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Outdoor plumbing

Winterizing your exterior plumbing is especially important if you have an irrigation system, pool or water features. Here are some tips:

Shut off water to exterior taps.

First, disconnect your garden hoses from outdoor faucets and store them in your shed or garage. If a water hose is connected to an exterior faucet and freezes, ice can go back into the pipe inside your house, causing the pipe to crack. Then, shut off the exterior water valve and open the faucet to drain any excess water.

Winterize your sprinkler system.

If you have an irrigation or sprinkler system, drain the water lines before winter. Many systems have an automatic or manual drain valve to help get that water out. Depending on your system, you might need to disconnect the pump and bring it inside for winter. If you’re unsure about this job, call in a professional. Many landscaping companies offerÌýÌýservices.

Take care of pools and water features.

If you have exterior water features, like a foundation or pond, you must drain them. If you’re unsure about winterizing your water feature, call in a pro for help!

For a swimming pool, how you winterize it will depend on whether your pool is in-ground or above-ground. Winterizing your pool will ensure water is cleared from the system and prevent expensive damage. Hiring a professional for this job might be wise, as they have the know-how and supplies to ensure it’s done right. To learn more, here are some helpful tips forÌý.

Program your thermostat.

It might be time to upgrade if you’re still using a manual thermostat! A programmable or smart thermostat allows you to control temperature and adjust for maximum energy savings. For example, you can program the temperature to lower when you’re away or asleep at night, so you’re not using energy when it isn’t needed. Natural Resources Canada gives some great tips onÌý.

Smart thermostats take temperature control to the next level! Smart thermostats will learn your daily habits and preferences, and automatically adjust the temperature in your home for energy efficiency. Plus, you can control your smart thermostat from anywhere in the world through your smart device. So, if you need to turn up the heat because you’re coming home from vacation a day early, it’s no problem!

Get help if you need it!

If you have questions or concerns about winterizing your home, contact a professional home services company.Ìý They can help prepare your home for winter so it is protected, conserves energy, and keeps you warm and comfortable all winter.