Now that cold weather is finally here, you want to take steps to ensure your outdoor plumbing is properly winterized. Doing so will prevent damage to your fixtures and burst pipes, which can result in inconvenience and the need for expensive repairs. The following are just a few steps you can take to ensure your outdoor fixtures last one winter to the next.

How to Protect Your Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures This Winter

1. Disconnect Hoses

Water can get trapped between hoses and outdoor faucets. Disconnect these fixtures, even if they’re purportedly freeze-proof. You also want to disconnect any splitters that are still attached for the same reason. When disconnecting hoses, try to do so well before the first hard freeze, which means temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Drain Pipes

Locate faucet valves and shut them off before cold weather hits. Once the valve is off, turn on the exterior faucet to drain any remaining water. Water left in pipes will freeze and expand, which can cause extensive damage to the interior plumbing.

3. Insulate Exterior Plumbing

Outdoor pipes are prone to freezing, which can disrupt the supply of water in your home. Cover these pipes with insulating materials, such as sleeves that help keep piping warm even in low temperatures. You can also cover faucets with an insulated covering to prevent them from being affected by snow and ice.  

Berk Trade and Business School in Long Island City, NY, provides their students indispensable plumbing knowledge. For more than seven decades, they’ve equipped locals with essential trade school programs that allow them to earn a living providing vital services like electrical work and plumbing repair. They offer financial assistance to students who qualify and will work to place you in a well-paying, rewarding job once you graduate. Call (718) 729-0909 for more information on enrollment. If you’d like to learn more about the programs offered, feel free to visit them online.