Experiencing a frozen outdoor faucet is much more than an inconvenience. This is a situation that can create inefficiencies within your plumbing system and lead to structural damage. As the temperatures drop in Farmington Hills and other parts of the Detroit, MI, metropolitan area, let’s look at the basics of the steps that can be taken to prevent this issue.
Winterizing Your Outdoor Faucets
One key method you can use to prevent the problem of frozen outdoor faucets is to winterize them in the fall or early winter. Because of the location of these faucets, cold outdoor air can cause fixtures to freeze if they aren’t prepared for winter properly. The frozen water inside the fixtures and pipes will expand and can lead to your pipes bursting, causing backflow problems. This requires help from an expert plumber and can result in permanent damage to your spigots as well as your home.
Winterizing your outdoor faucets involves shutting off the water at the point where it travels to them. Make sure that you drain the remaining water from these fixtures and faucets. You may want to leave the bleeder cap open to prevent any kind of built-up pressure from forming. When spring arrives, simply turn the water back on to these faucets. If you have any hoses or equipment hooked up to your outdoor faucets, make sure that you drain those and store them away for the winter as well.
The Installation of Frost-proof Faucets
You might want to consider having frost-proof faucets installed in your home. The valve mechanism that is designed to seal off the flow of water is located inside your home. This is different from a traditional faucet, which has this part on the outside of the home. The warm air inside your home will keep this area warm, preventing water from freezing. These faucets also have a slightly different slope compared to traditional faucets. The water will drain out of the faucet easily without pooling and freezing. There is also a longer stem that promotes drainage.
Insulated Faucet Protectors
Another recommendation is to have insulated covers installed that fit over your exterior faucets. Made from plastic or waterproof foam, insulated covers feature a gasket that seals the cover tightly to prevent cold air from outside from entering the faucet which can cause freezing issues.
The installation of a faucet protector is simple. You slide the loop over the structure of the faucet, positioning the cover over the faucet head. Make sure that there is a tight seal against your home so that wind can’t get inside the cover and pull it off.
Considering Pipe Insulation
Adding insulation to your pipes near exterior walls can help keep water warmer as it flows to your outdoor fixtures, improving efficiency and comfort. Insulating interior pipes offers another valuable benefit—delivering hot water throughout your home without overworking your water heater. This not only reduces energy consumption but can also lead to noticeable savings on your monthly utility bills. On top of that, pipe insulation may qualify you for federal tax incentives and rebates from select utility companies, making it a cost-effective upgrade for your home or plumbing system.
Using Your Outdoor Faucet During the Winter
Although you’re probably not using your outdoor faucet to water your lawn in the middle of winter, there may be occasions when you need to run water to an outdoor fixture. However, introducing water into outdoor faucets during freezing temperatures increases the risk of ice forming and pipes bursting. To avoid costly damage, always make sure to winterize your faucets after each use in colder months. While heated hoses and faucet products are an option, keep in mind that they often come with a higher price tag.
What to Do When Faucets Freeze
If you discover that one of your outdoor faucets is frozen, it’s crucial to act fast. Ice can quickly stress your pipes, leading to cracks, holes, and costly damage. Start by using a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting to gently thaw the faucet—avoid applying excessive direct heat, as this can cause additional damage.
Another effective method is soaking rags or towels in warm water and wrapping them around the outdoor fixture. This provides gentle heat to encourage a slow thawing process. Be sure to regularly remove the towels and reapply warm water to prevent further freezing.
After addressing a frozen faucet or pipe, it’s essential to have your plumbing system inspected. Subtle damage to pipes may go unnoticed and worsen over time. Check for condensation or water pooling near outdoor or indoor faucets as these can signal underlying issues. If any components or sections of pipe need replacement, trust the experts at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical to handle the job. We’ll ensure the work is done to code, giving you peace of mind and preventing future plumbing problems.
How to Tell if Your Outdoor Faucets are Frozen
If you turn on your outdoor faucet and notice little to no water coming out, it’s likely that ice has formed inside the fixture. Other signs of a frozen faucet include reduced water pressure or water flowing unevenly, such as only coming out on one side of the fixture. While leaving the water running might eventually melt the ice, it can also create back pressure that leads to pipe damage or even breaks. If temperatures are near or below freezing and you suspect a frozen faucet, don’t hesitate to contact our team for expert assistance.
If the same fixture freezes each winter, it might be time to upgrade to a freeze-proof faucet or invest in insulation to prevent freezing during cold months. These proactive measures can save you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with frozen pipes each winter season.
Reliable Plumbing Service for Frozen Outdoor Faucets
Our team of expert local plumbers is always available for assistance with pipes and faucets when winter weather strikes. Our plumbing services also include drain cleaning, servicing hot water heaters, pipe installation, sump pump and sewer services, and more.
Our home comfort company can also handle your HVAC and electrical needs. We offer services such as furnace and air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance. We work on heat pumps and boilers, and we can help you address any indoor air quality concerns that you have. Our experienced and certified electricians perform inspections, electrical panel repair, whole house rewiring, generators, and more.
Contact AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical in Farmington Hills to schedule a plumbing appointment today.
