Freezing temperatures pose a major threat to homes, particularly through burst pipes and costly water damage. Professional plumbers consistently emphasize one crucial step before the first freeze: completely draining exterior water lines. This preventative measure, though often overlooked, can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs.
Why Freezing Pipes Are So Dangerous
Water expands when it freezes. This expansion creates immense pressure within pipes, leading to cracks, splits, and eventually, catastrophic bursts. These bursts aren’t just immediate problems; hidden damage inside walls can remain undetected until spring thaw, resulting in even more extensive (and expensive) water damage. Emergency plumbing calls spike in winter, with burst pipes being the primary reason.
The Plumber’s Checklist: How to Drain Outdoor Hoses
Danny Reddick, a professional plumber, explains that winterizing outdoor faucets, hose bibs, and irrigation systems is the most preventable (and financially smart) disaster homeowners can avoid. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Disconnect and Drain: Remove the hose from the spigot. Lay it flat and lift one end to ensure all water is expelled.
- Store Indoors: Even after draining, store the hose inside. Residual water can still freeze and damage the hose itself, or worse, back up into your plumbing.
- Shut Off the Interior Valve: Locate and turn off the indoor valve that supplies water to the outdoor faucet before draining. This stops water from flowing back into the system.
- Flush the Line: Briefly turn on the outdoor faucet after shutting off the valve to clear any remaining water in the pipe. Then, turn it off again.
- Leave Faucet Open (If Possible): If your hose bib has an interior shutoff valve, leave it turned off and the outdoor faucet open. This allows any remaining water room to expand without causing pressure buildup.
Beyond Hoses: Other Vulnerable Points
Don’t limit protection to just hoses. Appliances, drain pipes, and irrigation systems are equally susceptible to freezing. Thoroughly drain these components before temperatures drop. The time invested (around 20-30 minutes) pales in comparison to the potential repair bills.
The Bottom Line
Ignoring winter plumbing preparation is a gamble with your finances. Burst pipes aren’t just a winter problem; they’re a costly mistake that can be easily avoided. By following a plumber’s simple checklist, homeowners can protect their properties from significant damage and ensure a worry-free winter.
