Hose Bibs in Winter
Published On: 20 October 2020Categories: Latest News, Plumbing

The weather is getting colder and it’s time to prepare your home for winter’s icy grip! You need to ensure that your outdoor hose and bib are drained so as to avoid damage. Prevention is the key! The following are some tips on how to properly winterize your outdoor plumbing.

  • Disconnect your hoses from all outside faucets. Drain the hoses and store them in a heated space (garage or basement) to protect them from damage caused by freezing temperatures.
  • Locate the shutoff valve inside your home. It’s usually located in the basement, crawl space, utility room or garage. If you have more than one hose bib, you’ll have more than one valve. The valve will have a coloured handle. Turn the valve clockwise to shut it off.
  • Turn the outside faucet(s) to the on position allowing excess water to flow from the pipes. When the dripping stops, turn the faucet off.
  • Return to the shut-off valve in your home. Place a bucket under the valve. Locate the cap or thumbscrew on the side of or underneath the valve. Remove it. A small amount of water should drain into your bucket. Close the cap or thumb screw and tighten it.
  • Leave the shut-off valve in the off position until spring, when you’re ready to de-winterize your hose bib. With the water drained from your hose bib, it’s ready for the harsh cold of winter.

Tip: If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a frost-proof hose bib and installing it before the cold weather arrives. This faucet prevents water from remaining in the unprotected end of the outdoor water supply line, helping you avoid cracking or freezing.

Winterizing your hose bib is a relatively easy task and you may be able to do it yourself. If you need help winterizing your plumbing or you’re interested in installing a frost-proof hose bib, call your local plumbing experts. They have the knowledge, expertise and experience to help you prepare your home for winter weather. Need help preparing your home’s plumbing for winter temperatures? Call Calgary based Plumbing Paramedics. Our plumbing technicians are friendly, informative and accommodating. We hire only those we would trust in our own homes! Our certified plumbers can handle any plumbing task or problem!

Call us at (403) 452-2911 or Book Now an appointment.

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