Winterizing Faucets? Let Us Handle It for You.
Living in Kitsilano means winters are always freezing. Although it may not snow all that often, it is still imperative to cover your exterior faucets. If left untreated, your faucets will freeze during the colder seasons, pose a great expense to repair, and be a waste of water.
To assist homeowners in avoiding such issues, Dript offers faucet winterization for Kitsilano homeowners, which guarantees that their seasonal plumbing outgoing will be prepared to face the cold season.
Studies have revealed that frozen pipes contribute to 18% of homeowners’ plumbing claims. Having outdoor faucets sealed, insulated, and protected during winter will spare you the losses of having the faucets damaged or having to repair them.
In this blog, Dript will explore all about winterizing outdoor faucet.
Why Winterizing Outdoor Faucets Is Essential
It is to protect your home and your pipes during a cold climate. This precaution can prevent damage to your home and wasted money on repairs and water bills.
Prevents Frozen Pipes
If water gets inside pipes, it solidifies and expands, possibly leading to pipe breakage. Winterization includes precautions to drain any remaining water from your faucets to avoid freezing.
If your pipes freeze, you should check our guide on causes and solutions for frozen pipes.
Saves on Costly Repairs
When pipes burst, they cause a lot of water damage to a building. However, winterization helps save this cost. In this case, temporarily removing and draining outdoor faucets is a quick fix.
Improves Energy Efficiency
Winterizing faucets will help you maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system by preventing any leaks or wastage during the cold season.
Prolongs Faucet Lifespan
Winterization or using anti-freeze chemicals saves faucets from wear and tear from hard frosts and subsequent thaws.
Sometimes, the drains also get clogged deep under the pipes due to freezing water and debris, here how you can unclog the pipes.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets | Step-by-Step Guide
When you don’t winterize for some time, the water can freeze on the pipes’ inner sides, leading to cracks and leaks. This, in return, reduces water pressure, and requires you to spend a lot of money on the repair process.
Here are some steps to winterize outdoor faucet.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Find the switch of the outdoor faucet, which is mainly located indoors. Shut it off to prevent water from reaching the faucet. When no water is left, it does not freeze in the pipes, which causes a problem later on.
2. Disconnect and Drain Hoses
Another thing you should be careful about is the hose. Disconnecting it from the faucet is crucial to prevent freezing and pipe damage.
3. Open the Faucet to Drain Remaining Water
When the water is shut off, turn on the outside faucet. Any water remaining in the pipe should drain out. This step ensures no water could freeze up.
4. Inspect the Faucet for Damage
You should check the faucet and connections and look for any cracks or signs of future leaks. It is much better to solve these issues early than wait until cold weather comes, which will only worsen the situation.
5. Install an Insulated Faucet Cover
Place an insulated cover over the faucet. These covers are cheap and create another barrier, which prevents the cold from penetrating the faucet.
6. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around the Faucet
The area around the sink faucet should be checked for cracks and more visible spaces if the sink is built on an external house wall. Sealing these openings will provide an added layer of protection where cold air cannot penetrate the faucet and pipes.
- Use Freeze-Proof Faucets
Are you installing new faucets outdoors or replacing the old ones? Go for freeze-proof models if you can. These faucets do not freeze as they contain insulation.
In case water is coming low in your faucets, you can increase the water pressure by simple yet effective techniques.
When to Hire a Professional
Here’s when you should consider hiring to winterize outdoor faucet.
1. If You Notice Leaks or Damage
This is especially so if, during inspection, you discover leakage around your faucet or any signs of damage. A plumber can integrate his services, rectify any mishap on your system, and secure the faucet from frost or anything that might harm it come winter.
2. If Your Outdoor Faucets Are Difficult to Access
Outdoor faucets are sometimes fixed discreetly out of reach of eyesight or beyond walls and some landscaping plants. If removing the faucet and winterizing it conveniently is impossible, it is wiser to address a professional who will do it correctly and without a hitch.
3. If You Have a Complex Plumbing System
If you have a more complicated layout, where pipes crisscross through the exterior area, or your house has many outdoor taps or complex irrigation methods, it is recommend calling in a professional plumber. A plumber can make sure all connections are well redoubled for winter.
4. If You’re Installing New Faucets or Pipe Insulation
If you switch on the frost-free faucets or lay insulating to the exposed pipes, there is a more professional way of doing it. Professionals can handle it and arrange it properly so that freezing is averted. That means that the wrong installation is capable of causing future difficulties with plumbing.
5. If You’re Not Comfortable With DIY Tasks
If you are unsure how to winterize your faucets appropriately or do not possess the necessary equipment, it is advisable to seek the services of a plumber. If you attempt it incorrectly, you’ll risk damage and make costly repairs.
Conclusion
It is very important to prepare all outdoor faucets for winter to avoid the damage that may be caused by winter on homes. You can guarantee your faucets stay safe and useable after cold weather using the above steps.
If you are still unsure how to winterize outdoor taps, Dript Plumbing and Heating is at your service. Our professional team is ready to offer efficient and affordable services in Kitsilano. Contact us today to set up your annual winterization, and let us help you prepare your plumbing for the colder months!
FAQs
Should Outside Faucets Be Open Or Closed For Winter?
Outdoor ones should be turned off after Winter, and the water supply should also shut off. This helps water not to stay in the pipes and effectively free itself from freezing, which may cause harm. But after you are done turning off the faucet, turn it on for some time to allow the remaining water to drain.
How To Close Outside Taps For Winter?
To turn off the outside tap for winter, turn off the water at the tap from the indoor side of the valve. Then, turn the faucet for a short time to make the water drain, and then put an insulated cover on it to prevent the water from freezing.