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This post includes content partially written by AI and reviewed by a human contributor.

Living in the relatively mild winters in northeastern North Carolina makes it easy to forget about winterizing your outdoor plumbing.

But as the chill of winter approaches, homeowners in our part of NC must prepare their homes for the colder months. Preparing for cold temperatures should include safeguarding outdoor water sources, like spigots and hoses. If you don't take a few moments to address these, they can cause damage to the fixtures and water pipes.

I'm a lawn care technician, so why am I writing about hoses and plumbing? I must move old, busted hoses out of the way of my mower fairly often. I almost always get the same reply when I tell the homeowner where I placed their property. "Oh that old thing busted last winter, what a mess!" So this article is just a gentle reminder - and the entire process only takes a few minutes.

The Importance of Winterizing Outdoor Water Sources and Plumbing Fixtures

Winterizing your outdoor plumbing prevents expensive repairs and replacements due to freezing temperatures.

Preventing Pipe Damage:

• Expansion from Freezing: Water expands as it freezes (as you probably recall from science class). As a result, the expansion can exert tremendous pressure inside pipes. That expanded frozen water can cause cracks or bursts in outdoor fixtures. That's especially true for metal pipes, which are less flexible than modern plastic ones.
• Consequences of Water Damage: A burst pipe can cause extensive water damage, often in areas of your property that are not regularly checked. That can also lead to flooding or foundation damage. It may also cause unhealthy mold growth.

Economic Benefits:

• Reducing Repair Costs: Repairing a burst pipe means more than just fixing the plumbing. It can also mean addressing water damage to walls, floors, and foundations. Of course, each of those can be incredibly costly.
• Conserving Water: A poorly winterized pipe can leak or burst, which means water waste and high utility bills.
• Insurance Implications: Many insurance policies may not cover damage from burst pipes if deemed preventable - like through proper winterization.
• Long-Term Maintenance Savings: Regular winterization can extend the lifespan of your faucets and hoses. Thus, you might save some money in the long run.

Steps for Winterizing Outdoor Plumbing and Garden Hoses

Now that you know why you should take a few minutes to winterize your outdoor plumbing, here are the steps you should take to check this task off your home maintenance to-do list:

For Faucets That Do Not Have Shut-Off Valves:

1. Disconnect Hoses: Remove all hoses from the faucets.
2. Drain Faucets: Open the faucets to allow any trapped water to drain out to prevent freezing inside the pipe.
3. Use Insulated Covers: Install insulated faucet covers for added cold protection.

For Garden Hoses:

• Drain Completely: Make sure you remove all water from your hoses.
• Proper Storage: Store the hoses in a dry, sheltered place like a garage or shed. If you don't have an outdoor storage spot, hang them in a way that prevents kinks and splits.

Following these tips can ensure that your outdoor water sources are well-protected against the winter cold. While the weather may be freezing, it doesn't mean you can't prepare your garden and outdoor areas for the upcoming spring.

Regular maintenance and winterization are key to avoiding unnecessary repairs and costs and conserving water. They also help you reap a longer lifespan for your plumbing systems. The bottom line is that winterizing your outdoor faucets and hoses is necessary. In fact, it can save you from unnecessary hassle and expense in the long run.