Outdoor spigots are connected to underground water lines or water pipes in the outside walls of your home.

A burst pipe is often expensive to replace, increases your utility bill, and damages the surrounding area.

A spigot cover traps heat that radiates from indoor plumbing to the outdoor spigot and is easy to install.

Outdoor faucet covered with snow during winter

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

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Neither is good becausewater can damage wall foundations, flow into crawl spaces, or even enter the home.

Store them in a covered area.

Ice build up under a frozen outdoor water spigot

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Check for Leaks and Drain Water Lines

Before installing spigot covers, check the spigot for leaks.

Drips can cause frozen blockages even if a cover is in place.

Repair or replace problem fixtures.

Green hose removed from outdoor spigot attached to brick wall

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

To drain the water lines and the spigot, shut off the water lines using the interior shut-off valve.

To prevent a puddle near your foundation, drain the water into a bucket.

Once no more water is dripping, wrap up the spigot.

Water drained from spigot with bucket underneath

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

You’ll be more likely to use a cover if it is simple to install and remove.

Most covers are cone-shaped and slip over the spigot.

Inside the cover is a loop of heavy-duty string that slips over the spigot pipe.

Foam cover being placed on outdoor faucet

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Pull the outside string to finish the installation.

Adding a spigot cover will protect the gaskets and washers inside the spigot.

If the covers are in good shape, they can be stored to be reused next winter.