November 27, 2023

Winterize your outdoor taps

Frozen pipes getting you worried this winter?

Winterizing an outdoor faucet, also known as a hose bib or hose spigot, is essential to prevent it from freezing and potentially causing damage to your plumbing system. Here's how you can winterize an outdoor faucet:


Steps:


Turn off the Water Supply:

Find the shut-off valve that controls the water supply to the outdoor faucet. It is typically located inside your house, basement, or crawl space. Turn the valve to the "off" position to stop the flow of water to the faucet.


Drain the Faucet:

To remove any remaining water from the faucet, open the outdoor faucet by turning the handle counterclockwise. Let any water in the pipe drain out completely. If you have a frost-free hose bib, this step is crucial.


Detach Garden Hose (if applicable):

If you have a hose attached to the faucet, remove it. Make sure to drain the hose separately. Water left in the hose can freeze and damage it.


Now you're set and ready to go. Don't let winter temperatures catch you off guard. Make sure to winterize your taps before temps fall below 0 degrees celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit.