Introduction
When winter settles into Springdale, the cold can take a serious toll on outdoor plumbing. Water expands when it freezes, and even a small amount left in pipes or fittings can create enough pressure to cause cracks, leaks, or burst pipes once the thaw begins.
At Springdale Plumbing Services, we handle numerous emergency calls each winter from homeowners caught off guard by frozen pipes. Fortunately, you can easily avoid this by winterizing your plumbing before the temperatures drop. Here’s how to protect your home and plumbing system this season.
Why Winterizing Exterior Plumbing Matters
Leaving water trapped in exterior pipes, spigots, or irrigation lines can lead to:
- Cracked or burst pipes
- Damaged hose bibs and outdoor faucets
- Costly water leaks when temperatures rise
- Potential flooding or foundation damage
Winterizing eliminates trapped water and insulates exposed plumbing, helping it withstand freezing conditions throughout the colder months.
Disconnect and Store Garden Hoses
The first and simplest step is removing and draining your garden hoses.
- Disconnect hoses from all outdoor faucets.
- Drain them completely.
- Store hoses in a garage or shed to prevent cracking.
Leaving a hose connected traps water inside both the hose and faucet. When it freezes, that water expands and can damage your spigot or the pipe behind it.
Shut Off the Outdoor Water Supply
Most homes have a dedicated shut-off valve for exterior faucets. You’ll usually find it in the basement, crawl space, or utility area.
- Turn the valve clockwise to shut off water flow.
- Open the outdoor faucet to release any remaining water.
- Leave the faucet slightly open during winter to allow expansion if water remains in the line.
If your home doesn’t have a shut-off valve for outdoor plumbing, consider having one installed. It’s a small investment that can save thousands in repairs.
Drain and Protect Outdoor Faucets
After shutting off the outdoor water supply, take a few steps to protect your faucets.
- Open each faucet to drain any trapped water.
- Turn the handle back to the “off” position once drained.
- Cover each spigot with a foam faucet cover to prevent freezing air from reaching the pipe.
These inexpensive covers, available at any hardware store, provide significant protection against overnight freezes.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in unheated or exterior areas are especially vulnerable. Focus on those in:
- Crawl spaces
- Garages
- Basements
- Exterior walls or attics
Use foam insulation sleeves or heat tape to protect these pipes. A little insulation can go a long way toward preventing frozen lines and expensive water damage.
Drain and Winterize Sprinkler Systems
If your property has an irrigation or sprinkler system, it needs to be winterized too. Water trapped inside underground pipes or valves can freeze, expand, and burst.
- Turn off the irrigation water supply.
- Use manual drain valves or compressed air to clear water.
- Insulate exposed backflow preventers and valves.
This process is best left to a professional plumber, as improper air pressure can damage sprinkler heads and lines.
Check and Insulate Outdoor Water Features
For properties with fountains, ponds, or decorative water lines, winter preparation is just as important.
- Drain all water completely.
- Remove and store pumps indoors.
- Cover or insulate exposed piping and fixtures.
Running these systems through the winter without protection can cause cracking and permanent damage.
Inspect for Leaks Before Freezing Weather
Before you shut down exterior plumbing for the season, check for small leaks, drips, or worn fittings. Even tiny leaks can worsen once freezing weather arrives.
At Springdale Plumbing Services, our licensed plumbers can inspect your outdoor systems, test for leaks, and perform preventive maintenance before the cold sets in. Early attention prevents emergencies later.
Bonus Tip: Protect Indoor Plumbing Too
Don’t forget about indoor pipes near exterior walls or in unheated spaces like garages and basements.
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to let warm air circulate.
- Let a small trickle of water run overnight when temperatures drop below 25°F.
These steps keep interior plumbing safe from freezing and bursting.
Springdale Plumbing Services Can Help
Our professional plumbers provide complete winterization services for residential and commercial properties throughout Springdale and Northwest Arkansas. We handle:
- Draining and shutting off outdoor plumbing systems
- Insulating exposed pipes and fixtures
- Inspecting for leaks or existing damage
- Offering expert guidance to keep your home protected all winter long
Whether you’re preparing for cold weather or reopening plumbing systems in the spring, we make sure your plumbing stays safe, efficient, and reliable.
Conclusion
Winterizing exterior plumbing is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly winter damage. The key steps include:
- Disconnecting hoses
- Shutting off outdoor water supplies
- Draining faucets and irrigation lines
- Insulating exposed plumbing
Taking time to prepare now or scheduling a professional winterization with Springdale Plumbing Services can save you the expense and stress of frozen or burst pipes later. Contact our team today to schedule your winterization service and enjoy peace of mind all season long.
