What You Need to Know About Turning the Outdoor Faucet Back On…

Spring has sprung! Learn the proper steps for turning on your outdoor water supply to avoid hidden leaks.

Spring Plumbing Tasks

As the weather warms up, it's time to turn the water back on to your outdoor hose bibs. However, if the pipes froze over the winter, turning the water on blindly can cause a major flood inside your walls.

The Safe Procedure

1. Ensure the outside valve is closed: Go outside and make sure the handle on the hose bib is turned to the "off" position.
2. Turn on the inside valve: Locate the shut-off valve inside your home (usually in the basement ceiling near the exterior wall) and slowly turn it on.
3. Listen and Look: Stay inside for a few minutes. Listen for the sound of rushing water inside the wall, and look for any drips around the interior valve. If you hear or see water, shut the valve off immediately—the pipe has burst.
4. Test outside: If everything is dry inside, go outside and turn on the hose bib.

If you discover a burst pipe, contact us immediately for repairs.