I have a dumb question

vraiblonde

vraiblonde

Board Mommy
PREMO Member
Patron
Don't laugh at me.

They're calling for a freeze in the next few days so if it actually happens I'll drip my inside faucets so they don't freeze, but if I don't drip my outside spigots what would happen? I know (the hard way) that if there's a hose attached the hose will explode :jet: but what if there's no hose attached? Does it just eventually unfreeze or will it damage the spigot?
 
Ken King

Ken King

A little rusty but not crusty
PREMO Member
vraiblonde said:
Don't laugh at me.

They're calling for a freeze in the next few days so if it actually happens I'll drip my inside faucets so they don't freeze, but if I don't drip my outside spigots what would happen? I know (the hard way) that if there's a hose attached the hose will explode :jet: but what if there's no hose attached? Does it just eventually unfreeze or will it damage the spigot?
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Calling for a freeze? More apt to "injure" plants. I wouldn't worry about pipes unless you experience temps at 20 degrees or colder for longer than 6 hours.
 
Sneakers

Sneakers

Just sneakin' around....
vraiblonde said:
Don't laugh at me.

They're calling for a freeze in the next few days so if it actually happens I'll drip my inside faucets so they don't freeze, but if I don't drip my outside spigots what would happen? I know (the hard way) that if there's a hose attached the hose will explode :jet: but what if there's no hose attached? Does it just eventually unfreeze or will it damage the spigot?
Click to expand...
Usually takes a couple of days of a hard freeze before they are an issue. Just below freezing isn't a problem for a day or two... the foundation has enough retained heat. But if they have an indoor shutoff valve, turn it off and open the spigot.
 
Kinnakeet

Kinnakeet

Well-Known Member
vraiblonde said:
Don't laugh at me.

They're calling for a freeze in the next few days so if it actually happens I'll drip my inside faucets so they don't freeze, but if I don't drip my outside spigots what would happen? I know (the hard way) that if there's a hose attached the hose will explode :jet: but what if there's no hose attached? Does it just eventually unfreeze or will it damage the spigot?
Click to expand...
How old is your house? PLumbers have been installing freeze proof spigots for a long time now.
 
vraiblonde

vraiblonde

Board Mommy
PREMO Member
Patron
Okay, so the spigot isn't what I should worry about, it's the pipes that could freeze and burst....?

You know, if I'd thought about it for about 3 seconds I'd have realized that :dork:

Anyway, we're supposed to have overnight lows in the 20s for a few days so it doesn't hurt to drip. Better than having burst pipes, even if it's unlikely.
 
Sneakers

Sneakers

Just sneakin' around....
And I feel that if everything is scientifically accurate, it's too much like real life. I want to be entertained, so fantasy and unrealistic plot lines and science anomalies attract me.
 
LightRoasted

LightRoasted

If I may ...
For your consideration ...


vraiblonde said:
Don't laugh at me.

They're calling for a freeze in the next few days so if it actually happens I'll drip my inside faucets so they don't freeze, but if I don't drip my outside spigots what would happen? I know (the hard way) that if there's a hose attached the hose will explode :jet: but what if there's no hose attached? Does it just eventually unfreeze or will it damage the spigot?
Click to expand...


They make spigot insulating covers that attach to the outside spigot. I'm betting your house has been around for a while and has fared well prior to you purchasing it and is well insulated. Freezing pipes really only occur when there is a lack of any heat in a house for a long long time, such as for a power outage. To alleviate any fears, you could always put an incandescent light near the pipe for the spigot, if you have access to it where it goes through the wall to the outside. The heat from the bulb will prevent the pipe form freezing.
 
vraiblonde

vraiblonde

Board Mommy
PREMO Member
Patron
Ken King said:
Doing that down in the Panama City Beach area would be like wearing socks with sandals. Lots of pointing and laughing.
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We do participate in winter one week out of the year, though. The other side of the resort is an RV park and when we get our annual freeze the water pipes pop like firecrackers even though guests are told to drip their spigot and maintenance goes around to check. A spigot insulator might be overkill but I'll bet there are homeowners who have them.

That's why I have an awesome parka BUT got it at Goodwill for $14 - you only need it for one week out of the year, but then you do need it. :jet:
 
Clem72

Clem72

Well-Known Member
vraiblonde said:
Don't laugh at me.

They're calling for a freeze in the next few days so if it actually happens I'll drip my inside faucets so they don't freeze, but if I don't drip my outside spigots what would happen? I know (the hard way) that if there's a hose attached the hose will explode :jet: but what if there's no hose attached? Does it just eventually unfreeze or will it damage the spigot?
Click to expand...
Do you have a basement? If so, it should be fine as the freezing would be entirely outside to inside and if you have an expansion tank or hot water pressure valve it shouldn't bust. Not fool proof, but nothing is. If you just have a crawl space under the house you're more at risk, should probably put one of those insulation caps over it.
 
Kyle

Kyle

Beloved Misanthrope
PREMO Member
Clem72 said:
Do you have a basement? If so, it should be fine as the freezing would be entirely outside to inside and if you have an expansion tank or hot water pressure valve it shouldn't bust. Not fool proof, but nothing is. If you just have a crawl space under the house you're more at risk, should probably put one of those insulation caps over it.
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I’m pretty sure Florida isn’t exactly basement territory.
 
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