Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Shut off any outdoor faucets you will not be using during the winter. In many homes, the outside faucet will have its own shut-off control in the basement. If outside faucets have separate valves, close them as well and drain any excess water from hoses as your remove them from faucets.
2

Wrap any outside faucets in newspapers or rags. Cover the wrapped material with a plastic bag in order to further insulate them from the low temperatures and moisture.
3

Caulk up any cracks and holes around faucets that lead outside. This will prevent cold air from entering and freezing the faucet or connecting pipes.
4

Place pipes and faucets in heated spaces, if you are installing new plumbing. Keep faucets and pipes out of attics, crawl spaces and outside walls that will be exposed to cold weather. If you have existing plumbing that is at risk, a plumber can route the pipes to an inner wall or install a barrier to protect the pipes.