BE PREPARED! When temperatures dip to 32º, unprotected pipes are vulnerable to freezing. So if you forget to disconnect your garden hose, there may be serious consequences.
Here is a Greenwell Simply Dependable Tip –
Step 1: Disconnect the hose from the faucet.
Step 2: Drain the water out of the hose and store.
Step 3: Drain the faucet. Do this by shutting off the valve that controls water flow to the outside faucet. Then turn on the outside faucet to drain any remaining water.
Always be aware of the temperature in the winter especially when you factor in the wind chill.
There are 3 causes of frozen pipes, so to make your home even less susceptible to your pipes freezing, take these further precautions:
- Insulate the pipes in your attics, crawl spaces and outside walls
- When the temperature falls below freezing, if pipes are located on an outside wall, open the kitchen or bathroom cabinets doors to allow the warm air to protect the pipes
- Keep your thermostats at the same temperature at night as during the day when the temperature is below 32º
- Every responsible person in the household should know where the main cut-off valve is located in your home. Tag it.
If you turn on your faucet and the water doesn’t come out, the water in your pipes may already be frozen. At this point we recommend you call a plumber.
When Winter thaws and Spring buds start to pop out, be careful when turning on your outside spigots. It is possible your pipes may have been damaged and there were no outward signs during the bitter cold. If water doesn’t flow out of your spigots, this may reveal pipe damage.
If you need help with this or any plumbing issue, call Greenwell Plumbing!
