When the weather gets colder, you need to prepare your hoses and outdoor faucets for the winter. The cold weather can damage hoses and outside spigots that are not properly winterized. The experienced plumbers at Joe Klosterman Plumbing in Cincinnati, OH, know that an emergency plumbing repair is the last thing you want in the middle of winter. Joe Klosterman Plumbing is a family owned and operated plumbing company that provides drain cleaning, backhoe services, and backflow testing. Here are tips on how you can prepare your outdoor plumbing for the cold weather.

What should you do to get your outdoor faucets and plumbing accessories ready for winter?

• Faucets With Shut-off Valves: Water that is left inside pipes during cold weather can freeze and expand. This puts stress on your pipes and can cause them to crack or burst. To prevent this from happening, Joe Klosterman Plumbing suggests that you drain the pipes before the weather gets cold. Locate and close off the valve that supplies the water to your outdoor spigots. Once you are sure the water to your outdoor faucets is completely shut off, disconnect hoses or any similar attachments. Open the faucet and let the water drain out.

• Faucets Without Shut-off Valves: Some homes may not have a separate valve to turn off the water to your outdoor spigots. In this case, Joe Klosterman Plumbing recommends insulating the pipe. Wrap the spigot and any exposed parts of the pipe securely with insulating material to keep it warm. You can use sleeves made out of foam or fiberglass, or heating tape.
• Hoses: Neglecting to winterize your hose can have the same effect as on your pipes. The frozen water will expand and leave cracks and tears that will damage your hose and make it useless. One you disconnect your hose from the spigot, the plumbers at Joe Klosterman Plumbing advise doing these next steps. Lay the hose on the ground—on a slope if possible—and extend it to its full length. Make sure to point the open end away from the foundation of your home and let water drain out. Once the hose is completely drained, remove any kinks and wind your hose into loose coils. Store your hose on a reel or hose support in a dry place.

Don’t let a frozen outdoor faucet be the cause of a burst pipe. Contact Joe Klosterman Plumbing at (513) 941-6766 to ask a professional how you can effectively winterize your plumbing system. You can also visit them online to learn more about their provided services for repairs, installations, plumbing remodels, and new construction.