You check out the forecast and notice that sub-zero temperatures get expected to hit your area. What does this say about your plumbing? The pipes that freeze are not the homeowner’s ideal time. Be prepared for the worst by knowing how to guard the outdoor faucets against freezing and causing severe damage to your plumbing system at home.
You can make your outdoor faucets freeze-proof and prevent pipes from freezing or breaking. Read on for the steps to ensure that your outdoor plumbing is safe even during the coldest days of winter.
Why You Should Be Concerned About Winterizing the Outdoor Faucets
Although most pipes in your home get protected from cold and heated by your HVAC system, the lines connecting to the outside faucets are susceptible to freezing temperatures.
It’s good that you will not have to call for emergency plumbing because of frozen pipes simply by knowing how to prevent freezing on outdoor faucets.
Six Steps to Guard Outdoor Faucets from Freezing
⦁ Get rid of the garden hose the faucet during the fall. By taking this action before the winter weather sets in, you’ll be ahead of the game, and you’ll be able to avoid having to store the hose during an ice storm.
⦁ Shut off the water upstream supply valve to the faucet outside. Typically, you’ll discover this valve about a foot away from the wall. If equipped with a lever handle, rotate the lever until it’s parallel with the pipes. Move the handle towards turn the valve with a counterclockwise motion until it ceases.
⦁ Remove any remaining water from the line and the faucet. It will ensure no remaining water after closing off the valve. It could expand and freeze.
⦁ Install an outdoor faucet guard. Make sure the faucet gets correctly positioned on top of the faucet. A foam faucet cover provides the added layer of security to protect your tap from freezing pipes. You can purchase a cheap cover in hardware stores or even online.
⦁ Insulate the line leading to the faucet. Cover any plumbing that gets exposed with the faucet outside using foam insulation.
⦁ Install a freeze-proof faucet. If you’d instead not get burdened with properly winterizing your outdoor faucets and pipes throughout the year, consider installing a frost-proof or freeze-proof faucet. A frost-free faucet gets designed to operate in cold temperatures, allowing users to use the tap throughout the year.
Go to Ottawa Plumbing Services for More Winterizing Solutions for your Residential Plumbing
Suppose you require assistance from a professional installing a freeze-proof outdoor faucet or needs emergency plumbing services because of burst or frozen pipes. In that case, the experts local to you of Ottawa Plumbing Services are here to assist. We provide friendly, expert plumbing services to keep your plumbing system in optimal functioning condition, no matter what winter weather brings your way.
Call (613) 317-1682 or send us an e-mail at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com to connect with your local Ottawa Plumbing Services location or schedule an appointment online.
Do you need help in removing snow this winter? Contact us for efficient snow-plowing service. Being part of Neighbourly’s network of home service suppliers, it is possible to rely on us to exceed your snow and ice removal expectations.
