How to Safeguard Your Outdoor Shower Against Winter Temperatures

How to Winterize Your Outdoor Shower

You'll Need:

• Adjustable wrench or pliers
• Insulating foam or faucet covers and heat tape
• Towels or air compressor
• Pipe antifreeze (optional)

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

• Locate the shut-off valve, typically inside your home, basement, or crawl space.
• Turn off this shutoff valve to cut the water supply that feeds your outdoor shower.
• Test the shower to ensure no more water is running.

2. Drain the Pipes

• Open the ball valve with a 1/4 turn (so the handle is perpendicular to the pipe) and let the water drain.
• Open both hot and cold water lines to fully drain any remaining water.
• Use an air compressor to blow out any additional water for extra protection.

3. Disconnect the Shower Head and Fixtures

• Remove the shower head, hose bibbs, and faucets to prevent cracking or damage.
• Clean these parts thoroughly.
• Store them indoors where they won’t be exposed to harsh winter weather.

4. Insulate Exposed Pipes

• Use insulating foam covers to protect any exposed pipes and shower faucets that can't be removed.
• These foam covers can be easily found at local hardware stores and help prevent heat loss and freezing.

5. Consider Adding Antifreeze

• Pour a small amount of pipe-safe antifreeze into the shower drains for extra protection.
• This ensures any residual water in the system won’t freeze.

6. Cover and Protect

• Use a waterproof shower cover or heavy-duty tarp to cover the entire outdoor shower.
• Ensure the cover is secure to protect it from snow, ice, and moisture.

FAQ

Can I use my outdoor shower all year round?

If you live in a warm climate where temperatures never dip below freezing, you can use a garden shower all year without any problems. However, if you live in a cold region, it's best to winterize any outdoor plumbing that might be vulnerable to freezing temperatures (garden showers, indoor showers of RV/camper showers). Do this by late fall and avoid using it during freezing temperatures to prevent damage.

What happens if I don’t winterize my outdoor shower?

Winterizing an exterior shower is a crucial step to protect against frozen pipes, damaged fixtures, and water leaks. Without doing so, the cold weather can lead to costly repairs and replacements once spring arrives. A few simple extra steps will save you from these headaches.

Is pipe antifreeze necessary for winterizing?

Pipe antifreeze is optional but recommended, especially if you live in an area where deep freezes are common. Proper drainage and insulating the pipes should suffice, but antifreeze does add an extra layer of protection against every last drop of water.