Outdoor Faucet Winterization in Milton: The Ten-Minute Checklist
We get more burst-pipe calls in November and March than any other months. Almost all of them trace back to a forgotten garden hose.
Why November and March are the worst months
November because the first hard freeze catches homeowners by surprise. March because freeze-thaw cycles burst pipes that froze quietly weeks earlier and only leak when the thaw arrives.
The ten-minute checklist
1. Disconnect every garden hose. 2. Drain the hose and store it inside. 3. Find the indoor isolation valve for each outdoor tap (usually in the basement near the rim joist). 4. Shut the indoor valve. 5. Open the outdoor tap to drain residual water. 6. Leave the outdoor tap open all winter so any water that does enter has somewhere to expand.
Frost-free vs standard taps
Frost-free hose bibs have a long stem that places the actual valve inside the warm wall cavity. They still freeze if a hose is left attached, because trapped water in the spout can't drain. Disconnect every fall, frost-free or not.
When to call us
If your outdoor tap won't shut all the way, drips after closing, or you can't find the indoor isolation valve, call before the freeze — not after the burst. A 30-minute repair in October costs a fraction of a flooded basement in February.
FAQ
Do I need to winterize an irrigation system separately?
Yes — irrigation systems require professional blow-out with compressed air. We provide this service as part of fall maintenance.
Need a pro for this?
Call Stonegate Plumber Milton 24/7 at (289) 514-9214.