the hose and into your water pipes. If you live in an area where the temperature drops below freezing, a shut-off valve can help you to quickly turn off the water and prevent your pipes from bursting. See also: Will Grass Seeds Successfully Germinate On Top Of Soil? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Whether or not you need a shut-off valve for your outdoor faucet is ultimately up to you, but there are some clear advantages to having one. Open the faucet on the highest level of the home to relieve pressure. Most homes have more than one supply water valve. Can I use my Coinbase address to receive bitcoin? Twisting the handle pivots a steel ball with a hole . They're these little Styrofoam covers that cinch up tight against the side of your house. This valve is well known for its durability. This type of valve prevents the water from flowing back to its source. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime. One other thing I will mention is that it is entirely possible that your hose bibb or outside spigot does not have a shut-off valve. When one or more components have completely worn down over time, it may be more effective to simply replace the entire water valve. . This article has been viewed 59,349 times. HQMPC Outdoor Spigot Hose Ball Valve Hose Bibb Garden Hose Connect Bibb Shut Off Valve No Lead Brass Stop Valve 1/2" MNPT Connect 3/4" GHT Outlet 1 Pcs. So, installing frost-free sillcocks with a downward pitch will prevent any damage to the faucet during winter. An exterior shut-off valve is a valve that is installed near your outdoor faucet. Your email address will not be published. If you have a leaky outdoor faucet, a shut-off valve can help you to quickly turn off the water and prevent further damage. If there is, drain the pipe. Make sure that you unscrew the compression washer from the end of the valve assembly, too. Open the faucet on the highest level of the home to relieve pressure. Remove all hoses and splitters from your outdoor faucet before winter sets in. Check to make sure you've covered the whole faucet. 99. If the . If you live in a region where freezing temperatures persist for weeks or months, its a good idea to replace your faucet with frost-free faucets. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Whether youre setting out on a winter trip or leaving your apartment for any other task, winterizing your outside faucets will help you in an effective flow of water when you return home. Shut off water supply to house. You might be surprised to find a shut-off valve located on the pipe, very close to the meter. One of the first steps to winterizing your outdoor faucet is to locate the shut off valve that controls the water flow to the outside spigot. Choosing a frost-free outdoor faucet is an excellent idea because this type of faucet is made to safely drain off any water that remain in the pipe when you close the shutoff valve.