As the cold season approaches, we at Schaible’s Plumbing & Heating Inc. want to help you protect your home from costly winter damage. Many homeowners don’t realize how vulnerable outdoor plumbing can be once temperatures drop below freezing, but a little preparation goes a long way. When it comes to plumbing in Somerville, winterizing is one of the smartest preventative measures you can take.
When water freezes, it expands. That expansion can crack pipes, damage fixtures, and even cause flooding once everything thaws. The good news? With the right steps, you can dramatically reduce your risk of burst pipes and expensive repairs. Below, we’ll walk you through how to properly winterize outdoor faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems—quickly, easily, and effectively.
Start With Outdoor Faucets
Your outdoor faucets (or hose bibs) are often the first point of failure when cold weather hits. Before freezing temperatures arrive, shut off the interior valve that supplies water to your exterior spigots. After turning the supply off, open the outdoor faucets to let any trapped water drain out. If a small amount remains, leaving the faucet slightly open provides space for ice to expand harmlessly. Installing foam faucet covers adds an extra layer of protection and costs very little compared to the damage a cracked faucet can cause.
Don’t Forget Your Hoses
One of the quickest and most important winterization steps is draining your garden hoses. Disconnect them from the spigot, stretch them out on the ground, and lift one end to drain all remaining water. Coil them loosely and store them indoors; garages and sheds are perfect. Leaving a hose attached traps water in the faucet and can actually force freezing water into your home’s internal pipes. Even frost-free hose bibs can’t drain properly if a hose is still connected.
Protect Sprinkler and Irrigation Systems
Sprinkler systems are often overlooked, but these buried lines are extremely vulnerable to freezing. Shut off the water supply to the system, then drain or blow out the remaining water. Some systems have manual drain valves, while others require professional air blowout service. Paying attention to these systems now can save you from cracked pipes under your lawn and landscape damage later.
Drain Other Outdoor Water Sources
Exterior utility sinks, washing machine hookups, and irrigation controllers can all suffer freeze damage. Shut off their water supply and drain them thoroughly. It’s a simple step that dramatically reduces your risk of leaks.
Label Shutoff Valves for Faster Access
If you ever need to respond quickly to a leak, clearly labeled shutoff valves make all the difference. Mark them now to avoid stress and confusion during an emergency.
Install Interior Shutoff Valves (If You Don’t Have Them)
These valves are a small investment that can prevent catastrophic repair bills. We’re always happy to install them if you’re missing this key protection.
Winterizing takes just minutes but can prevent thousands of dollars in damage. Let us help you prepare your home before the first freeze hits.