Disconnect Water Softener from Plumbing — Drain the Interior Pipe
Part of project
How to Winterize an Outdoor Faucet to Prevent Burst Pipes · Step 4 of 5
In this video
With the water turned off, proceed to disconnect the water softener from the plumbing. Place a bucket directly underneath the pipe connections to catch any water that will drain out. Using a large pair of channel-lock pliers, carefully grip and loosen the large nuts on both the inlet and outlet pipes. Once they are broken loose, you can typically finish unscrewing them by hand. As the connections are separated, residual water from the pipes and the softener head will drain into the bucket. Have towels ready for any spills.
Goal: Water Softener Maintenance (Performing regular maintenance on a water softener.)
- Have a bucket and towels ready as there will be residual water in the pipes and softener head that will spill out upon disconnection.
Used in this video
- Pliers (Pliers Type: Channel-Lock) — Loosening the large nuts on the plumbing connections.
- Bucket (Bucket Size: 5 gallon) — Catching residual water that drains from the pipes when disconnected.
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FAQs
How much time should I set aside for winterizing my outdoor faucet, especially as a beginner?
This is a quick and beginner-friendly project, typically taking only 15-30 minutes per faucet. The majority of the time is spent locating and operating the interior shut-off valve and ensuring complete drainage. It's a small investment of time that saves you from potentially costly pipe repairs.
What's the biggest mistake people make, and what are the consequences if I don't winterize correctly?
The most critical mistake is not completely draining all water from the pipe between the indoor shut-off valve and the outdoor faucet. Any residual water can freeze, expand, and burst the pipe, leading to significant water damage inside your home once temperatures rise. Ensure the pipe is completely empty before closing the outdoor faucet.
What if I can't find an interior shut-off valve for my outdoor faucet, or my home is older?
If you don't have an individual interior shut-off valve for the faucet, you'll need to turn off your home's main water supply, open the outdoor faucet to drain it, and then turn the main supply back on. Consider consulting a plumber to install a dedicated shut-off valve for easier future winterization, as this is a common upgrade.
What's the typical cost involved in winterizing an outdoor faucet?
The primary cost is usually for an insulated faucet cover, which typically ranges from $5-$20, like the Everbilt Hard Outdoor Faucet Cover 1981 listed. If you need to purchase a bucket, you might spend an additional $5-$10. Overall, it's a very inexpensive preventative measure compared to the cost of burst pipe repairs.
Disconnect Water Softener from Plumbing — Drain the Interior Pipe
Part of project
How to Winterize an Outdoor Faucet to Prevent Burst Pipes · Step 4 of 5
In this video
With the water turned off, proceed to disconnect the water softener from the plumbing. Place a bucket directly underneath the pipe connections to catch any water that will drain out. Using a large pair of channel-lock pliers, carefully grip and loosen the large nuts on both the inlet and outlet pipes. Once they are broken loose, you can typically finish unscrewing them by hand. As the connections are separated, residual water from the pipes and the softener head will drain into the bucket. Have towels ready for any spills.
Goal: Water Softener Maintenance (Performing regular maintenance on a water softener.)
- Have a bucket and towels ready as there will be residual water in the pipes and softener head that will spill out upon disconnection.
Used in this video
- Pliers (Pliers Type: Channel-Lock) — Loosening the large nuts on the plumbing connections.
- Bucket (Bucket Size: 5 gallon) — Catching residual water that drains from the pipes when disconnected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I set aside for winterizing my outdoor faucet, especially as a beginner?
This is a quick and beginner-friendly project, typically taking only 15-30 minutes per faucet. The majority of the time is spent locating and operating the interior shut-off valve and ensuring complete drainage. It's a small investment of time that saves you from potentially costly pipe repairs.
What's the biggest mistake people make, and what are the consequences if I don't winterize correctly?
The most critical mistake is not completely draining all water from the pipe between the indoor shut-off valve and the outdoor faucet. Any residual water can freeze, expand, and burst the pipe, leading to significant water damage inside your home once temperatures rise. Ensure the pipe is completely empty before closing the outdoor faucet.
What if I can't find an interior shut-off valve for my outdoor faucet, or my home is older?
If you don't have an individual interior shut-off valve for the faucet, you'll need to turn off your home's main water supply, open the outdoor faucet to drain it, and then turn the main supply back on. Consider consulting a plumber to install a dedicated shut-off valve for easier future winterization, as this is a common upgrade.
What's the typical cost involved in winterizing an outdoor faucet?
The primary cost is usually for an insulated faucet cover, which typically ranges from $5-$20, like the Everbilt Hard Outdoor Faucet Cover 1981 listed. If you need to purchase a bucket, you might spend an additional $5-$10. Overall, it's a very inexpensive preventative measure compared to the cost of burst pipe repairs.