Prepare Your Outdoor Shower before Boston’s Cold Winter Arrives

As the fall air arrives in Boston, it’s time to winterize your outdoor spaces. One often overlooked area is the outdoor shower. While a welcome amenity in summer, outdoor showers require preparation for freezing temperatures. Follow these tips to protect your outdoor shower this winter.

Shut off the water supply

The first step of winterization is to shut off the water supply to the outdoor shower. To do this, locate the shut-off valve, which is usually mounted to the exterior of the house or garage, and turn it to the off position. This prevents water from entering the pipes and is the first step to prevent frozen or burst pipes.

Drain all pipes and hoses

The second step to winterization is to drain all water lines and hoses of residual water once the water is shut off. Turn on the shower and allow it to run until fully drained. Disconnect removable hoses and drain them fully before storage. Lingering water leads to cracked, leaking pipes or burst pipes from the cold weather.

Insulate fixed pipes

For outdoor showers with fixed, exposed pipes, wrap specially designed pipe insulation around them. The waterproof insulation creates a protective barrier to prevent freezing. Remember to cover pipe elbows, joints and fittings.

Add protective covering

For maximum protection, cover the entire outdoor shower stand or enclosure with a waterproof tarp or furniture cover. Ensure it reaches the ground, sealing out cold air. Secure it tightly with bungees or weights. This shields fixtures from harsh elements.

Dismantle and store

For portable, freestanding outdoor showers, disassemble and store them indoors over the winter. Break down the components into manageable pieces to fit into a shed or storage area, fully protecting the materials from the weather. Group small hardware to prevent losing pieces.

Seek professional plumbing help

Properly winterizing your outdoor shower each fall prevents damage and costly repairs. It also significantly extends the equipment’s life. If you need help shutting off the water or draining the pipes, call the licensed professionals at Plumbers 911 Boston. Their extensive experience can winterize even complex outdoor shower systems.

Plumbers 911 Boston is a referral service affiliated with the best local licensed, bonded and insured plumbing contractors in the area. They employ highly qualified plumbers who receive over 10,000 hours of training and undergo rigorous background checks.