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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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!