Winterizing Your Outdoor Plumbing

Getting Your Outdoor Faucets Winter-Ready

Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs, are some of the most vulnerable parts of your plumbing system when temperatures drop. Freezing water expands, which can crack the pipes and cause a lot of damage. Here’s how to give your faucets the protection they need:

• Disconnect and Drain: Make sure to detach all hoses from your outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water. Even a little bit of leftover water can freeze and lead to serious issues.
• Shut Off the Water: If you have a dedicated shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, now’s the time to turn it off. Once the water supply is cut, open the faucets to let any remaining water drain out.
• Insulate: Install faucet covers or wrap the fixtures with insulation to keep the cold from penetrating. These covers are easy to find at any hardware store and are a simple, cost-effective way to add a layer of protection.

Keeping Your Outdoor Plumbing and Irrigation Systems Safe

Your irrigation system is a big investment, and the last thing you want is for it to suffer damage from freezing temperatures. Here's how to make sure it stays in good shape:

• Drain the System: If you have an automatic sprinkler system, shut off the water supply and use the system’s drainage method, whether it’s manual, automatic, or a blowout process. Blowing out the lines with compressed air might be the most thorough way, but it’s best to leave that to a plumber if you’re not confident.
• Protect the Backflow Preventer: If your irrigation system has a backflow preventer, insulate it with foam covers or insulation tape. The backflow preventer is needed to keep contaminants out of your drinking water, and a frozen one can lead to an expensive plumbing repair service.
• Store Controllers and Timers: For systems that have controllers, consider bringing them indoors or setting them to "off" mode. That way, you’re not accidentally running your system when it’s freezing outside.

Winterizing Pools and Spas

If you have a pool or spa, the thought of freezing water causing damage is enough to keep you up at night. Luckily, preparing them for the cold season isn’t as difficult as it seems:

• Lower the Water Level: Lower the water below the level of the skimmer and make sure all pumps and filters are fully drained. This helps to prevent damage to your pool's equipment.
• Add Winterizing Chemicals: A chemical kit can keep the water in clean and prevent algae from growing during winter. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
• Cover Up: Invest in a durable pool cover to keep debris out and maintain the temperature balance. For hot tubs, drain and clean them thoroughly if you won’t be using them all winter, or make sure to keep the water circulating to avoid freezing.

Securing Outdoor Plumbing and Decorative Water Features

Do you have a backyard fountain, koi pond, or any other outdoor water feature? These can be just as vulnerable as your faucets and irrigation systems. Here’s what you need to do:

• Drain or Run: For fountains, either drain the water entirely or keep it running if it’s designed to withstand the cold. Running water is less likely to freeze, but make sure it’s a safe option for your setup.
• Add Heaters for Ponds: If you have a pond with fish, consider using a pond heater or de-icer. It will create a small opening in the ice, allowing toxic gases to escape and ensuring your fish get the oxygen they need.
• Cover Delicate Features: Wrap or cover any exposed plumbing with insulation or weatherproof materials. For decorative water features, this can help prevent the risk of cracks or damage from ice expansion.

Don’t Get Caught Off Guard This Winter

Taking the time to winterize your outdoor plumbing can seem like a chore, but when you think about the potential damage from a burst pipe or ruined irrigation system, it’s a no-brainer. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here if you need a hand or if you're unsure about any step in the process. From a professional plumbing repair service to making sure your pipes are ready to withstand the cold, we’ve got your back. Are you ready to protect your home? Call us and schedule your next appointment.