In one of our recent posts, many risks to your home come with the winter season, and we outlined some tips to keep your home safe during winter. Another frustrating issue that can arise in winter is hose bibs freezing. If a home’s hose bib freezes, it typically causes damage to the pipe, potentially causing bursting and creating a water leak in or around your home. To avoid unnecessary home insurance claims, here are some easy and quick steps to ensure your home’s hose, bib, valves, and pipes stay safe during winter.
Turn off the Shut-Off Valves
The outdoor shut-off valve for your home is usually near the hose bibs, possibly on the inside of the house. This may be a tap, knob, or lever style of handle and may be located inside the wall with an access door. Turn it off accordingly to restrict the water flow.
Remove & Drain Hoses From Bibs
Remove any hoses attached to hose bibs outside your home, and drain water from the hoses. You’ll want to store the hoses and the bibs, so organize the hose and prepare it for storage. It may be worth ensuring all is dry before leaving it for the winter to minimize the chances of rusting.
Clear Any Water & Debris From Hose Bibs
Now you’ll want to clear any water or debris that may still be in the hose bibs themselves. After removing the hoses, turn on the outdoor faucet tap to run water and clear any debris and remaining water to flow out.
Drain Any Water From Shut-Off Valves
Return to the shut-off valve, and place a bucket underneath. Open the shut-off valve drain to let any water still inside the valve come out. Once all the water has been cleared out and drained, close the cap or plug – typically a small metal plug or cap inside the valve.
Leave Any Hose Bib Valves Open
Leaving the hose bib valves open is OK, as water entering the bib will flow out now (instead of freezing).
Contact Harbord – The Home Insurance People!
If you have any questions or want more info on keeping your hose bibs from freezing during the winter or any other tips on keeping your home safe from claims, please contact us today! Our helpful agents can answer any questions you may have. We’re also always happy to offer quick and free insurance quotes to help you compare and save money!
Contact our team at 1.844.544.4663 and see what makes us Harbord – The Home Insurance People™!
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