How to winterize outdoor taps in Ottawa
An outdoor tap (hose bib) that's left full of water over an Ottawa winter can freeze and split the pipe inside the wall. Often you don't find out until spring, when you turn on the hose and water runs into the basement. A few minutes in the fall prevents it.
The City of Ottawa's winter guidance includes disconnecting outdoor hoses as part of protecting pipes from freezing (ottawa.ca, Frozen water service pipes).
When to do it
Before the first hard frost, usually in October or early November in Ottawa. If an early cold snap is in the forecast, do it sooner.
Step by step
- Disconnect the hose. A hose left attached traps water in the tap, even on frost-free models.
- Find the inside shut-off. Look in the basement on the wall behind the outdoor tap. It's usually a small valve on the pipe leading to the tap.
- Close the inside valve (clockwise for a round handle; perpendicular to the pipe for a lever).
- Open the outdoor tap and leave it open. Water in the line drains out.
- Open the drain cap, if the inside valve has one (a small cap on the side). Put a container under it to catch the water left in the pipe. Close it again once it stops.
- Leave the outdoor tap open for the winter so any remaining water can expand without splitting the pipe.
Frost-free hose bibs
Many newer homes, including much of Kanata, Barrhaven and Orléans, have frost-free taps. These have a long stem that closes the valve inside the heated wall. They still need the hose disconnected, and they work best when the pipe slopes slightly toward the outside. If yours drips constantly or water appears inside the wall, it may need replacing.
Signs of a problem
- The outdoor tap drips even when closed
- The inside valve won't close or leaks at the stem
- In spring, low flow at the tap, water stains on the basement ceiling or wall near the tap, or a puddle when you first use the hose
If you see water inside when you turn the tap on in spring, close it immediately and close the inside valve.
Typical price ranges (published sources)
Outdoor tap jobs are usually small, so the service call is often a large share of the cost. As a reference, HomeStars reports Canadian plumbers typically charge $105–$175 per hour, with service calls (usually including the first hour) generally in the $140–$475 range (HomeStars Canada plumbing cost guide, updated Aug. 2026). These are typical ranges, not our prices. Opening a finished ceiling or wall to reach the pipe adds to the cost.
Good to combine
If you're having an outdoor tap replaced with a frost-free model, consider replacing the inside shut-off at the same time, especially if it's an older multi-turn valve. Our shut-off valve guide explains why.
Get a personal quote from photos
Send us:
- A photo of the outdoor tap
- A photo of the inside shut-off valve and pipe behind it
- A note on any drips or leaks you've noticed
A licensed plumber reviews every request and replies with a personal quote. No automatic estimates and no obligation. This is a small pilot, so we can't promise a response time.