A small leak in a pipe can easily go unnoticed for a long period of time, causing significant damage to your home and property.
Protect yourself!
Be sure to inspect the outside of your home often, especially when the temperatures drop below zero. Outdoor faucets are the first plumbing parts to freeze and burst when the temperature drops. If you have a conventional faucet (not the frost-free type), you’ll need to drain it by following the simple steps below:
- Turn off the shut-off valve inside the house.
- Remove faucet connections like hoses and sprinklers.
- Turn on the faucet to drain water from the pipe.
- Inside the house, open the bleed cap and capture the remaining water in a small container.
- Turn the faucet off outside.
- Optionally wrap the faucet with insulation sleeves or wrapping to keep it protected through the winter.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on your indoor plumbing fixtures as well. Most indoor water damage results from leaks or overflow from:
- Frozen or ruptured pipes
- Ruptured water hoses
- Pipes, sinks, baths, toilets, appliances, aquariums, fridge water supply lines
- Dripping water heaters and ruptured valves
Check your hoses and fittings
Your washing machine and dishwasher hoses can deteriorate over time and cause small leaks which you may not notice right away. Replace the hose immediately with a stainless steel braided one at the slightest sign of deterioration such as cracking, swelling or corrosion. Generally speaking, these hoses should be replaced every 5 years.
