Outdoor spigots in St. Louis get tested quickly once winter arrives. A cold snap can come with little warning, and a spigot that freezes can split inside a wall long before anyone sees water. The good news is that most of the checking takes a few minutes and needs nothing more than a bucket and a look around the outside of the house.
Why outdoor spigots fail in winter
Water expands when it freezes. If water sits in the supply pipe leading to an outdoor spigot and that section freezes, the pressure can crack the pipe or a fitting. A standard spigot has its valve close to the outside wall, so the stem and part of the pipe inside the wall are exposed to cold air. A frost-free hose bib moves the valve further into the house so water drains out of the outdoor section when the valve closes. Either way, leftover water and a hose left attached through fall are the usual setup for trouble.
Before the first hard freeze
- Disconnect every garden hose, sprinkler, and spray attachment. A hose trapped on the spigot keeps water from draining out of the pipe.
- Open the outdoor spigot fully and let it run until it stops, then leave it open so any leftover water can expand without splitting anything.
- Find the indoor shutoff for each outdoor spigot. Many St. Louis homes keep it in a basement, crawl space, or utility room. Close it, then open the outdoor spigot again to drain the line.
- Check the spigot for drips with the valve closed. A steady drip in fall often means the washer or packing inside the stem needs attention before winter.
- An insulated cover adds a layer of protection, but it does not replace draining the line.
Look for signs of damage now
Walk the outside of the house and check the wall around each spigot. Look for water staining on siding or brick, soft spots in trim, mold near the base, or a spigot that wobbles when you turn it. Inside, check the basement or crawl space wall behind each spigot for damp spots, drips, or swelling in drywall. Older galvanized or rigid supply pipe that shows rust at joints can be more likely to split, so pay close attention to any weeping at those spots.
Testing after a cold snap
After a hard freeze, check each spigot before you assume it is fine. Open the indoor shutoff slowly, then open the outdoor spigot and watch the flow. A weak stream or no water at all can point to a blockage or a split line. Look for water pooling in the basement or crawl space near the pipe run. If you find a leak, close the indoor shutoff right away and keep the spigot closed until the line is checked.
Thawing a frozen spigot safely
If a spigot froze but nothing has burst, gentle warmth often helps. A hair dryer or warm towels applied to the exposed pipe are a common approach. Work from the spigot back toward the wall, and never use an open flame or a high-heat tool that can scorch the pipe, the wall, or nearby wiring. Keep the spigot open while thawing so pressure can relieve as the ice melts. If the spigot still does not run after careful thawing, or you see any sign of a split, close the indoor valve and call a licensed plumber.
When to call for help
- Water running from the spigot after the indoor valve is closed
- Wet drywall, flooring, or framing near the spigot wall
- A spigot that will not shut off fully
- Any visible crack in the pipe or fitting
Make it a seasonal habit
Put the spigot check in your fall routine, on the same weekend you clean gutters or store patio furniture. Write a short note and tape it near the indoor shutoff so the next person in the house knows exactly where it is. In St. Louis, freeze and thaw cycles can come several times in one winter, so a quick look after each cold stretch is worth the time it takes.