Preparing Outdoor Spigots for Freezing Temperatures
Nothing causes more damage to your home than water being where it isn’t supposed to be. If water escapes out of the pipes in your home, it can ruin flooring destroy sheetrock and damage your insulation. If you are wondering how water can get into your home, the answer is simple. Many water problems in our New Jersey homes come from burst pipes. Burst pipes often because an outdoor spigot freezes. There are things you can do to make certain that your spigots are protected this winter and Team Electric Plumbing and Air wants to help. Here are a few steps that can save your spigots.
Put the Hose Away: You might keep a hose attached to your spigot because it is convenient. You can turn on your water without worrying about connecting a hose. Unfortunately, when the temperature drops your hose is a problem. When fall first hits, disconnect your hose from your spigot. Even if you have frost proof spigot, make certain your hose is put away. This will keep the water out and significantly reduce your chances of having pipes burst.
Drain and Dry: If your spigots aren’t freeze proof, you are going to want to turn off the water supply to the spigot and let all the water drain out. If water is out of the pipes, you won’t have to worry about a freeze. If you are tired of spigot winterization, you can give Team Electric Plumbing & Air a call and we can replace them with freeze proof spigots.
Insulate: You can buy some inexpensive hose bib covers from your local home and garden center. The covers are usually made out of a hardened Styrofoam. This allows the heat from your home to be trapped near the hose bib. If you have a crawl space you might to add more protection under your home. You can add some heat tape to exposed pipes, or invest in additional insulation.
Take a Close Look: If you notice water dripping from your spigot, it is time for a repair. Even the slowest leak is a problem. When the escaping water hits cold winter air it freezes. As the ice builds up, it further cools your spigot and the water in the pipe behind it. When water freezes, it expands and your pipes burst.
Team Electric Plumbing & Air
If you are having problems with the plumbing in your home, give us a call. We are even available for emergencies. You can count on us 24 hours a day 7 days a week. When you need a plumber, we are ready to help. Our technicians are problem solvers and will be able to identify the issue and create a solution. If you are constantly battling slushy pipes and want a permanent solution, we are your answer. When you want the best plumber in New Jersey, give us a call.
