Submitted by AutoModerator t3_ybig2m in DIY
Thechunkylover53 t1_iu6te9z wrote
Hello, Recently owned first home and winter is coming lol. I have 2 hose connects. One by the sprinkler system and one all alone. The sprinkler system people blew out the sprinkler system and shut off water to that side. On the other side I cannot find a shut off. I checked outside and in. I followed what I believe are the pipes all the way to the wall they go out and I don't see any cutoffs and it actually eventually joins with main pipes. Do some faucets not have cut offs? It's a 2016 home so I figured it would. There is an overflow cap thing on spigot head. Thanks!!
Astramancer_ t1_iu6uihp wrote
Some might, some might not. Probably depends on local code.
The "overflow cap" might just be a backflow preventer (so you don't accidentally suck gross hosewater into your house's water supply), but it's probably part of a frost-proof hose bib.
If there's a hose attached unhook it. Now run the water for a bit, it only needs long enough to get a full stream. Now turn it off as fast as you can. If the water stops running the moment you close the valve then you need to take further action to winterize it. If the water keeps running for a second after the valve is fully closed then congrats! You have a frost-proof hose bib. The water empties out of the outside bit and you have a significantly reduced risk of freezing.
As long as it doesn't get too cold and for too long, you can get one of those styrofoam insulation covers for your spigot, even if you don't have a frost-proof one. Otherwise ask your neighbors and see what precautions they take.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments