Avoid Expensive Winter Plumbing Damage With This Simple Tip
Canadian winters are getting harsher — and plumbing systems across the country are feeling the effects. Last winter alone, homeowners faced frozen hose bibs, burst pipes, and flooded basements — all due to one preventable mistake: leaving garden hoses connected during freezing temperatures.
At Anta Plumbing Toronto, we replaced hundreds of hose bibs last season, costing homeowners an average of $300+, not including water damage repairs to flooring and walls. Avoid being part of that statistic this year — here’s why and how to winterize your outdoor plumbing properly.
What Happens to a Garden Hose Left Out in Winter?
When left connected, water trapped inside your garden hose or hose bib can freeze and expand, putting intense pressure on the plumbing line. This leads to:
- Cracked hoses and fittings
- Burst copper piping
- Undetected slow leaks
- Water damage to walls, floors, and foundations
- Mold growth from prolonged moisture exposure
Even if you don’t notice an issue immediately, problems often surface in spring — when water starts flowing again and a frozen line finally ruptures.
How to Properly Disconnect and Store Your Garden Hose for Winter
Prevent costly plumbing repairs with this quick and effective fall prep routine:
- Disconnect the hose from the outdoor faucet.
- Check for kinks and straighten the hose to allow water to drain.
- Drain all remaining water to prevent freezing.
- Coil and store the hose indoors or in a dry, sheltered space.
Pro Tip: Mark your calendar or set a fall reminder — this 10-minute task can protect you from thousands in spring repair bills.
Other Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
Beyond removing garden hoses, take these additional steps to protect your plumbing:
- Install insulated faucet covers to shield outdoor taps.
- Let cold water trickle overnight during deep freezes to keep lines flowing.
- Monitor water pressure — a sudden drop could indicate a freeze in progress.
- Schedule a pre-winter plumbing inspection to fix vulnerabilities early.
F&Q for Garden Hose
Leaving a hose connected can cause trapped water to freeze, expand, and burst the pipe.
Yes, it can lead to a burst pipe inside your home, causing costly water damage.
It’s a special outdoor faucet designed to prevent freezing in cold weather.
Yes, always shut off the interior valve and drain the outdoor faucet before winter.
Wait until the last frost has passed in spring to avoid any risk of freezing
Call Anta Plumbing for Winter-Ready Pipes
Our licensed, insured master plumbers offer full winter plumbing inspections and repairs throughout the GTA. We’ll check hose bibs, insulation, outdoor faucets, and exposed piping to keep your plumbing system safe when temperatures drop.
📞 Call (416) 231-3331 or book your pre-winter plumbing checkup today to avoid spring surprises!
Reference
U.S. EPA – Preventing Water Damage
Family Handyman – How to Winterize Outdoor Faucets
This Old House – Protect Your Pipes in Winter
