Preparing your plumbing for winter is one of the simplest ways to help prevent expensive water damage. Before freezing temperatures arrive in Ann Arbor, remove every garden hose, shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots when possible, and drain any remaining water from the line.
A few minutes of fall plumbing maintenance can protect your home from a cracked hose bib, a burst pipe, or a surprise leak discovered when spring arrives. At Mitch the Plumber, we encourage homeowners to take care of these basics early—before the first hard freeze catches them off guard.
Why Outdoor Faucets Need Winter Attention
Water expands as it freezes. When water is trapped inside a garden hose, exterior faucet, or the pipe leading to that faucet, freezing temperatures can create enough pressure to crack components. The result may not be obvious immediately. Sometimes, a damaged outdoor faucet or supply pipe does not reveal itself until the system is turned back on in spring.
That is why removing hoses matters even if your home has frost-free outdoor faucets. A connected hose can keep water from draining properly from the fixture, leaving moisture behind where it can freeze. Michigan State University guidance similarly recommends removing hoses from outdoor faucets in late fall and shutting off the supply line to outside faucets when appropriate.
Step 1: Disconnect Every Garden Hose
Walk around your home and disconnect hoses from every outdoor spigot. This includes hoses connected to sprinklers, hose reels, pressure washers, drip-irrigation attachments, and outdoor cleaning tools.
After disconnecting each hose, drain as much water as possible. Stretch the hose out on a slight slope, allow the water to run out, and store it in a garage, shed, or basement. Avoid leaving hoses coiled outside all winter, where standing water can freeze and damage the hose material.
Do not forget less-visible connections, such as a hose on the side of the garage or one attached near a basement walkout. These are often the fixtures homeowners overlook until a plumbing repair is needed.
Step 2: Find the Outdoor Faucet Shut-Off Valve
Many homes have an indoor shut-off valve that controls water flow to an outdoor faucet. It may be located in a basement, crawl space, utility room, garage, or near the water meter. In some homes, each exterior spigot has its own dedicated valve.
Turn the shut-off valve clockwise to close it. If the valve is difficult to turn, do not force it. Older valves can become stuck or fragile, and forcing one may cause a leak. A licensed plumber can inspect and replace an unreliable shut-off valve before it becomes an emergency plumbing problem.
Not every home is configured the same way. Some newer homes have frost-free faucets without an accessible interior shut-off, while older homes may have standard fixtures that need more careful draining. If you are unsure which type of faucet you have, Mitch the Plumber can help you identify the setup and recommend the right winter-preparation steps.
Step 3: Drain Water From the Outdoor Line
Once the interior shut-off valve is closed, go back outside and open the spigot. Let the remaining water drain out. Leave the exterior faucet open after it has drained so any residual moisture has room to escape rather than becoming trapped in the fixture.
If your indoor shut-off includes a small drain cap or bleeder valve, place a small container underneath it and carefully open it to release water from the supply line. Close the bleeder valve once draining is complete. If you do not see a drain feature, that is okay—simply closing the supply valve and opening the exterior faucet is still an important step.
For homes with a separate irrigation system, backflow preventer, or outdoor kitchen plumbing, winterizing may require additional steps. Those systems should be evaluated separately rather than assuming a standard hose-spigot routine will protect every outdoor water line.
Check the Faucet While You Are There
Winter preparation is also a good time to inspect outdoor faucets for existing issues. Look for drips, rust, loose handles, damaged threads, or signs of moisture around the foundation. A small leak may seem minor during warmer weather, but it can become more troublesome once temperatures drop.
Also check the area inside your home near the outdoor faucet line. Damp drywall, staining, musty odors, or visible corrosion around pipes can point to a leak that needs attention. Addressing a small issue now is often easier than dealing with water damage during the winter.
Protect Other Vulnerable Plumbing Areas
Outdoor faucets are an important starting point, but they are not the only pipes that can freeze. Pay attention to plumbing in unheated garages, crawl spaces, exterior walls, and basements. Insulating exposed pipes can provide extra protection, especially in older Ann Arbor homes where plumbing may run close to cold exterior surfaces.
Keep your home heated consistently during cold weather, even if you are traveling. Opening cabinet doors beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks can help warm air reach pipes located along exterior walls. If you notice reduced water flow, frost on a pipe, or an unusually cold area near plumbing, contact a professional promptly.
Mitch the Plumber has served Ann Arbor homeowners and surrounding communities since 1979. Our team can help with preventative plumbing maintenance, pipe repairs, leak detection, and fast support when winter weather creates a plumbing concern.
When to Call a Plumber
Call for professional help if you cannot locate the outdoor shut-off valve, the valve will not close, the exterior faucet continues to run after the valve is shut off, or you see signs of a leak. It is also wise to schedule service if your home has had frozen-pipe problems in past winters.
Taking care of your outdoor plumbing before the cold sets in can save you stress later. A quick check today can help keep your home protected through another Michigan winter.
FAQ
Do I need to remove hoses from frost-free faucets?
Yes. Even a frost-free faucet may not drain properly when a hose remains connected. Disconnecting hoses helps prevent trapped water from freezing inside the fixture.
Should I turn off water to my outdoor faucets every winter?
If your home has dedicated indoor shut-off valves for exterior faucets, shutting them off and draining the outdoor lines is a smart winter-preparation step. If you are unsure about your system, contact Mitch the Plumber for guidance.
What happens if an outdoor faucet freezes?
A frozen faucet or supply line can crack, creating a leak that may become visible when water is turned back on. In some cases, the damage occurs inside a wall or basement ceiling, where it can lead to significant water damage.
Can I leave my hose reel outside during winter?
It is best to disconnect, drain, and store the hose and reel in a protected area. Water left inside can freeze, damage the equipment, and contribute to problems at the faucet connection.
When should Ann Arbor homeowners winterize outdoor plumbing?
Complete this task in fall, before overnight temperatures consistently approach freezing. Planning ahead gives you time to find shut-off valves, address leaks, and schedule plumbing repair if needed.