It’s stressful to discover that the pipes leading to the outdoor water spigot burst when the weather got cold. It can happen to anyone—even if all you did was leave the hose attached on a particularly chilly night, sometimes that’s enough to freeze the pipes. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to prevent this in the future: Have a plumber install a frost-free faucet for all outdoor water needs. If you’re interested in this option, here’s a quick guide to how they work and why they’re beneficial.

What Are Frost-Free Faucets?

A frost-free faucet is a type of spigot that transfers water from the main line and plumbing to the outdoor access point where you need it. You can attach a hose to these systems, just like any standard water spigot, to maintain the yard wherever it needs the moisture. However, unlike standards ones, frost-free systems extend the pipe well into the interior of the home rather than attaching to the water supply on the other side of the wall. As such, the supply pipe is protected by the climate-controlled space of the house, keeping the metal from freezing in frigid temperatures.

Why Install a Frost-Free System

Like standard water spigots, leaving a hose attached to a frost-free system will cause the pipe to burst. However, extreme cold can crack most pipes even if you allow the spigot to drain properly. With this faucet, the home’s HVAC and furnace system keep the unit warm enough to prevent most frost-related damage. Doing so saves you money in the long run and significantly reduces emergency repair expenses throughout the year.

While it may seem like summer is a strange time to be thinking about frozen pipes, it’s actually the best time to make the upgrade. Plumbers are more available this season and can complete the work without worrying about weather-related delays. Moreover, by installing a new spigot now, you’ll be ready for frigid temperatures before issues arise.

Worried about your outdoor water spigot? Turn to the plumbers at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, serving the greater Wisconsin Rapids, WI, area, for quality and efficient work. Their skilled staff helps residents with everything from routine HVAC repairs to emergency plumbing issues at all hours. Learn more about their services online or call (715) 421-1800 to schedule an appointment with a plumber today.