Outdoor showers are a fantastic feature for any home, providing convenience after gardening, swimming or spending time outdoors. However, as temperatures drop, it’s crucial to properly winterize your outdoor shower to prevent costly damage from freezing pipes.
Homeowners need to prepare for the cold season, so here are some expert tips to winterize your outdoor shower. Remember, calling Plumbers 911 for a contractor referral is the safest and easiest choice.
Why winterizing matters
Freezing temperatures pose a significant risk to any exposed plumbing. Water left in outdoor shower pipes can freeze, expand and cause pipes to burst, leading to potentially expensive repairs and water damage.
Proper winterization protects your plumbing system, saves money and ensures a hassle-free start-up when warm weather returns.
How to winterize your outdoor shower
Shut off the water supply
Locate the shut-off valve that controls the water flow to your outdoor shower. This is often found in your basement, crawl space or utility room. Turn the valve off completely to stop water from entering the outdoor line.
Drain the lines
Open the outdoor shower valves and let any remaining water drain out. If your plumbing includes a drain plug or bleeder valve, use it to remove residual water from the pipes. This step is vital, as standing water is the primary cause of frozen and burst pipes.
Disconnect and remove fixtures (if possible)
If your shower includes detachable hoses, heads or other fixtures, remove them and store them indoors for the winter. This prevents damage from freezing temperatures and extends the life of your hardware.
Blow out the lines (optional but recommended)
For maximum protection, use an air compressor to blow out any lingering water in the lines. This is especially important in regions with harsh winters, as even small amounts of water can freeze and cause cracks.
Insulate exposed pipes
Wrap any exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape. This adds an extra layer of protection against the cold and minimizes the risk of freezing.
Close outdoor valves
Once the lines are drained, close all outdoor shower valves. This prevents cold air from entering the pipes and causing internal freezing.
Why call Plumbers 911 for a contractor referral?
While some homeowners may feel comfortable tackling basic winterization steps, outdoor showers often have unique plumbing configurations that require professional attention. Improper winterization can lead to missed steps, hidden water pockets and costly springtime repairs.
Our affiliated licensed, bonded and insured contractors will guide you through the process and ensure all the plumbing work is done correctly. They employ highly qualified plumbers who receive over 10,000 hours of training and undergo rigorous background checks.
Please wash your hands frequently. Washing with soap and water for twenty seconds is the preferred method, however when water is not available, please use an alcohol based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from another person.