Emergency Plumber Explains How to Prevent Frozen Outdoor Faucets & Burst Pipes in Northeast Connecticut Winters
Your home’s plumbing system is at risk as winter settles over Connecticut. Temperatures quickly drop and frozen pipes or outdoor faucets are among the most common – and costly – winter plumbing problems for homeowners. But with a few preventative steps, you can protect your home and avoid needing to make an emergency call when the temperatures dip below freezing.
Disconnect Hoses and Drain Outdoor Faucets
When you first feel that cold air and before it begins to frost, disconnect all garden hoses from the outdoor spigots. Even a small amount of trapped water can freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or connected pipes. Once you’ve removed the hose, open the outdoor faucet to let any of the remaining water drain out. If your home has a shut-off valve inside, close it and leave the outside spigot open to release the pressure.
Install Frost-Proof Faucets
If you live in an older home in Mystic or Stonington, your exterior faucets may not be frost-proof. As a simple, long-term solution you can upgrade to frost-free hose bibs to prevent freezing and bursting. These faucets are made for our deep winters as they keep water deeper inside the hose, away from freezing temperatures.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Uninsulated pipes in basements, crawl spaces or garages are especially prone to freezing. Insulation sleeves or heating tape can make a big difference for any pipes along exterior walls and near cold air drafts. This small investment in insulation can prevent thousands of dollars in potential damage later.
Keep the Heat On (Even When You’re Away)
Are you heading out of town for the holidays? You may think you can save on the heating bill by turning off the heat completely, but think of your home as the insulation for your interior pipes. You can still save money on the bill as long as you keep your thermostat set to at least 60°F. Make sure to also open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, especially in colder areas of your home.
Know When to Call an Emergency Plumber
If your faucets stop running or you notice water leaking after a freeze, don’t wait. Moonlight Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency services in southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island, including the following areas:
Noank, Groton, Stonington, North Stonington, Waterford, New London, Old Lyme, Lyme, East Lyme, Niantic, Ledyard, Old Saybrook, Essex, Uncasville, Norwich, Westerly (RI), and Pawcatuck (RI).
Our licensed plumbers can quickly thaw frozen pipes, repair breaks and help you prevent future issues.
Stay Ahead of Winter Problems
Preventative maintenance goes a long way towards protecting your home during harsh Connecticut winters. Whether you need to upgrade old fixtures, insulate pipes or handle an unexpected plumbing emergency, Moonlight Plumbing is your local emergency plumber for reliable and responsive service year-round.
Contact us today to schedule a winter plumbing checkup or to learn more about preparing your home for freezing temperatures.
