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As temperatures drop, it’s essential to protect your home’s outdoor plumbing. Exposing outdoor fixtures to freezing weather can lead to burst pipes and costly repairs. From faucets to showers and kitchen sinks, a few simple steps now can save you from a big headache later.

Here are five practical tips to winterize outdoor faucets and other outdoor plumbing fixtures, keeping everything safe through the winter.

1. Winterize Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets are one of the first things to winterize since they’re especially vulnerable to freezing. Start by disconnecting any hoses or attachments. Leaving hoses connected can trap water, which can freeze and cause damage.

After disconnecting, turn off the water supply to the faucet from inside your home, then drain any remaining water from the faucet by turning it on. Some faucets have a shut-off valve inside—close that, too. 

Finally, cover the faucet with an insulated faucet cover to provide extra protection from the cold.

2. Drain and Insulate Outdoor Showers

Outdoor showers are a great summer luxury, but they need a little extra care to withstand winter. Begin by shutting off the water supply to the shower. Then, turn on the shower to let any remaining water drain out of the pipes.

If possible, remove the showerhead and store it indoors for added protection. Wrap the exposed pipes with insulation or foam pipe covers to help protect them from freezing temperatures.

3. Prep Your Outdoor Kitchen

If you have an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to winterize outdoor faucets and sinks to avoid freezing pipes. Start by turning off the water supply to the sink, which is usually done from a shut-off valve inside your home. Then, open the faucet to drain any water left in the lines. 

For extra protection, add pipe insulation around any exposed pipes, especially those near the sink. If your outdoor kitchen has a dishwasher, ice maker, or any other appliances with water lines, follow the same steps for each one to prevent any freeze-related issues.

4. Winterize Outdoor Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems

Outdoor irrigation systems can suffer serious damage from freezing temperatures if not properly winterized. 

Start by turning off the main water supply to the system. Then, use an air compressor to blow out any remaining water from the sprinkler line—this is especially important to prevent leftover water from expanding and cracking the pipes.

Be sure to also drain any backflow preventers and other devices attached to the system. Once everything is dry, cover any exposed valves or controls with insulated covers to protect them from the cold.

5. Don’t Forget Garden Hoses

Leaving garden hoses attached to outdoor faucets can trap water and cause freezing. Disconnect all hoses, drain them completely, and store them in a dry area indoors or in a shed. 

Properly storing your hoses will keep them in good shape and ready for use when warmer weather returns.

Why Winterizing Outdoor Plumbing Matters

Taking the time to winterize outdoor faucets and other outdoor fixtures is a simple way to avoid major problems. A little bit of prep now can save you from expensive repairs later, and it keeps your outdoor plumbing in great shape for the next season.

If you’re not sure where to start or need some extra help, contact us at Beis Plumbing. We’re here to make sure your home is ready for winter so you can enjoy peace of mind all season long!

With lower temperatures, the risk of frozen pipes becomes a real concern for homeowners. To avoid the costly damage that can result from freezing and bursting, it’s essential to winterize pipes before the cold truly sets in.

But what does it mean to “winterize” pipes? In simple terms, winterizing is a set of steps to protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures, ensuring water continues flowing safely through your home.

Here are seven essential tips to help you winterize your pipes and keep your plumbing in top shape through the cold months.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces are at the highest risk of freezing. To keep them warm, wrap them in foam pipe insulation—it’s affordable, easy to install, and makes a big difference.

For pipes that have caused trouble in past winters, heat tape is a solid option to add extra warmth where it’s needed most.

2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

It’s easy to overlook, but leaving hoses attached to outdoor faucets can be a big mistake in winter. Any water trapped inside can freeze, expand, and damage your faucet or connected pipes. Disconnect all hoses, let them drain completely, and store them indoors.

If possible, turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets and open them up to drain any last drops.

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Even the smallest gaps around pipes can quickly let in cold air, leading to frozen pipes. Check around areas where pipes enter and exit your home and seal any gaps with caulk or expanding foam. 

Not only does this keep pipes warmer, but it also keeps your home more energy-efficient—a win-win!

