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Check Your Outdoor Hoses and Spigots and How to Prevent Them from Freezing

With winter being here, it’s important to take precautions to protect your home from the harsh weather conditions. One commonly overlooked area that needs attention is your outside water spigots and hoses. It’s crucial to check these areas and ensure they don’t freeze to prevent costly damages.

Water expands as it freezes, and when it does, it puts pressure on the pipes and fittings. If this pressure is high enough, the pipes can crack or even burst, causing significant damage to your home. Water damage is one of the most common claims made by homeowners, and taking preventative measures can save you from the headache and expense of repairing or replacing water-damaged areas.

The first step to preventing outside water spigots and hoses from freezing is to shut off the water supply. Locate the valve that controls the water supply to the outside spigots and turn it off. This valve is typically located in the basement or crawlspace of your home. Once you’ve turned off the valve, turn on the outside spigots to allow any remaining water to drain out.

Next, disconnect your hoses from the spigots and drain any water that’s left inside. If you leave your hoses attached to the spigots, any water inside the hoses can freeze, causing them to expand and potentially burst. Once you’ve disconnected your hoses, coil them up and store them inside a garage or shed.

After disconnecting your hoses, it’s time to insulate your spigots. You can purchase foam covers that slip over the spigots to keep them warm and insulated. These covers are inexpensive and easy to install. Simply slip the foam cover over the spigot and tighten it with a drawstring or strap. This will help to keep the spigot protected from freezing temperatures.

Another option for insulating your spigots is to wrap them in old towels or rags. Simply wrap the towels around the spigots and secure them with duct tape. This is a more cost-effective solution than purchasing foam covers, but it may not be as effective.

It’s important to remember that the purpose of insulation is to keep the spigots warm, not to keep them dry. If your spigots are leaking, it’s crucial to repair them before winter arrives. If you’re not sure how to repair a leaking spigot, contact Ed Rike Plumbing for assistance.

 

Lastly, it’s important to check your spigots periodically throughout the winter to ensure they haven’t frozen. If you turn on the spigot and nothing comes out, it’s likely that the pipe has frozen. Do not try to thaw the pipe with a blowtorch or other open flame. This can be extremely dangerous and can cause the pipe to burst. Instead, use a hair dryer or heat gun to slowly thaw the pipe. Never leave the heat source unattended and always keep it a safe distance away from the pipe.

 

In conclusion, checking your outside water spigots and hoses is an essential part of preparing your home for the winter months. By taking these simple steps, you can prevent costly water damage and ensure that your home stays safe and dry throughout the winter. Remember to shut off the water supply, disconnect your hoses, insulate your spigots, and check them periodically throughout the winter. If you’re not comfortable performing these tasks yourself, contact Ed Rike Plumbing and we’d be more than happy to assist you. By taking preventative measures, you can save yourself time, money, and stress in the long run.