Why Do Outdoor Faucets Leak After Cold Weather?

Winter’s freezing temperatures can cause lasting damage to outdoor faucets (also known as sillcocks), pipes, and plumbing systems. Many homeowners ask, “Why do outdoor faucets leak after cold weather?” The answer lies in how water expands when it freezes, stressing pipe connection and causing hidden damage that only appears when temperatures rise.

At Covenant Plumbing, we’re here to explain why outdoor faucets leak after winter, how to spot early signs of damage, and what you can do to prevent costly repairs.

4 Reasons Behind Outdoor Faucet Leaks

The freeze-thaw cycle puts immense pressure on pipes and outdoor spigots, leading to unexpected leaks once the weather warms up. Here’s why:

1. Expansion and Contraction Weakens Outdoor Faucets

When water freezes inside your outdoor faucet or its connected pipe, it expands by 9%, increasing pressure on the metal or plastic. This repeated expansion and contraction cycle weakens the faucet’s valves, washers, and seals, leading to leaks once temperatures rise.

2. Ice Blockages Hide Cracks and Damage

During freezing weather, water inside the faucet and connected pipes turns to ice, creating blockages that temporarily seal small cracks. Once the ice melts in spring, previously hidden fractures and loose connections start leaking.

3. Weakened Joints and Loose Seals

Extreme cold stresses pipe joints and faucet seals, causing them to loosen over time. Even if your outdoor faucet wasn’t leaking in winter, the spring thaw can reveal leaks where washers or pipe threads have weakened.

4. Water Left Inside the Faucet Causes Pipe Bursts

If garden hoses aren’t disconnected before winter, trapped water inside the outdoor faucet and pipe has nowhere to expand when it freezes. This extra pressure often bursts the pipe inside your home, leading to leaks that may go unnoticed until spring.

Signs Your Outdoor Faucet Has Winter Damage

Wondering if your outdoor faucet has a hidden leak? Here are some warning signs to watch for:

• Dripping or running water even when the faucet is turned off
• Water pooling near the spigot or along the foundation
• Low water pressure from the outdoor faucet or connected irrigation system
• Unusual noises like whistling or banging when using the faucet
• Moisture or water stains on basement ceilings or walls near the outdoor spigot

If you notice any of these signs, shut off the water supply and call a plumber immediately to prevent further damage.

How To Prevent Outdoor Faucet Leaks in Cold Weather

You can protect your outdoor faucets and pipes by following these winter plumbing tips:

• Disconnect Garden Hoses – Remove and store hoses before freezing temperatures hit to prevent water from being trapped inside the faucet.
• Shut Off Outdoor Water Supply – If your home has a shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, turn it off and drain any remaining water.
• Install a Frost-Proof Faucet – Upgrading to a frost-proof sillcock moves the shut-off valve deeper inside your home, reducing the risk of freezing.
• Use Faucet Covers – Foam insulation covers provide an extra layer of protection against freezing temperatures.
• Insulate Exposed Pipes – Wrap any outdoor-exposed pipes with insulation to minimize temperature fluctuations.

Covenant Plumbing: Your Outdoor Faucet Repair Experts

If you’re asking, “Why do outdoor faucets leak after cold weather?”, the answer lies in frozen water, expansion stress, and hidden pipe damage. The best way to avoid leaks is through proper winterization, but if you’ve already noticed dripping or low pressure, a professional inspection is crucial.

At Covenant, we specialize in outdoor faucet repairs, winter plumbing maintenance, and frozen pipe prevention. Whether you need a faucet replacement or pipe repair, we’re here to help protect your home from costly water damage.

Call Covenant Plumbing at (309) 340-1403 today to schedule a plumbing inspection in Bloomington-Normal, IL.