When should outdoor plumbing near the basement be shut off for winter?

Outdoor plumbing connected through your basement should be shut off before the first hard freeze, which typically occurs in late fall depending on the region. We recommend shutting off and draining outdoor faucets by mid to late October in Toronto and Etobicoke. To do this properly, you need to close the interior shut-off valve located inside your basement, usually near the ceiling or along the perimeter wall. After shutting off the valve, open the outdoor faucet and leave it open to allow any remaining water to drain. If the faucet is not drained, the water inside can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to burst inside the wall. We also recommend disconnecting hoses and storing them indoors to prevent damage. If your home does not already have interior shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, we can install them to make seasonal shutoff easy and effective.