Outdoor Spigots

Winterizing outdoor spigots (or faucets) is crucial for preventing water damage during the colder months. If you don’t properly prepare them for freezing temperatures, the water inside the pipes connected to the spigot can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to crack or burst. Here’s why winterizing spigots is important:

1. Preventing Frozen Pipes

- Water freezes and expands when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C). This can put tremendous pressure on the pipes and faucets, leading to cracks or even bursts. A burst pipe can cause extensive water damage to your property and potentially require expensive repairs.

2. Avoiding Water Damage

- A broken pipe in an exterior wall or under the foundation can leak water into your home, causing damage to floors, walls, and ceilings. The longer it takes to notice the leak, the worse the damage can get.

3. Saving Money

- Repairing or replacing burst pipes can be costly. It’s much more affordable to prevent the problem by taking a few preventive measures in the fall. Winterizing your spigots might only take a few minutes and could save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

4. Maintaining Your Irrigation System

- If you have an irrigation system, unprotected spigots and pipes can affect the system’s functionality. Ice buildup could crack the pipes, leading to leaks or poor water distribution when you start using the system again in the spring.

How to Winterize Spigots

1. Turn off the Water Supply: Shut off the valve leading to the outdoor faucet from inside the house (usually in the basement or crawl space).

2. Drain the Spigot: Open the outdoor spigot to drain any remaining water in the line. This prevents water from freezing in the pipe.

3. Cover the Faucet: Use an insulated faucet cover or foam insulation to protect the spigot from freezing temperatures.

4. Install a Frost-Free Spigot: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider installing frost-free outdoor faucets that are designed to prevent freezing by keeping the water supply inside the warmer part of your house.

By winterizing your outdoor faucets, you can protect your home, save money, and avoid the hassle of dealing with frozen or burst pipes.