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THWinterizing your outdoor garden hose and spigots is essential to prevent freezing and damage during cold weather. Follow these easy steps for peace of mind this winter:
1. Disconnect and Drain the Hose
- Remove the hose from the outdoor spigot or faucet.
- Drain all the water from the hose by holding one end up to let gravity push the water out.
- Coil the hose neatly and store it in a dry, sheltered location (like a garage or shed) to prevent cracking.
2. Shut Off the Water Supply
- Locate the shutoff valve inside your home that controls the water flow to the outdoor spigot. This is often found in a basement, crawlspace, or utility room.
-Turn off the valve completely to cut off the water supply to outdoor faucets.
3. Drain the Spigots
- Open the outdoor spigot fully to allow any remaining water in the pipe to drain out.
- Leave the spigot open slightly to allow any remaining moisture to escape and prevent pressure buildup.
4. Insulate Outdoor Faucets (Spigots)
- Use foam faucet covers or insulating faucet covers (available at hardware stores) to protect the spigot from freezing temperatures.
- Alternatively, wrap the spigot in old towels or rags, secured with duct tape, and then cover with plastic bags to keep moisture out.
5. Install a Frost-Free Faucet Sillcock
- Consider replacing your standard spigot with a frost-free faucet sillcock to prevent freezing.
- A frost-free sillcock extends into the warmer part of your home and has a built-in mechanism to stop water from freezing inside the pipe.
- Install the sillcock by:
- Shutting off the water supply.
- Removing the old faucet.
- Installing the new frost-free faucet, ensuring it has a slight downward pitch so any water inside drains away.
- Apply plumber's tape to the threads and tighten to prevent leaks.
6. Check and Replace Any Leaky Parts
-Inspect your spigot, hoses, and connectors for any leaks or damage. Repair or replace worn-out parts before storing them for the winter.
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