As the temperatures are starting to drop here in Central Illinois, it’s that time of the year to prepare our homes for another long cold winter. One very important task that most homeowners will overlook is detaching our hoses from the house and draining the excess water before the freezing weather arrives. Unfortunately leaving your hoses and can seem harmless but will most likely lead to water freezing and causing a backup into your home’s plumbing system. When temperatures warm back up you could face a huge problem and costly issue such as flooding or bursting pipes in your basement. 

Why Should You Detach Your Hoses?

When a garden hose is left attached to your outdoor faucet in freezing temperatures, water trapped inside can freeze and expand. This creates pressure that could cause water to back up into your home’s plumbing system.

Once the weather warms up, turning the hose back on could force thawed water into your home, leading to a flooded basement and expensive repairs. A simple task like detaching your garden hose can help you avoid these issues, saving you money and protecting your home from damage.

How to Properly Winterize Your Home

Follow these simple steps to avoid costly water damage this winter:

1. Disconnect Your Garden Hose: Unscrew your hose from the outdoor faucet before the freezing temperatures arrive.

2. Drain the Hose: Make sure to drain all the water out of your hose and store it indoors to prevent any freezing or damage.

3. Inspect for Leaks: While detaching your hose, check your hose bib for any leaks or cracks. If you notice issues, it’s best to repair them before winter.

4. Consider Using Hose Bib Covers: These inexpensive, insulated covers can provide extra protection for your hose bibs during freezing weather.