4. Keep your Home’s Thermostat Consistent

Set your thermostat at a consistent temperature, day and night, to keep your entire home (and your pipes) safe. If you’re heading out for a winter vacation, don’t let the temperature drop below 55°F, even if no one’s home. 

Keeping the house warm can be the difference between a peaceful winter and a pricey pipe repair.

5. Open Cabinet Doors in Kitchens and Bathrooms

If your kitchen or bathroom pipes run along exterior walls, they’re at a higher risk of freezing. Open those cabinet doors on especially cold nights to let warm air circulate around the pipes. 

It’s an easy step that can go a long way toward keeping everything running smoothly.

6. Let Faucets Drip on Freezing Nights

On the coldest nights, let your faucets drip a bit. Keeping water moving through the pipes prevents them from freezing. This tip is particularly helpful for pipes in unheated areas or spaces that tend to get chilly.

7. Know How to Shut Off the Main Water Valve

If a pipe does freeze and burst, you’ll want to act fast to minimize water damage. Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is (and how to use it) can be a huge help in an emergency.

Make sure it’s accessible and everyone in the house knows where to find it.

Winterize Pipes for a Worry-Free Winter

Winterizing your pipes is a small task that makes a big difference. By taking these steps now, you’re setting yourself up for a winter free of plumbing hassles and frozen pipe worries.

If you’d like some extra help, contact us at Beis Plumbing. We’re here to make sure your home stays warm, safe, and ready to take on the winter.

A reliable water heater is one of those household items you rarely think about—until it stops working. Then, suddenly, it’s front and center. So, how long do hot water heaters last? Well, on average, a traditional tank-style water heater will give you about 8 to 12 years of service.

But there’s more to it than just the number of years. The type of heater, water quality, how often it’s used, and how well it’s maintained all play a role in how long your unit will last.

Let’s break down everything you need to know to help you keep your hot water flowing and avoid those dreaded cold showers!

What Affects the Lifespan of a Hot Water Heater?

Several factors determine how long hot water heaters will last. While the average lifespan for a tank-style model is 8 to 12 years, here’s what can influence that timeframe.

Type of Heater

The type of water heater you have is one of the biggest factors in its lifespan. Traditional tank water heaters typically last around a decade, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. Since tankless units don’t store water, there’s less wear and tear on the system, making them more durable.

Water Quality

The quality of your water can either help or hurt your heater’s lifespan. If you have hard water (high in minerals like calcium and magnesium), you’re likely to get more sediment build-up in the tank. Over time, this reduces efficiency and can cause your heater to wear out faster.

Usage Patterns

How often you use your hot water heater will affect how long it lasts. A busy household with a large family will naturally put more demand on the system than a single-occupant home. The more frequently the system is used, the more wear and tear it will experience, which can shorten its lifespan.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Hot Water Heater

Is your water heater over 10 years old? There’s a good chance it needs replacing. Look out for:

• Rusty water
• Inconsistent temperatures
• Strange noises
• Leaks around the unit

These are clear signals your water heater is wearing out and could fail soon. Don’t wait for a total breakdown—replace it before it leaves you without hot water!

How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

While every water heater will eventually need to be replaced, there are some easy steps you can take to help it last as long as possible:

• Flush the Tank Annually: Over time, sediment settles at the bottom of the tank, making the heater less efficient. Flushing the tank every year helps keep it running smoothly.
• Check the Anode Rod: The anode rod is critical for preventing corrosion inside the tank. Make it a habit to check the rod every few years and replace it as needed. A new rod costs much less than a new water heater!
• Install a Water Softener: If you have hard water, using a water softener can help prevent mineral buildup inside the tank and keep your heater working longer.
• Monitor Usage: If your family’s hot water demand has increased—maybe the kids are using more, or you’ve added another bathroom—consider upgrading to a larger or more efficient unit to avoid overworking your current heater.

Conclusion

Paying attention to maintenance and watching for signs of trouble can help extend the life of your unit and save you from unexpected cold showers. 

If your water heater is reaching the end of its life or showing any warning signs, it might be time to think about a replacement. For expert advice, installations, or repairs, contact us at Beis Plumbing today. Our team is here to help you keep the hot water flowing reliably in your home!