Did You Know - Why It Is Important to Detach Your Garden Hose In The Fall Before the First Frost

Why It Is Important to Detach Your Garden Hose In The Fall Before the First Frost

It’s important to remember to detach your garden hoses at the end of the season. Even if you have a “frost-free” spigot, you still need to remove the hose in the winter, this will help reduce the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting.

Water expands when it freezes. When you leave your garden hose attached, it may still have water in it. The water in the hose will freeze when the temperature dips and ice takes up nearly ten percent more space than liquid water does. The water in the hose will freeze and expand, and could cause the connected faucets, valves, and pipes to freeze and break.

While you are removing the hose, perform a visual inspection of the faucet. Is it dripping or leaking? If so, the faucet needs to be repaired before freezing temperatures start.

If you have a spigot that is not “frost-free,” consider closing the inside shut-off valve and draining that spigot.