Unwinterize a Spigot with Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing
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As the weather begins to warm up and spring rolls around, it’s time to start thinking about unwinterizing your spigot. If you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures during the winter, you likely took precautions to protect your outdoor faucets from the cold weather. Now that it’s getting warmer, it’s time to reverse those steps and prepare your spigot for use again.
Here’s how to unwinterize a spigot:
Turn off the water supply to the spigot
The first step in unwinterizing a spigot is to turn off the water supply to the spigot. This is typically done by turning a valve located near the spigot. If you can’t find the valve, turn off the main water supply to your house.
Next, remove any insulation or covers you added to the spigot to protect it during the winter. This may include foam covers or insulation tape. Check to make sure there are no cracks or damage to the spigot.
After removing the insulation, check for leaks by turning on the water supply and checking for any water dripping from the spigot or the pipes connected to it. If you find any leaks, turn off the water supply and make necessary repairs.
To flush the pipes, turn on the spigot and let the water run for a few minutes. This will clear out any debris or stagnant water that may have accumulated in the pipes during the winter.
After flushing the pipes, check the water pressure by turning on the spigot all the way. If the pressure is low, it may be due to a partially closed valve or a buildup of mineral deposits in the pipes. In this case, you may need to clean the pipes or replace the valve.
Once you’ve checked the water pressure, turn off the spigot and attach a hose to it. Turn the water supply back on and test the spigot to make sure it’s working properly. Check for leaks and make sure the water is flowing freely.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively unwinterize your spigot and get it ready for use in the spring and summer months. It’s important to take the time to properly maintain your outdoor faucets to avoid any problems or damage in the future.