How-to: Shut Off Water to Outdoor Water Valve

This is a typical hose bib shutoff valve. Before the winter season, it should be turned so that it is perpendicular to the pipe.

Once you shut off the valve, loosen the bleeder screw to remove all the water between the valve and the hose bib itself. After the water has completely drained out of the line, you can replace the bleeder cap and tighten it firmly.

In the spring, when the ground has thawed, you can turn the valve back so it is parallel (or linear) to the pipe, and you’ll have access to water for your hose bib outside.