We’ve had some frost. And we’ve had a dusting of snow. Although it’s not bone-chilling cold, most of us won’t be using the outside water spigots again until spring. Here at the Bergquist house that means it’s time to shut off the water.
Water spigots are at risk of freeze damage over the winter because water sits in the pipes outside the main walls of the house. Even though the house itself probably does protect the pipes a little, it’s still possible for the pipes to freeze. We don’t see any reason to take that risk since it’s very easy to avoid it.
Let’s take a quick break and I’ll go shut it down right now.
Okay, I’m back. See – it didn’t take very long at all. Just two quick steps:
1. Trace the pipe back from where it goes out to the spigot until you hit the valve. Turn off the valve.
2. Go outside and turn the water on to release the pressure and drain a little bit out; it should stop quickly. If water comes gushing out without slowing down, then you may want to reconsider step one.
Frozen pipes are bad news because water can make a really big mess of a house. Connecticut isn’t the coldest place in the country, but it can go below freezing for extended periods of time. Outdoor spigots are most at risk, and easy to address. Take a moment to winterize them before you forget.
Thanks for this post. I had no idea that the outside water should or could be turned off. About to head downstairs to check this out now.