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Kit

Winterize Outdoor Faucet Kit: simple protection against burst pipes

A few inexpensive items prevent freeze damage to hose bibs and exposed sillcocks. This kit helps you drain water, add basic backflow protection, and insulate the faucet quickly.

What’s in the kit

PartWhy it’s neededLink
Foam faucet cover Insulates the faucet body from cold air View on Amazon for Foam faucet cover (opens in a new tab)
Vacuum breaker / backflow preventer (hose-thread) Prevents back-siphon and allows draining View on Amazon for Vacuum breaker / backflow preventer (opens in a new tab)
Short washing-machine hose Helps drain low points; easy attach/detach View on Amazon for Short washing-machine hose (opens in a new tab)
Silicone wrap / pipe insulation tape Adds insulation around exposed stem/pipe View on Amazon for Silicone wrap / pipe insulation tape (opens in a new tab)

Steps

  1. Shut the interior stop valve (if present). Open the exterior faucet to drain.
  2. Attach the short hose to help drain low points; remove when water stops.
  3. Install the vacuum breaker (hand-tight); it allows air in for draining.
  4. Wrap any exposed stem with insulation tape and fit the foam cover snugly to the wall.
  5. In deep freezes, leave the faucet slightly open if the interior valve is shut (per local guidance).

When you may need more than this kit

  • Uninsulated pipes in exterior walls or crawlspaces—consider pipe insulation or heat tape.
  • No interior shutoff and recurring freezes—consider upgrading to a frost-free sillcock.
  • Leaking/bent faucet or damaged threads—replace the hose bib before winterizing.

Note: Follow local code and manufacturer guidance for vacuum breakers and winter covers.