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Winterization Tips

Outside Faucets (Hose Bib)

Description: An outside faucet (hose bib) is a water valve operated by a handle that controls the flow of water, and is usually located on the side of a building.

Your outside faucets (hose bibs, water spigots) are located on exterior foundation walls. Water flow is controlled by a handle, and water is supplied through pipes inside the walls of your home. The antisiphon vacuum breaker cap is located above the handle. This prevents water from flowing back into the plumbing system.

Frost-free hose bibs are designed to let water drain out of the section of pipe that is exposed to cold weather, reducing the risk of split pipes. Once the water is turned off, any water inside the hose bib drains out. During cold months, it is important that nothing blocks the mouth of the faucet. If a garden hose, or other attachment, is left attached during the winter months, water may not drain from the hose bib. Additionally, if the faucet has a small leak, ice may build up around the opening, blocking water inside the hose bib.

Care and Maintenance

HOSE BIB: Before outside temperatures drop below freezing, close hose connections and remove garden hoses, attachments, or anything else that would keep water from draining from the hose bib. Check for leaks and repair if necessary. Use hose bib covers if needed. In the spring, open the hose connections and check for leaks between the hose connection and the faucet.

Gutters & Downspouts

Description: Gutters are metal channels that collect water from your roof. Downspouts are metal pipes that carry the water away from your house.

Gutters and downspouts play a key role in weather-proofing your home. They prevent water from running across windows, doors and siding, and channel water away from your foundation. Gutter systems should be cleaned and inspected at least twice a year — once in spring and again in the fall after the leaves drop.

Gutter Cleaning Tip

Carry your tools in a bucket with a handle. Fasten the bucket to your ladder with a wire hook. This will prevent you from having to juggle tools while on the ladder. It will also keep you from stuffing tools into your pockets — a hazard if you should happen to fall.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning: You will need gloves, a gutter scoop, a whisk broom and a rag. Using a gutter scoop, start cleaning the gutter at one of the downspout areas. Remove leaves, twigs and other debris. As you work your way up the gutter, put the collected debris into a bucket. Use the whisk broom to remove moss or caked-on debris. Clean the outside with a rag.

Warning!

Do not use a pressure washer to clean your gutters. Debris can become packed into the downspout causing water to back up into the gutter. If water freezes inside the downspout, the pipe could split causing water to spill onto your siding and pool around the foundation.

	Winterization Tips Outside Faucets (Hose Bib) Description: An outside faucet (hose bib) is a water valve operated by a handle that controls the flow of water, and is usually located on the side of a building. Your outside faucets (hose bibs, water spigots) are located on exterior foundation walls. Water flow is controlled by a handle, and water is supplied through pipes inside the walls of your home. The antisiphon vacuum breaker cap is located above the handle. This prevents water from flowing back into the plumbing system. Frost-free hose bibs are designed to let water drain out of the section of pipe that is exposed to cold weather, reducing the risk of split pipes. Once the water is turned off, any water inside the hose bib drains out. During cold months, it is important that nothing blocks the mouth of the faucet. If a garden hose, or other attachment, is left attached during the winter months, water may not drain from the hose bib. Additionally, if the faucet has a small leak, ice may build up around the opening, blocking water inside the hose bib. Care and Maintenance HOSE BIB: Before outside temperatures drop below freezing, close hose connections and remove garden hoses, attachments, or anything else that would keep water from draining from the hose bib. Check for leaks and repair if necessary. Use hose bib covers if needed. In the spring, open the hose connections and check for leaks between the hose connection and the faucet. Gutters & Downspouts Description: Gutters are metal channels that collect water from your roof. Downspouts are metal pipes that carry the water away from your house. Gutters and downspouts play a key role in weather-proofing your home. They prevent water from running across windows, doors and siding, and channel water away from your foundation. Gutter systems should be cleaned and inspected at least twice a year — once in spring and again in the fall after the leaves drop. Gutter Cleaning Tip Carry your tools in a bucket with a handle. Fasten the bucket to your ladder with a wire hook. This will prevent you from having to juggle tools while on the ladder. It will also keep you from stuffing tools into your pockets — a hazard if you should happen to fall. Care and Maintenance Cleaning: You will need gloves, a gutter scoop, a whisk broom and a rag. Using a gutter scoop, start cleaning the gutter at one of the downspout areas. Remove leaves, twigs and other debris. As you work your way up the gutter, put the collected debris into a bucket. Use the whisk broom to remove moss or caked-on debris. Clean the outside with a rag. Warning! Do not use a pressure washer to clean your gutters. Debris can become packed into the downspout causing water to back up into the gutter. If water freezes inside the downspout, the pipe could split causing water to spill onto your siding and pool around the foundation.

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