A homeowner recently asked, “How do I know if this spigot is frost-proof?” It’s a great question – especially for anyone new to winter home maintenance.
Let’s start with the spigot in the photo below:
This is not a frost-proof spigot. You can tell because it’s mounted at an angle and sits right up against the exterior wall. On frost-proof models, the actual shut-off mechanism is located 6–12 inches inside the wall, in the warmer part of your home. That long stem design is what prevents freezing.
If your spigot looks like this, don’t worry – you can still protect it. But you do need to take a couple of extra steps before temps drop below freezing.
Test it from the inside
If you’ve got a shutoff valve inside your home – like the one in this next photo – that’s your backup protection.
Here’s what to do:
- Turn off the shutoff valve inside.
- Go outside and open the spigot.
- If water drips out and then stops, you’re good to go. That means the valve is working, and the water in the pipe between the shutoff and the spigot has drained.
- Leave the spigot slightly open for the winter so any small drips don’t freeze in the line.
If the water doesn’t stop or keeps dribbling, that valve may be leaking or not fully closing – and that’s a risk. At that point, consider replacing the valve, repairing the washer, or adding an insulated cover over the spigot for an extra layer of protection.
Bottom line
If your outdoor spigot isn’t frost-proof, and you don’t have a functioning interior shutoff, your best bet is to:
- Shut off your home’s water supply temporarily
- Drain the line fully
- And use a quality insulated cover through winter
And if your home has older galvanized pipes or other outdated plumbing components, it might be time for a broader upgrade. Evergreen Home Performance can help identify opportunities to winterize, insulate, and protect your home from the inside out.
