If you haven’t already, it’s the time of year when you should turn off your outside spigots. Most newer homes have “freeze free” spigots that are intended to prevent your pipes from freezing. This is accomplished by locating the shut off several inches inside the home. The theory behind this is that the temperature twelve inches inside the home will never be below freezing. It is critical that the spigot and internal pipe be pitched downward to allow any water to drain out of the pipe. You must also disconnect a hose as that can allow water to become trapped in the spigot.
Although I have the “freeze free” spigots in my home I still turn the water supply shutoffs inside my house, just in case. I then go outside and turn the spigots on to allow them to drain.
