Whenever winter is upon us, the risk of frozen outdoor faucets comes with it, and that can lead to serious plumbing issues. Freezing temperatures can cause the pipes feeding into outdoor faucets to burst, resulting in costly damages.
But Big Brothers Home Services is here to offer essential tips you can use to prepare and protect your outdoor faucets from the harsh winter elements!
The Risk of Frozen Outdoor Faucets
When temperatures drop below freezing, water in outdoor faucets and connected pipes can freeze, expanding and exerting pressure within the pipe. This pressure can cause the pipes to crack or burst, leading to water damage and costly repairs. Preventing this begins with recognizing which outdoor fixtures are susceptible to freezing and taking steps to protect them during cold months.
Outdoor Faucets Most Likely to Freeze and Burst
Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs or spigots, are particularly vulnerable to freezing and bursting in cold weather due to their exposure to the elements. The specific types of outdoor faucets more likely to freeze and burst include:
- Standard Hose Bibs: These are the most common types of outdoor faucets and are typically not protected against freezing temperatures. They have a straightforward design where the valve mechanism that controls the water flow is located right at the spout, making them susceptible to freezing and bursting when the temperature drops.
- Non-Frost-Free Faucets: Unlike frost-free models, these faucets do not have a specially designed tube that extends into the warmer interior of a home to prevent freezing. The water remains in the pipe leading to the faucet, which can easily freeze and expand, causing the pipe to burst.
- Faucets Without Insulation: Any outdoor faucet that lacks proper insulation or a protective cover is at higher risk. Without insulation, these faucets can rapidly lose heat and allow the water inside to freeze.
How to Prepare Your Faucets for Winter
You don’t have to wait for disaster to strike. Act now to protect your plumbing system by following these easy tips:
- Disconnect and Drain Garden Hoses: Start by disconnecting garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Water remaining in hoses can freeze and increase pressure in the entire plumbing system, even the indoor pipes.
- Use a Shutoff Valve: If your outdoor faucets have a separate shutoff valve, close it to stop the water supply to the faucet. Once the valve is closed, open the faucet to drain any remaining water inside, which prevents ice buildup that can lead to burst pipes.
- Apply Faucet Covers: Invest in insulated covers for your outdoor faucets. These covers help maintain a warmer temperature around the faucet, reducing the risk of freezing.
- Consider Installing Frost-Free Faucets: Frost-free faucets are designed to prevent freezing by keeping the water supply away from the exposed end of the spigot. They require a bit more investment upfront but provide greater peace of mind during freezing conditions.
Steps to Insulate and Protect Plumbing
The best way to protect your plumbing is to insulate it! In fact, any pipes that are exposed to external walls or unheated spaces should be insulated. Foam insulation sleeves are easy to install and can be an effective first line of defense against cold temperatures.
For high-risk areas, consider installing heat tape around pipes. This electrical tape heats up when wrapped around pipes, keeping them warm enough to prevent freezing.
Throughout the winter months, periodically inspect your faucets and any exposed pipes for signs of frost or ice accumulation. Early detection of frost can help you take swift action to mitigate the risk of freezing and bursting.
When to Call for Professional Help
While many preventive measures can be DIY, some situations require professional intervention:
- Visible Frost on Indoor Plumbing: If you notice frost on pipes inside your home, this could indicate that the insulation is insufficient and additional professional insulation may be needed.
- Persistent Issues Despite Precautions: If you’ve taken all the preventive steps and still experience problems, it might indicate a more significant issue within your plumbing system that requires expert attention.
- Installation of Frost-Free Faucets: Installing frost-free faucets often involves modifications to your home’s plumbing system. This process is best handled by a professional to avoid complications.
Contact Big Brothers Home Services for Your Winter Plumbing Needs
If winter’s chill brings concerns about frozen pipes, let Big Brothers Home Services help. Serving Salt Lake City, UT, and surrounding areas, we offer a comprehensive range of plumbing services, from emergency repair to routine maintenance, that can help keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly, no matter the weather. Get in touch today to schedule a service and keep your outdoor faucets safe from winter woes.
