Water expands as it freezes, and that pressure can split pipes, fittings and hoses made of nearly any material. A few chores before the first hard freeze can head off one of the most common cold-weather repairs.
Hoses first
Remove every garden hose from outdoor spigots, drain it and store it somewhere sheltered. A hose left attached can hold water, and as ice forms it can push back into the spigot and potentially into the house.
Close and drain the spigot
If your house has an interior shut-off valve that feeds an outdoor hose bib, close it. Then open the outside spigot so any leftover water can drain, and leave it open so remaining water has room to expand without breaking the pipe.
Old spigots can be replaced with a frost-proof model, which reduces the chance of freezing water creeping back inside. Many also include an anti-siphon feature that stops water from flowing back from the hose. Frost-proof does not mean freeze-proof in extreme cold.
Other outdoor lines
- Drain sprinkler and swimming pool supply lines following the installer or manufacturer instructions.
- Skip antifreeze in these lines unless the directions call for it. It is environmentally harmful and dangerous to people, pets and wildlife.
- Empty drip irrigation lines, since rigid plastic fittings can crack too.
- Pull small pumps out of the water and drain them. Bigger submersible models may have to stay underwater in a spot that stays above freezing.
Pipes inside the house
Pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages and kitchen cabinets are also at risk. Insulate them with pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape, keep garage doors closed, and open cabinet doors during cold snaps. Let a faucet drip when it is very cold, and keep the thermostat steady, no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit if you are away.
Filed under: Washington DC Home & Garden News
