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How to winterize outdoor water faucets and fixtures

If you own a log home or cabin, you’re no stranger to the damage that subzero temperatures and winter’s harsh weather can cause, especially to outdoor water faucets and fixtures. That’s why winterizing is so important.

One of the easiest ways to insulate outdoor faucets is by installing frost-free hose bib faucet covers on each outdoor fixture. Hose bib covers are square or dome-shaped devices made to fit over and around outdoor faucets. They are made of thick foam which makes them very effective at keeping much of the cold away from the valve. For outdoor faucets that cannot be drained during the winter, extra insulation can be installed inside the hose bib cover to keep it warm and dry throughout the winter.

In most situations, however, hose bib covers provide enough insulation to protect outdoor faucets from damage during freezing temperatures during the winter. Frost free hose bibs should be covered as well because although they are resistant to freezing they are not completely frost proof in the coldest weather. There are rubber gaskets and washers inside the frost free hose bibs that will benefit from the extra protection from the cold that a standard hose bib cover can provide.

Installing hose bib faucet covers is fairly simple. Be sure to check the directions, but usually all it requires is attaching a connecting loop located inside the cover as you place it securely over the faucet. Be sure it is attached snugly and secured leaving no air gaps through which cold winter air can circulate. Hose bib covers can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores and are very inexpensive and easy to install. Covers can often be reused for several years so they are a good long-term purchase.

For just a few dollars and a few minutes for each outdoor fixture, you can winterize this important part of your log home and rest easy the next time your local weatherperson calls for snow and freezing temperatures. You’re all set!

If you have any questions about winterizing your log cabin, feel free to give our log home professionals a call at 877-477-6564 or request a free quote for services by filling out our online form HERE.

JonHow to winterize outdoor water faucets and fixtures

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