As temperatures drop across Minnesota many homeowners start thinking about winterizing their homes. One of the most overlooked home winterizing hacks is disconnecting outdoor garden hoses before the first freeze. It may seem like a small task but neglecting it can lead to major plumbing issues and costly repairs.
How Leaving Hoses Connected Can Lead to Frozen Pipes
When a garden hose remains attached to an outdoor faucet, water becomes trapped in the hose and connected pipes. As temperatures fall below freezing, that trapped water can freeze and expand. Because water in enclosed plumbing lines has nowhere to go, pressure builds up, eventually causing pipes to crack, split, or burst.
If this happens, the result can be severe water damage inside your home once the ice thaws. Understanding how to avoid frozen pipes begins with this simple preventative step.
Potential Costs and Complications of Frozen Pipes
A frozen or burst pipe can cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs. The damage often extends beyond the pipe itself, affecting walls, floors, and even a home’s foundation. Secondary problems like mold growth and structural damage can develop if leaks go unnoticed.
Insurance coverage may be limited or denied if regular maintenance, like disconnecting hoses and draining outdoor faucets, was neglected. That’s why following professional home inspection services and seasonal maintenance advice is so important.
Home Winterizing Hacks: Simple Steps to Prevent Disasters
Before the first deep freeze hits, take these steps to protect your home:
· Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets and store them indoors.
· Drain hoses completely to prevent cracks caused by expanding ice.
· Shut off and drain outdoor faucets using the interior shut-off valve, if available.
· Install insulated faucet covers for added protection against freezing.
Extra Winterizing Tips for Homeowners
· Inspect outdoor faucets for leaks or drips before winter. Even a slow leak can freeze and cause significant damage.
· Winterize irrigation systems according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage to sprinkler lines.
· Upgrade to frost-free hose bibs if you live in an area with frequent subzero temperatures. An easy long-term investment in peace of mind.
Why Home Inspection Services Matter for Winter Prep
At HomePro Inspections, our licensed inspectors are trained to identify plumbing and insulation issues that can make your home vulnerable during winter. During a comprehensive home inspection, we check your plumbing systems, insulation, and exterior features to help you uncover potential weak spots before the cold weather arrives.
If you’re buying or selling a home this season, our home inspection services can also help you ensure everything is in working order before temperatures drop.
Protect Your Home This Winter
Disconnecting your garden hoses before freezing weather arrives is one of the simplest and most effective winterizing tips for homeowners. A few minutes of prevention can save you from thousands in repair costs and countless headaches in the spring.
Our inspectors proudly serve Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN, and surrounding areas. To learn more or to schedule your home inspection, contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or utilize our online “Schedule Now” feature to set up an appointment.