Oh how I wish I had watched this BEFORE I went on my Winter vacation. Just got a call from my son (who stayed home) informing me we have a big flood in the house. Y'all listen to Tom. I know I will.
My house was just flooded and this was exactly what happened - the copper pipe split open due to freezing temperature. Wish I had seen this video before the historic cold snap in our region!
Hello, I have the frost resistant faucet, I just wanted to make sure that after finishing the water shut off, I should leave the faucet valve open for winter?
Last night my hose connected to a timer blew open. Thankfully it doesnt seem like the faucet pipe split. Just the hose was damaged which is better than the copper piping.
Silly question: After shutting off the valve in the basement, and opening bib outside to drain the remaining water, should I shut the bib off again, or leave it open to insure no pressure build up? Because at the moment it is still dripping and forming icicles
Actually that's a great question. Because I was going to ask the same thing. I keep reading so many different things about it.. So it is o k to close it after it is cut off Inside the basement at the valve and then open faucet and drain..then closed back faucet afterwards..
I live in SE South Dakota. I have the Frost Resistant style faucets. I want to fill my heated bird bath using the outside faucet it is sitting under this winter. Can I do that???? I have removed the hose and always do so it will just be turned the faucet on and off to fill the bird bath.
Yes. Frost resistant faucets should be usable during winter if they are installed correctly. (That means as long as the faucet doesn’t appear to slope back into the house.) As long as you disconnect the hose after each use it should be ok.
I can’t find any shutoffs on my 75 year old home in north Florida. Would you shutoff water at the street and then drain outside pipes. It is expected to be very cold for only 3 nights. Can some plumber or someone who knows let me know? I have some water to pour in back of toilet for flushing. I would also turn on indoor faucets and drain them.
It is possible that there are not separate shut off valves. Worst case, if you are worried about freezing, you can leave your faucet on at a slow drip. Moving water is not as likely to freeze.
My house, build after 2000, has two frost free anti back flow garden faucets, one for the front and one for the back yard. While winterizing I always (last several seasons) notice one of them drain about a quart of water thru the bleeder caps, but not the other, I am sure following all the steps such as detaching the garden hose from the faucet before and both the faucets are used throughout the growing season? Since I have the frost free faucet, I believe its safe, since I close the internal valves as well, but wanted to know why and make sure its normal?
Hello. When you refer to the "bleeder caps" do you mean the back flow preventer vacuum breaker with the cap on top? If water is seeping out of there, the vacuum breaker is probably worn out and leaking. This is not a big problem other than water will seep out when you are using it, and that can be a nuisance. The vacuum breaker can be repaired. Most manufacturers have a repair kit for that. This leak is not caused by freezing, and should not be a concern over the winter. Thanks for watching!
The home I just bought (built in 2011) didn't have shut off valves on the inside (except for the main water shut off valve for the entire house). Any suggestions of what to do?
You might need to add valves to the lines going to the hose faucets. If that is more than you want to do yourself, I would recommend calling a plumber.
I have the exact second style brown faucet. I just turned on, and nothing happened. Possible a dummy faucet? The one on side house only leaks at the knob when connected to a hose. No hose and water spits out just fine. What could that be?
The first faucet you mentioned may be jammed and needs replacement parts. Woodford has replacement part kits. If a faucet is leaking from the handle then there is a seal around the stem behind the handle that can be replaced.
I just bought this house and have a nibco classic pro on the outside faucets which I believe are frost resistant. I do not seem to have access to any shut off for the outside faucets only the main waterline for the entire house. If I use insulated covers for the outside faucets should that be enough?
If the faucet is frost resistant, then it should be fine, even if you cannot shut it off. Insulation would help. If you are concerned about control, it might be worth cutting a shut of valve in the line inside the house. You might consider help from a plumber if you are not comfortable with that project.
Hello. Yes, it is possible that a hose faucet line could run through the crawl space. A damaged line would leak into the crawl space. Unfortunately, the best way to confirm might be to go in and find out.
I have a drip on my faucet that has caused and ice cycle below. Is it wise to put a brass garden hose cap on it. I don't know how to fix the leak. I called a plumber who said it couldn't be fixed but needed to be replaced. I'm afraid to remove the handle and pull out the stem and cause a catastrophe.
