Few things are worse than dealing with a surprise burst pipe on a frigid winter day, which is why the plumbers from B&B Plumbing and Heating recommend doing everything you can to winterize the inside and outside of your home. Here are three tips for keeping outdoor plumbing fixtures from bursting. 

Remove Hoses

Depending on the position of your hoses, they may or may not be holding a small amount of water near the entrance of the spigot, which could expand, break apart the faucet, and lead to indoor flooding problems. As a general rule of thumb, always remove outdoor hoses and make sure the handle is firmly turned to the off position. 

Insulate the Spigot

If you were to cut a faucet in half, you would see that all that stands between the water inside of the pipes in your home and the freezing winter air is a small metal valve. Because it is possible for the faucet to get cold enough to freeze the inner workings of the pipe and cause damage, it is a good idea to insulate your spigots with a styrofoam dome. Available for a few dollars at your home improvement store, these domes prevent freezing, as well as snow and ice buildup. 

Find The Shut-Off Valves

To make it virtually impossible for your exterior plumbing fixtures to freeze, plumbers recommend turning off the water line that supplies the tap in the first place. If you aren’t sure which shutoff valves work for your outdoor faucets, have a plumber do it for you. 

Whether you are new to winterizing your home or you have been battling ongoing plumbing problems, the plumbers at B&B Plumbing and Heating in Oxford, OH can help. In addition to handling a wide range of plumbing services including burst pipe repair, these professionals also offer heating, ventilation, and air conditioning help. To schedule an appointment, send them a message online or call (513) 523-4010.