Plumbing notes · October

Putting the hose bibs to bed each autumn

Outside taps account for a big share of spring leaks in Oakville. Water left standing in an ordinary sillcock freezes, splits the pipe inside the wall, and stays secret until the hose comes out in April. Ten minutes in October prevents it.

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A group of ropes and rocks — From the almanac guide on winterizing outdoor taps.

The autumn routine

Uncouple every garden hose and let it drain.
Shut the indoor stop that feeds each outside tap.
Open the outside tap so trapped water runs out.
Leave ordinary sillcocks open through the winter.
Make sure frost-free models drain freely with the hose off.

The spring check

Open the indoor stop, then the outside tap, and look inside the basement for drips or spray. A hidden split often leaks only while the outside tap is running.

Worthwhile upgrades

A frost-free sillcock with a vacuum breaker
An indoor stop with a bleed cap
Insulated covers for exposed walls

One more thing

If your outdoor tap does not have an indoor shut-off, consider adding one. It lets you drain the line completely each fall, which is the best protection for a standard hose bib.

Insulated foam covers for outdoor taps are inexpensive and add a little protection, especially on north-facing walls. They are not a substitute for draining, but they help.

If you have an irrigation system, it needs its own winterization, usually by blowing out the lines with compressed air. That job is usually handled by an irrigation specialist.