Hello, The risk of putting a cap on it is that the whole faucet will fill with water that could freeze internally. Brass is a soft metal, so sometimes it will even split when water is frozen inside. I would agree that it probably needs to be replaced. If you attempt a repair, make sure the water is shut off before you take anything apart. Good luck!
Is it too late for me to do this in the middle of winter when we are already experiencing sub-zero temperatures? My house is on a concrete slab foundation and I have two water shut off valves inside bedroom closets about 12 in off the floor. I'm pretty sure I have frost/freeze resistant hose spigots.
Hello. Never too late to shut them off. Better safe than sorry. If you are concerned that things have frozen I would recommend waiting until things warm up before you turn things back on to investigate.
What if you have a Frost Resistant hose bib and just realized you left your hose attached and them temp is 10 degrees outside? I was able to remove the hose but it seems like there is some ice build up in the spout. Is it advisable to thaw it? I have read elsewhere to open the valve if attempting to thaw it. I would greatly appreciate a response. Great video!
Yeh sorry. That happens to the best of us sometimes. At this point I would just make sure the valve remains off and see what happens as it warms up. I would be real careful once you turn things back on. Pay close attention to the walls or ceilings inside the house where the faucet goes out. Unfortunately it is hard to confirm without opening up to see. But that would be a waste if there is not a problem. Time will tell. Use caution.
My house was built in 72 so I asummed it had the frost resistant outside faucet... nope wrong I have two that are just galvanized steel going outside. Never have winterized them correctly guess im going to start this winter.
We have the second type of hose bib (frost resistant). After shutting off the internal shut off valve and then opening the outside hose bibs, should we be leaving the hose bibs open for the winter? or close them again? When I opened my outside bib after closing the interior shut off valves basically no water actually came out.. curious if this is normal for this type of bib (we never actually had a hose hooked up to the bibs before - new build house).
Hello. You can leave the faucet open until you are ready to turn it on in the spring. It is normal if not much comes out after you have shut it off. Thanks!
I have the frost resistant type as well and after winterizing it, not much water came out of the outdoor hose bib but a bunch of water (couple cups maybe) came out of the inside bleed orifice when I released them. Is that normal?
We have several valves on our basement and I cannot figure out which one is to the outside. I thought it was a lever one but then our kitchen sink stopped working. Any suggestions on which is the right one?
Yeah. That can be confusing. I wish all plumbers would label the valves. You might experiment shutting off one at a time and see what stops. Unfortunately, sometimes plumbers do not install shut off valves as they should. If you are unable to get the faucets so shut off you might seek professional help from a plumber. Worst case they can add valves where needed.
Hello Tom, I heard my house has water flowing sound without turning on water anywhere. Then we found that the water leaked out from the wall against the outdoor water faucet, and water also came out of the faucet area without turn it on in a cold weather. Do you think it's due to the frozen hose and split or it is the water pipe leak inside the wall? Thanks for help! Holiday and no one pick up the phone :(
Hello. Sounds like the faucet could be damaged inside the wall. Unfortunately, the only way to find be out is to open it up. You might consider getting some professional help to diagnose. It is also a good idea to open the wall that has water in it to dry it out. Water inside a wall or ceiling can mold. Restoration companies are good help when there is water damage. Sorry for your trouble. Good luck!
i have the new style faucet but i don't have a way to shut the water off in the house. sooo after i remove the hose should i insulate the faucet also ?
Insulating can help in any situation. However, the new frost resistant style faucets are made to be usable through the winter. As long as you removed the hose, it should be okay even if you don't insulate. Thanks for watching!
So nice to here from a plumber on you tube that knows what the hell he’s talking about, great and accurate advice for homeowners.
Glad to hear it! Thanks!
Oh how I wish I had watched this BEFORE I went on my Winter vacation. Just got a call from my son (who stayed home) informing me we have a big flood in the house. Y'all listen to Tom. I know I will.
Sorry to hear it! Hopefully that can be so frustrating!
@@plumber-tom9470 thanks man. Live and learn.
Sometimes we learn the hard way. Hang in there. @@gtrdoc911
Nice clear voice that explains things!
Thanks!
Very very helpful and well explained. Thank you
Thanks!
My house was just flooded and this was exactly what happened - the copper pipe split open due to freezing temperature. Wish I had seen this video before the historic cold snap in our region!
