How to Winterize and Maintain Outdoor Taps in Vancouver
Why outdoor taps fail
Freezing, worn washers, and backflow failures are the usual causes. A small drip can turn into a split pipe behind the wall.
Winterize in five steps
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Turn off the interior shut-off for that line.
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Open the outdoor tap to drain the line.
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Use the drain cap on the inside valve to let air in and water out.
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Remove hoses and Y-splitters.
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Close the outdoor tap after draining.
Signs you need a new frost-free hose bib
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Water leaking from the stem while off
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Handle gets hot when the hot tap runs inside
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Wall feels damp during use
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No vacuum breaker or a damaged cap
Upgrades that help
Install a frost-free hose bib with a built-in vacuum breaker. Add an accessible interior shut-off with a drain port. Label the valve so it is easy to find next fall.
Summer maintenance
Check for slow drips, tighten packing nuts gently, and replace worn gaskets. Keep hoses and reels off the lawn to avoid kinks and backflow.
Need a new frost-free bib or a leak check? Call 604-655-8851.
