The first hard freeze can arrive before the garden hose comes off the spigot. In colder parts of the United States, water left in an outdoor faucet or connected hose can freeze and put stress on the fixture and the pipe behind it. Make this check part of putting away patio furniture or closing the garden for the season.
Disconnect and drain the hose
Remove the hose from each outdoor faucet before freezing weather, even if you have a frost-resistant model. Drain the hose, coil it without sharp bends, and store it somewhere protected from weather. A connected hose can prevent water from draining as intended and make the faucet more vulnerable in a cold snap.
Check the indoor shutoff
Some homes have an indoor shutoff valve for each outdoor faucet, often in a basement, crawl space, or utility area. If yours does, close it gently and open the outdoor faucet to let remaining water drain. If you cannot identify the correct valve or it is stiff or leaking, do not force it; ask a plumber to show you the right one.
Look for signs of trouble
After the coldest weather passes, check the faucet and nearby interior wall for dripping, dampness, or staining when you use it again. A leak may appear inside the wall or only when water is flowing, so take new moisture seriously. If the faucet will not shut off, or you find water indoors, contact a licensed plumber instead of waiting for warmer weather.