In Minnesota and in other places that have freezing weather, it is smart to winterize your lawn faucets before the temperatures start to drop. When temperatures begin to drop below freezing, water inside your pipes will freeze. As it freezes, it can expand and cause the pipes to burst. But if you properly winterize, allowing air to flow freely inside, the pipes will not break. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to prepare lawn faucets for spring.
Spring is the time of year when it is okay to go ahead and energize those faucets. Even if there is an occasional day that drops below 32 degrees, the pipes will not freeze and break because the temperature will continue to bounce above and below freezing. It usually takes 3 to 4 days of sustained below-freezing temperatures before a pipe will freeze and break.
Hopefully, in the fall, the homeowner found the turnoff inside the house, turned off the valve, and drained all the excess water out of the outdoor faucet system. If that was done before the freezing weather, then to get ready for spring, the homeowner needs to find that same valve and locate where the little brass drain cap on the body of that faucet was removed.
The cap should be screwed back on, and then St Paul Pipeworks plumbers recommend going outside and fully opening the lawn faucet outside before coming back inside and opening the valve to let the system fully flush out for a bit. Be prepared that this may be the time when you may discover water leaking if you’ve had a freeze and break that wasn’t obvious during the winter.
If you see or hear water leaking, immediately turn the water off and call a plumber. St Paul Pipeworks plumbers recommend in the fall, when taking that brass drain cap off that drain on the faucet body, to put it in a Ziploc bag and then pin it right near the faucet. Then it doesn’t get lost. Also, when winterizing in the fall, take the hoses outside off the lawn faucets. In the spring, reconnect the hoses and test everything to make sure there are not any problems.
Sometimes there are smaller problems, such as little leaks that you will discover. Those can be easily repaired by either replacing some washers or O-rings and some packing.
If you have any questions about preparing your lawn faucets for spring or are looking for a quality plumber in the St. Paul and Minneapolis metro area, give St Paul Pipeworks a call today.
Yours Truly,
Matthew Dettwiler
Social Media Manager
FAQs
Q: Why is it important to prepare lawn faucets for spring?
A: It is important to prepare lawn faucets for spring to prevent any damage caused by freezing during the winter months. Preparing your faucets for spring ensures that they are functioning properly and prevents any potential leaks or bursts.
Q: When should I start preparing my lawn faucets for spring?
A: It is recommended to prepare your lawn faucets for spring before the temperatures start to rise. You should start preparing your faucets during late winter or early spring, depending on the weather in your area.
Q: How do I prepare my lawn faucets for spring?
A: To prepare your lawn faucets for spring, turn off the water supply to your faucets and drain any remaining water from the pipes. You can also cover your faucets with insulation or a faucet cover to prevent any damage caused by freezing.
Q: Can I prepare my lawn faucets for spring on my own, or should I call a plumber?
You can prepare your lawn faucets for spring on your own if you have the necessary knowledge and tools. However, if you are not confident in your ability or if you encounter any problems, it is best to call a professional plumber to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Q: How do I know if my outside faucets need to be repaired or replaced?
A: If you notice any leaks or drips coming from your lawn faucets or if they are not functioning properly, it may be time to repair or replace them. A professional plumber can assess the condition of your faucets and recommend the best course of action.
Q: Can I use my lawn faucets during the winter months?
A: It is not recommended to use your lawn faucets during the winter months as the water in the pipes can freeze and cause damage. Instead, it is best to turn off the water supply to your faucets and drain any remaining water from the pipes.
Q: How long does it take to prepare lawn faucets for spring?
A: The time it takes to prepare your lawn faucets for spring depends on the condition of your faucets and the complexity of your plumbing system. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to complete the job.
Q: Is it necessary to prepare indoor faucets for spring?
A: No, it is not necessary to prepare indoor faucets for spring as they are not affected by freezing temperatures. However, it is still a good idea to check indoor faucets for any leaks or drips and to ensure that they are functioning properly.
