Prepare Your Outdoor Faucet For The Ottawa Winter
Preparing your outdoor facet for the Ottawa winter can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the area. The key is to take the necessary steps to ensure your outdoor space is protected from the harsh elements of winter. By taking these preparatory steps, you can help your outdoor space last through the cold temperatures and snowfalls of Ottawa’s winter climate.
Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service
20 ways to prepare your outdoor faucet for the Ottawa winter:
1. Check your outside faucet for any signs of damage or leaks and make repairs if necessary. Leaks can lead to water freezing in the pipes, which can cause them to burst when temperatures drop too low.
2. Cover your exposed outdoor pipes with insulation or foam pipe covers to help keep the cold out. This will prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting in the winter.
3. Disconnect hoses and store them inside during cold weather. If a hose is left attached, it can cause water to freeze in the pipe, which can lead to a burst pipe.
4. Drain your faucet completely by turning off the valve and opening up the faucet. This will ensure that any water left in the pipe is removed and prevent it from freezing and causing damage.
5. Install a freeze-proof outdoor faucet to reduce the risk of having your pipes burst in frigid temperatures. These faucets are designed to withstand cold temperatures without freezing or bursting, making them a great option for colder climates.
6. Wrap your outdoor spigots in foam insulation or use a frost-free hose bibb to protect them from the cold weather. This will help keep the water inside the pipes warm and reduce the chance of a frozen pipe bursting.
7. Make sure that any exposed faucet valves are insulated with foam pipe coverings to ensure they don’t freeze during winter months.
8. Inspect all exterior walls, windows and doors of your home for any gaps around them where cold air can get in and freeze pipes near by. Seal up any cracks or holes you find with caulk or weather stripping.
9. Install heat tape on any exposed pipes that may be at risk of freezing during the winter. Heat tape is an electrical cord that wraps around pipes and helps to prevent them from freezing by regulating the temperature.
10. Make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris to ensure proper water drainage away from your home, preventing any chance of flooding or water seepage into walls which can freeze and cause damage.
11. Install a humidifier in your home if you’re worried about humidity levels being too low in the wintertime, as this will help keep moisture in the air and reduce the chances of frozen pipes bursting due to dry conditions inside the house.
12. Place electric space heaters near exposed pipes to help keep them warm during cold spells and prevent freezing or bursting.
13. Ensure that your home is well insulated to keep cold air out and warmth in, which will help reduce the risk of pipes freezing or bursting during winter months.
14. If you have an irrigation system, make sure to turn it off before winter sets in as leaving it running can cause water to freeze in the pipes, leading to a burst pipe when temperatures drop below freezing.
15. Check for any low-lying areas around your faucet or hose bibbs where water may be collecting and causing potential freezing issues during wintertime. Make sure these areas are cleared of standing water or snow so they don’t become frozen over and cause a problem.
16. Keep faucets slightly open when temperatures drop below freezing to allow a tiny bit of water to flow and prevent it from becoming completely frozen in the pipes.
17. Make sure to keep an eye out for icicles forming around your outdoor faucet, as this can be a sign that there is a cold air leak or blockage somewhere in the area and can lead to burst pipes if not addressed.
18. Make sure your home’s sump pump is in good working condition and has back-up power if needed, as this will help avoid any flooding issues due to melting snow and ice during winter months.
19. Have your furnace tuned up before winter sets in each year to ensure it is working properly, as this will help reduce the risk of pipes freezing due to lack of heat in the house.
20. Finally, check your homeowners insurance policy to make sure it covers any damage from frozen or burst pipes during winter months, as this can help you save a lot of money if an unexpected problem arises.
Following these steps will help ensure that your outdoor faucet is ready for the Ottawa winter and reduce the risk of pipe bursts and other related issues. Taking proactive measures now will help protect your home from any costly repairs down the road. Stay safe and warm!
These are just some tips on how to prepare your outdoor faucet for the Ottawa winter – but be sure to contact a professional plumber or home inspector if you have any specific questions or concerns. They can provide you with more detailed advice on how to properly and safely prepare your outdoor faucet for the cold temperatures. Good luck!
