Getting your hose bibs ready for unseasonal cold weather

In Alberta, we all know how bitter cold the winter weather can be. As fall and winter approach, we are reminded there are many more cold days (or nights) ahead. As the weather cools down, there is a risk of your hose bibs freezing. Your hose bibs are the pipes that come out of your house where you would attach your garden hoses.

If your home has hose bibs, it is critical you prepare them for cold temperatures. All it takes is a small amount of leftover water in the pipe to freeze. Frozen pipes may burst due to the immense pressure. If this happens, your home could experience indoor flooding and costly repairs when you turn on your faucets in the spring and summer.

It is never too late to start protecting your hose bibs. To make sure you properly prepare them for cold weather, here are a few tips:

• Remove all hoses from the hose bib and drain any water inside those hoses. Put your hoses away for the season.
• Inspect outdoor faucets for leaks. If your faucet is dripping, you need to fix this immediately. All it takes is a small amount of water to freeze inside the pipe. If you notice a leak, contact a plumbing professional right away to have it repaired.
• If possible, turn off your supply line. Then, turn on all outdoor faucets to properly drain any remaining water. Draining it down can reduce the chances that any water will freeze inside the pipe.

For extra protection, you may want to install a hose bib cover or a frost-proof hose bib. Your hose bibs should be properly insulated to reduce the chances of them freezing. A trained and licensed plumber can help you install a frost-proof bib on all of your outdoor faucets.

The last thing you need to worry about is a flood or plumbing issue this spring. Whether you need help fixing a drip or you are interested in frost-proofing your hose bibs, Always Plumbing & Heating can help.