The Winter Chore you Can't Afford to Skip: Shutting off Exterior Faucets

October 20, 2023

As the days grow shorter and temperatures plummet, it’s essential to prepare your home for the winter months. One often-overlooked task with significant implications for your property is shutting off your exterior faucets. Neglecting this simple chore can lead to frozen pipe bursts, causing costly damage and a headache you’d rather avoid.

Protect your home from potential disasters.

1. Prevent Frozen Pipes

When temperatures dip below freezing, any water left in your exterior pipes and faucets can freeze. As water freezes, it expands, exerting immense pressure on your plumbing system. This pressure can lead to cracked or burst pipes, resulting in water damage to your home. Shutting off your exterior faucets is a proactive measure to prevent water from getting trapped in these vulnerable areas during winter. By turning off the water supply to these faucets, you eliminate the risk of frozen pipes and the damage that comes with it.

2. Save on Repair Costs

Dealing with the aftermath of frozen pipe bursts is not only inconvenient but also expensive. Repairing or replacing damaged pipes, fixing water damage to your home’s interior, and addressing any structural issues can quickly add up. Shutting off your exterior faucets is a small task that can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repair costs. It’s a cost-effective preventive measure that can protect your home and your wallet.

3. Extend the Lifespan of Your Faucets

Allowing water to freeze inside your outdoor faucets can cause internal components to crack or become damaged. Over time, this can lead to the need for costly faucet replacements. By shutting off the water supply to these faucets in winter, you extend their lifespan and reduce the frequency of repairs or replacements.

4. Maintain Your Home's Value

A well-maintained home holds its value and is more attractive to potential buyers. Neglecting winter preparations, including shutting off exterior faucets, can lead to visible damage and water stains on walls and ceilings, reducing your home’s appeal. By taking care of your home’s plumbing system and avoiding frozen pipe bursts, you contribute to the long-term preservation of your property’s value.

HOW TO SHUT OFF EXTERIOR FAUCETS

1. Locate the shut-off valve inside your home that controls the water supply to the exterior faucet.

2. Turn the valve to the “off” position to stop the flow of water to the faucet.

3. Once you’ve shut off the valve, go outside and open the faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out.

4. Consider using insulated faucet covers for an extra layer of protection.

Taking these steps ensures that your exterior faucets are safe from freezing temperatures, protecting your plumbing system and your home.

Shutting off your exterior faucets in the winter is a simple yet crucial step in protecting your home from frozen pipe bursts and the associated damage. It’s a small investment of time that can yield significant savings in repair costs and help maintain your property’s value. Don’t let winter catch you unprepared; safeguard your home by taking this essential precaution.

Sablich Insurance Group is licensed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.