Now that the cold weather is here, you’ve likely traded in your outdoor barbecues and pool parties for evenings spent by the fire. But did you remember to winterize your outdoor plumbing? Osterwisch Company, a mechanical contracting company in Cincinnati, OH that has specialized in plumbing, electric, and heating and cooling solutions since 1946, would like to remind homeowners that shutting off outdoor plumbing receptacles is a must before winter.

Before you start making the hot cocoa for those cold winter nights, here are three devices in particular that need to be taken care of before the temperature drops:

1. Garden Hose: Be sure to turn off your outside water supply, unhook your garden hose, and drain it of any remaining water. Otherwise, the water will freeze and cause your pipes to burst.
2. Sprinkler System: Don’t forget to winterize your inground sprinkler system. There are three ways of doing this: the manual drain method, the automatic drain method, and the “blow out” method. All of them involve draining water from the system, but the last one involves compressed air, so be sure to wear eye protection. You can also call Osterwisch Company to do it for you.
3. Pool Filter: In addition to covering up your pool for the winter, you need to winterize your pool pump and filter. Disconnect both and be sure that there is no more water left in the pump or the drain plugs.

For more information about the plumbing, electric, and heating and cooling services Osterwisch Company offers, give them a call at (513) 791-3282 or visit them on their website.