Symptoms
- Water spraying or pooling near an outdoor spigot or irrigation line when first used after a freeze
- Spigot or pipe visibly cracked or split
- No water at outdoor fixtures at all
- Ice damage evident from the prior cold snap
Likely causes
- CommonStandard (non-frost-free) hose bib left with water in the line over winterWater trapped in the pipe froze, expanded, and cracked the fixture or nearby pipe.
- CommonHose left attached to a spigot during freezing weatherA connected hose prevents a frost-free spigot from draining properly, causing it to freeze and crack despite its design.
- PossibleIrrigation system not properly winterizedSprinkler lines not blown out or drained before winter can freeze and crack underground or at valve boxes.
- Less commonShallow buried pipe below the frost linePipe installed too shallow can freeze even when properly drained, if the layout traps water.
What to do
- Shut off the water supply to that outdoor line at its interior shutoff valve as soon as damage is discovered.
- Inspect the spigot or pipe closely to find the crack or split.
- For a simple hose bib, unscrew and replace the entire unit, which is usually straightforward if accessible from inside.
- For irrigation lines, locate the cracked section (often near a valve box) and cut out and replace it with matching pipe and fittings.
- Before restoring full water, test the repair briefly and check nearby areas for any additional cracks from the same freeze event.
- Disconnect all hoses before the next freeze and install an interior shutoff with drain if the exterior spigot isn't already frost-free.
- For irrigation systems, plan to properly winterize (drain or blow out lines) before the next cold season.
Tools and parts
- Pipe cutter or wrench
- PVC or appropriate pipe fittings
Frost-free hose bibSearch: “frost free outdoor faucet”
When to call a pro
Call a plumber or irrigation specialist for buried line repairs or if the crack extends into pipe you can't access easily.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.