An outdoor faucet is easy to overlook when you finish watering the yard for the season. But a hose left connected or a faucet that never quite stops dripping can become a bigger problem when temperatures fall.
For Central Arkansas homeowners, checking outdoor plumbing before freezing weather arrives gives you time to address problems without waiting for a cold-weather emergency. Start with the faucets around your home and work through these simple steps.
Disconnect Hoses and Removable Attachments
Remove garden hoses, hose splitters, and watering timers when they are no longer needed for the season. Drain your hoses before storing them.
Leaving a hose connected can keep water from draining properly from many outdoor faucets. That trapped water can freeze and put pressure on the faucet or connected piping.
Remember to check less-used connections, including faucets behind landscaping, near a shed, or on the side of the garage.
Know What Type of Faucet You Have
A standard outdoor faucet and a frost-free faucet may need different winter preparation.
Many frost-free models are designed to drain after the water is turned off, but they still depend on correct installation and unobstructed drainage. The words “frost-free” do not mean every model can safely be left with a hose attached.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your faucet. If you are unsure which type is installed, a plumber can identify it and explain how to prepare it.
Check for Leaks Before Covering Anything
Look at the spout, handle, and the area where the faucet meets the house. Watch for:
· Dripping after the faucet is turned off
· Water escaping around the handle
· Dampness near the wall connection
· A loose or damaged faucet
A protective cover does not repair a leak. Have a persistent drip or damaged connection checked before relying on winter protection. Arrow’s plumbing repair services can help address these problems before colder weather arrives.
Locate Any Separate Shutoff Valve
Some homes have an indoor shutoff that controls an outdoor faucet. Where that arrangement is provided, shutting off the supply and draining the outdoor section may be part of winter preparation.
The correct procedure depends on the installation. Do not force a stuck valve or assume every outdoor faucet has a separate shutoff. Ask a plumber for help if the valve is difficult to reach, does not turn easily, or begins leaking.
Include the Connected Pipes in Your Check
The faucet is only the visible end of the plumbing. Supply pipes in an unheated crawl space, garage, or other exposed area may also need protection.
Suitable pipe insulation can help reduce exposure, but the whole installation matters. A plumber can help identify vulnerable sections and explain whether insulation, repairs, or other changes are appropriate.
Get Outdoor Plumbing Ready Before the Cold Arrives
If an outdoor faucet leaks or you are unsure how to protect its supply line, Arrow Plumbing can help evaluate the problem and recommend the next step. If freezing weather has already caused damage, learn about our frozen and burst pipe repair services.
Call 501-753-3838 to schedule plumbing service in Central Arkansas. Taking care of a questionable faucet now is easier than discovering a problem during freezing weather.
- Plumbing