Ah! Sorry. That is so disappointing. Hopefully you can avoid the same thing in the future.
Hello, I have the frost resistant faucet, I just wanted to make sure that after finishing the water shut off, I should leave the faucet valve open for winter?
You can leave it open.
Really appreciate your super clear information! Thank you!
Thanks! Glad it is helpful!
Last night my hose connected to a timer blew open. Thankfully it doesnt seem like the faucet pipe split. Just the hose was damaged which is better than the copper piping.
Wow. I hope there was not any further damage
Silly question: After shutting off the valve in the basement, and opening bib outside to drain the remaining water, should I shut the bib off again, or leave it open to insure no pressure build up? Because at the moment it is still dripping and forming icicles
You can shut It off again. If it is still dripping, that might indicate that the shut off inside the house is leaking.
@@plumber-tom9470 Thanks for the insight. I will turn it back off. Hopefully, there's no leak
Actually that's a great question. Because I was going to ask the same thing. I keep reading so many different things about it.. So it is o k to close it after it is cut off Inside the basement at the valve and then open faucet and drain..then closed back faucet afterwards..
Perfectly explained. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Great tips Tom!
Thanks!
Very useful information, thanks.
Thanks. Glad you find it helpful.
I live in SE South Dakota. I have the Frost Resistant style faucets. I want to fill my heated bird bath using the outside faucet it is sitting under this winter. Can I do that???? I have removed the hose and always do so it will just be turned the faucet on and off to fill the bird bath.
Yes. Frost resistant faucets should be usable during winter if they are installed correctly. (That means as long as the faucet doesn’t appear to slope back into the house.) As long as you disconnect the hose after each use it should be ok.
I can’t find any shutoffs on my 75 year old home in north Florida. Would you shutoff water at the street and then drain outside pipes. It is expected to be very cold for only 3 nights. Can some plumber or someone who knows let me know? I have some water to pour in back of toilet for flushing. I would also turn on indoor faucets and drain them.
It is possible that there are not separate shut off valves. Worst case, if you are worried about freezing, you can leave your faucet on at a slow drip. Moving water is not as likely to freeze.
My house, build after 2000, has two frost free anti back flow garden faucets, one for the front and one for the back yard. While winterizing I always (last several seasons) notice one of them drain about a quart of water thru the bleeder caps, but not the other, I am sure following all the steps such as detaching the garden hose from the faucet before and both the faucets are used throughout the growing season? Since I have the frost free faucet, I believe its safe, since I close the internal valves as well, but wanted to know why and make sure its normal?
Hello. When you refer to the "bleeder caps" do you mean the back flow preventer vacuum breaker with the cap on top? If water is seeping out of there, the vacuum breaker is probably worn out and leaking. This is not a big problem other than water will seep out when you are using it, and that can be a nuisance. The vacuum breaker can be repaired. Most manufacturers have a repair kit for that. This leak is not caused by freezing, and should not be a concern over the winter. Thanks for watching!
The home I just bought (built in 2011) didn't have shut off valves on the inside (except for the main water shut off valve for the entire house). Any suggestions of what to do?
You might need to add valves to the lines going to the hose faucets. If that is more than you want to do yourself, I would recommend calling a plumber.
I have the exact second style brown faucet. I just turned on, and nothing happened.
Possible a dummy faucet?
The one on side house only leaks at the knob when connected to a hose. No hose and water spits out just fine.
What could that be?
The first faucet you mentioned may be jammed and needs replacement parts. Woodford has replacement part kits.
If a faucet is leaking from the handle then there is a seal around the stem behind the handle that can be replaced.
When I try to drain my frost free spigot after shutting off the valve inside, nothing drains out even though I open it wide. Is this normal?
Yes. You might not get water if you have shut it off inside.
I just bought this house and have a nibco classic pro on the outside faucets which I believe are frost resistant. I do not seem to have access to any shut off for the outside faucets only the main waterline for the entire house. If I use insulated covers for the outside faucets should that be enough?
If the faucet is frost resistant, then it should be fine, even if you cannot shut it off. Insulation would help. If you are concerned about control, it might be worth cutting a shut of valve in the line inside the house. You might consider help from a plumber if you are not comfortable with that project.
What if you’ve a crawl space ? Would the water be in the crawl space
Hello. Yes, it is possible that a hose faucet line could run through the crawl space. A damaged line would leak into the crawl space. Unfortunately, the best way to confirm might be to go in and find out.
