Protect Your Pipes: Prepare for Freezing Weather

As Autumn gets closer, colder weather is already on the way. Taking a few simple steps now can prevent frozen pipes, costly water damage, and unexpected repair bills this winter.

Please follow this quick checklist to winterize your home’s outdoor plumbing before the first Autumn frost arrives.

Outdoor Winterization Checklist

• Disconnect hoses. Remove all garden hoses from outdoor spigots. Leaving them attached traps water inside the faucet, which can freeze and burst the pipe;
• Drain outdoor lines. If your home has an indoor shut-off valve for outdoor faucets (sometimes near your furnace), turn it off and open the outside spigots to drain any remaining water – leave the spigots open;
• Insulate outdoor spigots. Cover exposed outdoor faucets with inexpensive foam insulation covers or wrap them securely with rags and plastic;
• Sprinkler systems. Turn off the main water supply to your irrigation system and blow out the lines with compressed air to prevent underground pipes from cracking;
• Seal air leaks. Check near your water meter and outdoor pipes. Seal any gaps or cracks in walls or foundations that let cold air reach your plumbing.

What to Do During a Deep Freeze

If temperatures drop below freezing for several days:

• Keep garage doors closed if water lines are located inside or under the cement floor;
• Allow a tiny trickle of water to run from faucets served by any exposed pipes;
• Whenever possible, open under-sink cabinet doors to let warm room air circulate around the plumbing (but make sure cleaning supplies are not accessible to pets!).

Remember, preventing pipe damage is a way to avoid unanticipated repair expenses in the winter. Feel free to contact us for additional information about your water service.