Prevent ice from cracking water lines and fixtures by winterizing hose bibs before cold weather arrives.

One commonly overlooked task is preparing hose bibs for winter.

What Is a Hose Bib?

an outdoor frozen pipe

Credit:Michael Regan / Getty Images

A hose bib is basically an outdoor faucet that connects to a water line inside the house.

The opening is threaded so it’s possible for you to attach a garden hose.

Hose bibs are also called outdoor faucets, spigots, or hose bibbs.

sprinklers and hose attachments stored on wall

Credit: Jay Wilde

Why Do I Need to Winterize My Hose Bibs?

If hose bibs are not properly winterized, the water trapped inside the pipes can freeze.

(Its also a good idea to inspect them in the spring before you use them again.)

Drain the water out of the hose and out of any hose accessories.

After opening and draining the hose bibs, leave the valves open.

Simply turn off the hose bib outside and drain the remaining water.