Have you ever heard someone say you should always disconnect your garden hose before winter? At first, it might sound like just another old homeowner’s tale. After all, what harm could leaving a hose connected really do?
The truth is, this so-called “myth” can actually cause serious and costly problems. Let’s walk through why it matters and what you can do to keep your home safe.
Why Does Leaving A Hose Attached Cause Problems
When temperatures dip, any water left inside the hose, faucet, or connecting pipe can freeze. And as we know, water expands when it turns to ice. With a hose still attached, that water gets trapped in a closed system. The ice has nowhere to go, which leads to pressure buildup. Guess where that pressure goes? Straight into your pipes.
This pressure can crack or even burst pipes connected to the outdoor faucet. The worst part is, you might not even realize the damage has happened until spring arrives and the ice thaws. Suddenly, you’re dealing with leaks, water damage, or even flooding in your basement.
How To Prevent Frozen And Burst Pipes
So, how do you avoid this expensive headache? The good news is, the solution is surprisingly simple.
- First, disconnect the hose from the outdoor faucet before freezing temperatures arrive.
- Next, close the indoor shut-off valve that supplies water to that faucet.
- After that, open the faucet outside to let any leftover water drain completely.
- Finally, take a quick look for leaks or drips and get them fixed before winter really sets in.
These small steps can save you from the much bigger hassle of dealing with broken pipes and water damage down the road.
But What If You Have A Frost-Free Faucet
You may think a frost-proof faucet has you covered, but here’s the catch: even these can freeze if a hose is still attached. A connected hose traps water inside the faucet, making it vulnerable to the same pressure problem. That’s why disconnecting is always the safest choice, no matter what kind of faucet you have.
Protecting Your Home This Winter
A burst pipe is more than just an inconvenience. It can lead to major repairs, expensive water bills, and even damage to your belongings. Taking a few minutes in the fall to disconnect your hose and drain your faucet can save you thousands in repairs later.
At Sierra Air Inc., we know that simple steps can make all the difference in protecting your home. If you want expert help preparing your plumbing and heating systems for winter, our team is ready to make sure everything is safe and running smoothly.
