Warmer weather means gardens to plant, patios to clean, and hoses to dig out of the garage. Before you twist that outdoor faucet, there’s a few things worth checking first.
If you shut off your outdoor water supply last fall, turning it back on takes more than just flipping the faucet. Get it wrong and you’re dealing with leaks, water damage, or a plumber bill you didn’t plan for.
Why outdoor water lines are shut off during winter
Alberta winters are hard on exposed plumbing. When water sits in an outdoor pipe and temperatures drop, it freezes. Frozen water expands, and expanded water cracks pipes.
That’s why shutting off the indoor valve that supplies your outdoor faucet is one of the smartest things you can do before winter hits. Once the valve is closed, you open the outdoor faucet to drain any water left in the line. No water, no freezing, no damage.
Now that warmer weather is here, it’s time to reverse that. Here’s how.
Step 1: Check the outdoor faucet
Before opening the indoor valve, go outside and make sure the outdoor faucet is fully closed. If it’s open when you turn the water on inside, water will start flowing immediately, and you won’t be able to catch any problems.
While you're out there, do a quick check:
- Are there any visible cracks on the faucet body or around the spout?
- Are there rust, corrosion, or loose parts?
- Is the caulking where the faucet meets the wall still intact?
Spot something wrong? Call a plumber. Running water through a damaged faucet turns a small problem into an expensive one.
Step 2: Open the interior shutoff valve
This valve controls the water supply to your outdoor faucet. It lives inside your home, usually close to where the pipe exits through the exterior wall.
Common places to look:
- The basement, near an exterior wall
- A utility room or mechanical room
- A crawl space
Once you find it, turn the valve counterclockwise slowly. Opening it too quickly after winter can put stress on your pipes.
If your system has a bleeder cap (a small drain near the valve), make sure it’s fully closed before opening the valve. If it’s left open, water will drip once the line is pressurized.
Step 3: Test the flow outside
Now open the outdoor faucet slowly and see what you've got:
- Steady, clean flow — you're all set
- Brief sputtering — totally normal, it’s air leaving the line
- Weak pressure that doesn't improve — something may be blocked or damaged
- Water pooling near the foundation — that’s a leak, shut the valve back off and call a plumber
While the water runs, have someone inside check where the faucet connects to the house. Dripping sounds, wet spots, or moisture on the wall means water is going somewhere it shouldn’t.
The outdoor faucet shutdown routine
Since we're talking about it, here's how to properly close things down when the cold comes back.
- Disconnect and store all garden hoses. Even frost-free faucets can freeze if a hose is left attached and blocking drainage.
- Shut off the interior valve.
- Go outside and open the faucet to drain any water left in the line.
- Close the outdoor faucet once it’s drained.
- Put an insulated faucet cover on for added protection through winter.
Do this every fall and your outdoor plumbing will be in good shape year after year.
Not sure where your shutoff valve is?
You’re not alone. Most homeowners never need to find it until something goes wrong. ATCO Energy’s expert plumbers can locate your shutoff valves, inspect your outdoor faucet, and handle repairs if something doesn’t look right.
Frequently asked questions about outdoor faucets
When should I turn my outdoor faucet back on?
Once overnight temperatures are consistently above 0°C. If Alberta weather has you second-guessing, wait a few more days before turning it on.
What if I never shut off my outdoor water last winter?
Check carefully before using it this season. Cracks, low pressure, or wet spots on interior walls near the faucet are all warning signs. When in doubt, have a professional plumber take a look.
What’s a bleeder cap?
A bleeder cap is a small drain point on the pipe near your interior shutoff valve. It lets water drain when you close the valve for winter. Make sure it’s tight again before turning the water back on.
Why does my outdoor faucet sputter when I first turn it on?
The air in the line after sitting all winter is normal and clears in seconds. If it keeps going or pressure stays low, something may need attention.
Can I leave my hose connected all winter?
No. A connected hose traps water at the spout and can cause the faucet to freeze and crack, even with a frost-free model. Disconnect every fall before the first hard frost.
Does ATCO Energy offer plumbing services?
Yes. ATCO Energy offers a range of home services including plumbing. Whether it’s a quick repair, cleaning, or a seasonal inspection, you’re covered.
