CHECK YOUR OUTSIDE GARDEN HOSE SPIGOTS TODAY TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T HAVE YOUR GARDEN HOSE STILL CONNECTED!
Go on. Head outside and go check.
With the recent drop in temperatures here in Michigan, we all need to go outside and check our spigots–make sure the hose is not still connected! With below freezing temperatures, homeowners who do not disconnect their garden hoses from their homes risk broken pipes and flooded basements.
Disconnecting your hose from the outside spigot is very easy and painless. Needing water damage restoration after flooding, however, is not so easy and painless. So sure, detaching the hose from the house may not seem like a necessary thing to do, but please trust us. We're water damage professionals at ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo, and we see this common mistake happen year after year.
Even if a home has a frost-free hose bib, if a garden hose is left connected to the outside faucet there is nowhere for the water to drain. The water then freezes causing a break in the plumbing. You will either experience flooding inside the home now or in the spring when the water thaws. This type of flooding inside the home can be a significant problem.
Are you still reading? If so, stop reading and go out and check the outside spigot. If your hose is still connected, disconnect it. Don't have a place to store the hose? Don't worry because you could just toss it on the ground and that would be 100% better than leaving it attached to the spigot.
Why Connected Hoses Cause Flooding and Pipe Breaks
Understanding the science behind this common winter disaster can help you appreciate why this simple prevention step is so crucial:
Water Expansion: When water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%. This expansion creates tremendous pressure within your pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Blocked Drainage: Even frost-free hose bibs are designed to drain water back into your home's plumbing system when the faucet is turned off. However, when a garden hose is left connected, this drainage cannot occur properly.
Pressure Buildup: With nowhere for the expanding ice to go, pressure builds up in the pipes leading to your outdoor faucet. This pressure can cause cracks or complete breaks in the plumbing.
Multiple Damage Scenarios: You may experience flooding inside your home immediately when the pipe breaks, or the damage may remain hidden until spring when the ice thaws and water begins flowing through the compromised pipes.
Extensive Water Damage: This type of flooding can affect basements, crawl spaces, and even upper floors depending on where the pipe break occurs. The resulting water damage often involves flooring, drywall, insulation, and personal belongings.
Need Help With Winter Water Damage? If you've already experienced flooding from frozen pipes or connected hoses, ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo is here to help. Our certified water damage restoration specialists are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies, work with your insurance company, and restore your home quickly and safely. Contact ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo today for immediate assistance.
