Your outdoor spigot is the most vulnerable part of your home. It’s literally sticking out into the freezing air. The number one mistake people make is leaving a garden hose attached. Water gets trapped in the hose, freezes, and then shoves the freeze back into the pipe inside your wall.
Disconnect the hose. Every single time, before winter hits. Then, shut off the water valve for that spigot from inside your house (if you have one), and open the outdoor spigot to let any remaining water drain out. It takes 30 seconds and it’s the single most effective thing you can do. Your future, dry-basement self will high-five you.
