It’s not too early to brush up on preparation. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment for an evaluation if you’re experiencing any issues with your plumbing system!
How Can I Protect My Outdoor Plumbing in Cold Weather?
The key to protecting your outdoor plumbing is prevention. Once water freezes in your pipes or fixtures, damage can happen quickly and unexpectedly. A few simple steps taken during the fall can make a big difference when winter hits:
- Bring in your hose. Detach all garden hoses from outdoor faucets and bring them indoors for storage. Even a small amount of water trapped in a hose can freeze, expand, and push pressure back into the faucet, increasing the risk of a burst pipe.
- Seal outdoor hose bibs. Once hoses are removed, shut off the interior valve connected to the hose bib if available, then open the outdoor faucet to allow any remaining water to drain. Cover the faucet with an insulated cover or foam protector to shield it from direct exposure to freezing temperatures.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Pipes that run along exterior walls or through unheated spaces like garages or crawl spaces are more likely to freeze. Use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or insulated pipe sleeves to add a protective layer and reduce the risk of freezing.
- Shut down your irrigation system. If you have an underground sprinkler system, it should be professionally winterized. This typically involves blowing out all water from the lines using compressed air to ensure nothing is left behind to freeze.
- Check outdoor drains and spigots. Make sure exterior drains are clear of leaves and debris so water can flow freely. Standing water near outdoor plumbing can lead to frozen puddles and added pressure on buried lines.
- Seal gaps around pipes. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any openings where outdoor pipes pass through walls. This not only helps prevent freezing but also blocks cold drafts from entering your home.
When Should I Start Preparing My Outdoor Plumbing for Winter?
Fall is the ideal time to start preparing your outdoor plumbing for winter – ideally before temperatures consistently drop below 40°F. Once nighttime lows start flirting with freezing, exposed pipes and fixtures become increasingly vulnerable.
September to mid-October is usually a smart window for homeowners in Macomb County to begin winterizing their plumbing. This allows enough time to remove garden hoses, shut off outdoor water lines, and schedule a professional irrigation system blowout, if needed. Waiting until the first hard freeze means you’re already at risk of damage. The earlier you act, the better chance you have to catch small issues before they turn into expensive problems.
Pay attention to long-range forecasts and aim to finish outdoor prep before the first significant cold snap. It’s much easier to take preventive steps when conditions are mild than to deal with cracked pipes or emergency water leaks once temperatures plunge.
What Should I Do if My Outdoor Pipes Freeze?
If you suspect your outdoor pipes have frozen, it’s important to act quickly. The first signs are often a lack of water flow from an outdoor spigot or visible frost on the pipe. In some cases, you may hear strange noises like gurgling or clanking coming from the plumbing.
Start by turning off the water supply to the affected line. This helps prevent flooding if the pipe has already cracked but hasn’t yet thawed. Next, apply gentle heat to the frozen section using a space heater, heating pad, or hair dryer. Never use an open flame, as this creates a serious fire hazard and can damage the pipe. Keep the faucet open while you’re applying heat so that as the ice begins to melt, water can begin to flow again.
If you’re unable to locate the frozen area, or if the pipe remains blocked despite your efforts, call a professional. Stadler Plumbing has the tools and experience to safely thaw frozen pipes and assess them for damage. In many cases, a frozen pipe can be resolved without a full replacement, but time is critical. The longer a pipe stays frozen, the greater the risk of it rupturing.
After dealing with a freeze, it’s also smart to inspect nearby plumbing to make sure the problem isn’t more widespread. One frozen pipe often indicates poor insulation or exposure in surrounding areas that may need to be addressed to prevent future incidents.
Call Stadler Plumbing To Winterize Your Plumbing
Outdoor plumbing doesn’t have to be a source of stress during Michigan winters. With a little preparation and help from Stadler Plumbing, you can protect your home from frozen pipes, water damage, and costly wintertime emergencies. We’ve been helping Macomb County homeowners winterize and maintain their plumbing systems for over 30 years, and we know what works. We’re just a call away. Reach out today to schedule your seasonal plumbing service!