As we head into the Holidays, residents in Atlanta are experiencing temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit – and it’s not expected to go away anytime soon. 

Unfortunately, parts of our plumbing system are vulnerable to freezes, which can lead to pipe bursts and other types of costly damage. To keep your pipes protected this season, we’ve outlined some ways you can winterize your outdoor faucets and pipes. 

Shutting Off Your Outdoor Faucets

As temperatures drop, it’s crucial to shut-off your outdoor faucets. When temperatures drop, water that’s left inside the faucet or hoses can freeze and expand, leading to cracks or full pipe bursts. 

Before you get started, it’s important to know where your shut-off valve is located. This valve is the mechanism that actually stops the flow of water, which will prevent damage during a freeze. 

Locating the Shut-Off Valve

Typically, this valve can be found in a basement, utility room or crawlspace. It’s best to look for the pipe that supplies the exterior faucet, as the shut-off valve will be nearby. Once you’ve found the valve, you can now perform a shut-off:

1. First, open your faucet and allow the water to flow. 
2. While the water is running, locate your shut-off valve and slowly turn it off. 
3. You can now close the faucet. 

Performing a Shut-Off With a Bleeder Valve

If your shut-off valve also has a bleeder valve, your process will look slightly different:

1. Start by closing the shut-off valve. 
2. After you’ve done this, locate your faucet and open it. During this step, you can expect little to no water to come out of the faucet. 
3. Now, return to the shut-off valve and twist open the bleeder cap. 
4. Allow the water to drain fully before twisting it closed. You may want to have a bucket nearby to prevent water from spilling onto the floor.
5. You can now close the faucet. 

For added protection, we recommend using insulation covers to shield your faucet from the cold weather. These can be applied after you’ve finished closing the faucet. 

Disconnect Your Outdoor Hoses

It’s very important that homeowners disconnect their plumbing before winter arrives. If your hoses have water inside them during a freeze, the water can expand and cause pipes to burst. Here’s how to disconnect them easily and efficiently:

1. Close the shut-off valve to your hose bib.
2. Remove the spray nozzle and store it for next year.
3. Disconnect the hose by unscrewing it from the hose bib. Pliers may be needed if the hose is screwed on tightly. 
4. Drain the hose by placing one end on the ground. Start coiling the other end of the hose, elevating as you go. This will allow the water to drain fully. 
5.  Once you’ve finished coiling, connect the two ends and store it for later use. 

How To Insulate Your Pipes

During wintertime, outdoor pipes are vulnerable to freezes, which can lead to built-up pressure and an eventual pipe burst. This type of damage is costly and time-consuming for plumbers to repair. To protect your outdoor pipes, here’s how to insulate them:

Items You’ll Need

• Foam pipe insulation
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Utility knife
• Pipe wrap tape
• Plastic sheeting
• Weatherproof tape

Measuring the Insulation

Before you’re able to install the foam insulation, it’s important to measure the length of your pipes first. That way, the insulation fits correctly around your pipes. Once you’ve done this, you can now move on to the next step.

Installing the Insulation

1. Using your measurements, cut out strips of insulation for the pipes. 
2. Place the foam sleeve onto the pipes and slide them into place with the seam facing downwards. For cornered or bent pipes, you can make a 45-degree mitre cut with your utility knife. This will help the insulation fit more securely. You can also use t-foam and elbow foam connectors.
3. Once the insulation is in place, secure it with pipe wrap.
4. For added protection, cover the pipes with plastic sheeting and secure them with weatherproof tape. 

Have an Issue With Your Plumbing? Call Superior Plumbing Today!

If you’re looking for trusted experts to handle your plumbing needs, the team at Superior Plumbing is ready to help! We proudly serve communities throughout the Atlanta area, including Kennesaw and other parts of Cobb County.

We specialize in plumbing repairs, maintenance and more. Call us today at 770-422-7586 to schedule a consultation. To learn more about our other services, including fixture repairs and replacements, visit our website by clicking the link here.