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Steps
1
Disconnect all garden hoses from the outdoor faucets and store them in a dry location.
2
Locate the interior shut-off valve for the outdoor faucet (sillcock) and turn it to the off position.
3
If a dedicated shut-off valve is not available, locate and close the main water shut-off valve for the entire home, typically found in a basement, crawl space, garage, or laundry room.
4
Open the outdoor faucet handles completely to drain any remaining water from the lines and release the internal pressure.
5
If your home has a sprinkler system, turn off and drain the lines. You may need a professional to blow out leftover water from underground lines to prevent breakage.
6
Verify the faucet is fully drained. For frost-proof models, be aware that it may take 30 to 60 seconds for all water to drain out after the valve is closed.
Pro Tips
Flowing water resists freezing better than static water; if a deep freeze is expected, leave indoor faucets running at a trickle in the coldest areas of the house.