Steps
Close inside valve, open outside tap.
Frost-free
Disconnect hoses.
Why it matters
A split outdoor tap does not leak until spring, when you turn it on and water runs into the wall or the basement ceiling.
Standard taps
Find the inside shut-off, usually in the basement ceiling near the outside wall. Shut that, then go outside and open the spout so the trapped water runs out. Some inside valves have a small bleed cap; open it to let trapped water out.
Steps
- Disconnect hose
- Close inside valve
- Open outdoor tap
- Drain
- Leave open
Talk it through with a plumber
One call to (365) 364-2776 reaches someone who can tell you what the job involves and when a van can be at the door.
Frost-free taps
The valve seat sits inside the house, but water can still be trapped if a hose is left connected. Always disconnect hoses.
In spring
Shut the outside spout, reopen the basement valve, then run the hose and look inside for drips.
Irrigation lines
In-ground sprinklers get their zones purged with an air compressor every autumn. That is a separate job from hose bibs.
Asked on the phone line
Is frost-free enough?
Only with the hose off.
How a call to us runs
- You ring (365) 364-2776 and a person picks up, not a menu.
- We ask where the water is, what you have already shut off and what decade the building went up in.
- We say when the van should pull up and what to do until it does.
- On site we show you the fault, give a firm price before starting and clean up after.
Phone booking keeps things quick: no forms, no portals, no follow-up emails trying to sell you a maintenance plan.