While central Florida winters may seem mild compared to northern climes, it’s still important to winterize outdoor plumbing in Windermere to prevent freezing damage. Even short stints below freezing can wreak havoc on exposed pipes and hoses if not properly drained and insulated.
As an experienced plumbing and water treatment company, HydrotechFL is your source for winterizing guidance. From irrigation systems to pool equipment to exterior spigots and more, follow our recommendations to safely prepare your home’s outdoor setup for the season’s low temps.
Give Yourself Time
The first tip is to start early – Florida freezes are unpredictable, so plan for the future. Review external fixtures now to schedule necessary draining/storage by late fall before potential risks. Rushing risks missed steps or damage during prep.
Drain Pipes and Hoses
Release trapped water which expands as ice when frozen, bursting pipes. Loose hose connections also let in moisture. Disconnect garden hoses from exterior spigots, and if possible, open these spigots to fully drain pipes inside walls.
For irrigation zones without proper drains, blow residual water from lines using an air compressor. Check manual valves are closed too. Disconnect any hoses running to pool equipment.
Insulate Vulnerable Areas
Wrap pipes prone to freezing, like those near ground level, with insulation made for plumbing. Self-adhesive foam sleeves or rated heat tape wrapped and then covered adds crucial protection. Exposed hose bibb valves are especially vulnerable without extra shielding.
A well-insulated pipe may still freeze if water remains inside, so ensuring thorough draining remains a top priority. Additional options include wrapping exterior faucets in towels secured with tape.
Pool Equipment Safeguards
Drain pumps, filters, and hoses completely of water, cleaning them as needed afterward. Store pumps in a heated structure, and cover filters with waterproof covers to deter critters. Bring hoses inside too or store coiled with ends capped off above ground.
Hot Tubs & Other Equipment
Drain hot tubs down to the plumbing unions so no water remains in the pipes. Disconnect then blow out debris from unions before insulating. Winterize natural gas lines also for heaters. Store sensitive parts inside if possible. Blow out sprinkler valves/backflow preventers, too.
Thorough Flush After First Frost
If another freeze comes after uncovering fixtures, be ready to re-winterize. You might also notice steady occasional use keeps pipes from freezing later in winter as opposed to storing them empty for months. Consider having HydrotechFL finish any difficult zones to save the hassle.
Monitoring hoses, pool equipment, and irrigation systems are important once spring returns to ensure everything still functions as intended before heavy use resumes too. Reach out if issues arise from winter thaw.
Peace of Mind Coverage
For enduring protection all season long against freezing temps—indoors or out—rely on HydrotechFL. Our optimized home water filtration systems safeguard against unforeseen exposure while conserving water usage through leak detection.
We also offer specialty services restoring or upgrading outdated plumbing infrastructure that could be at high freezing risk. Situations requiring blowout protection services are handled professionally. Call us your Florida winterizing experts.
Taking a few simple precautions now gives your Windermere property the best chance of surviving any freezes unscathed. Contact HydrotechFL for answers to any additional winterizing questions as you prepare your outdoor plumbing for safekeeping. Small investments equal major cost avoidance down the line.