I have a drip on my faucet that has caused and ice cycle below. Is it wise to put a brass garden hose cap on it. I don't know how to fix the leak. I called a plumber who said it couldn't be fixed but needed to be replaced. I'm afraid to remove the handle and pull out the stem and cause a catastrophe.
Hello, The risk of putting a cap on it is that the whole faucet will fill with water that could freeze internally. Brass is a soft metal, so sometimes it will even split when water is frozen inside. I would agree that it probably needs to be replaced. If you attempt a repair, make sure the water is shut off before you take anything apart. Good luck!
Is it too late for me to do this in the middle of winter when we are already experiencing sub-zero temperatures? My house is on a concrete slab foundation and I have two water shut off valves inside bedroom closets about 12 in off the floor. I'm pretty sure I have frost/freeze resistant hose spigots.
Hello. Never too late to shut them off. Better safe than sorry. If you are concerned that things have frozen I would recommend waiting until things warm up before you turn things back on to investigate.
What if you have a Frost Resistant hose bib and just realized you left your hose attached and them temp is 10 degrees outside? I was able to remove the hose but it seems like there is some ice build up in the spout. Is it advisable to thaw it? I have read elsewhere to open the valve if attempting to thaw it. I would greatly appreciate a response. Great video!
Yeh sorry. That happens to the best of us sometimes.
At this point I would just make sure the valve remains off and see what happens as it warms up. I would be real careful once you turn things back on. Pay close attention to the walls or ceilings inside the house where the faucet goes out. Unfortunately it is hard to confirm without opening up to see. But that would be a waste if there is not a problem. Time will tell. Use caution.
Thanks, I have been looking for a plumber to pay to do this for me, now I don't have to.
You’re welcome 👍
Should I keep the outside faucets on or off during winter? (This part I did not understand :()
Best to keep them off, especially if they are not the frost resistant type.
My house was built in 72 so I asummed it had the frost resistant outside faucet... nope wrong I have two that are just galvanized steel going outside. Never have winterized them correctly guess im going to start this winter.
Typical for that time period. Winterizing is a good idea even if things were ok in previous years.
We have the second type of hose bib (frost resistant). After shutting off the internal shut off valve and then opening the outside hose bibs, should we be leaving the hose bibs open for the winter? or close them again? When I opened my outside bib after closing the interior shut off valves basically no water actually came out.. curious if this is normal for this type of bib (we never actually had a hose hooked up to the bibs before - new build house).
Hello. You can leave the faucet open until you are ready to turn it on in the spring. It is normal if not much comes out after you have shut it off. Thanks!
I have the frost resistant type as well and after winterizing it, not much water came out of the outdoor hose bib but a bunch of water (couple cups maybe) came out of the inside bleed orifice when I released them. Is that normal?
We have several valves on our basement and I cannot figure out which one is to the outside. I thought it was a lever one but then our kitchen sink stopped working. Any suggestions on which is the right one?
Yeah. That can be confusing. I wish all plumbers would label the valves.
You might experiment shutting off one at a time and see what stops. Unfortunately, sometimes plumbers do not install shut off valves as they should.
If you are unable to get the faucets so shut off you might seek professional help from a plumber. Worst case they can add valves where needed.
Good tutorial
Glad you think so!
Well done !
Thanks!
Hello Tom, I heard my house has water flowing sound without turning on water anywhere. Then we found that the water leaked out from the wall against the outdoor water faucet, and water also came out of the faucet area without turn it on in a cold weather. Do you think it's due to the frozen hose and split or it is the water pipe leak inside the wall? Thanks for help! Holiday and no one pick up the phone :(
Hello. Sounds like the faucet could be damaged inside the wall. Unfortunately, the only way to find be out is to open it up. You might consider getting some professional help to diagnose. It is also a good idea to open the wall that has water in it to dry it out. Water inside a wall or ceiling can mold. Restoration companies are good help when there is water damage.
Sorry for your trouble. Good luck!
i have the new style faucet but i don't have a way to shut the water off in the house. sooo after i remove the hose should i insulate the faucet also ?
Insulating can help in any situation. However, the new frost resistant style faucets are made to be usable through the winter. As long as you removed the hose, it should be okay even if you don't insulate. Thanks for watching!