As I write this, it’s 68 and sunny with a cool breeze. It is hard to believe that a dreaded Chicago winter is around the corner! Alas, I know it is only a matter of time before all the leaves fall and the cold lake breeze slaps us in the face.

Knowing that winter is almost here, one of the Mahoney Plumbing plumbers, Eric, made sure to remind me that now is the time to get outside hoses onto people’s brains. So here is your official reminder: remember to disconnect your outside hoses from the hosebib or silcock so you don’t get soaked!

Leaving a hose connected to any silcock (even the frost-proof ones) can, and typically will, result in a burst pipe. Take some basic precautions & you can avoid trouble saving you cash and catastrophe.

First, never leave a hose connected to the house when not in use. It takes just a minute to unscrew but can save you thousands in repairs and damages.

Even the frost-proof type will freeze IF you leave the hose connected to it. You should actually remove any device that is screwed onto the hose thread before cold weather strikes (like a quick connect fitting).

Non-frost-proof types require a little more work as you must remove the hoses AND drain the silcock down on the inside the house. Releasing this water is necessary to prevent the trapped water from freezing and splitting the pipe.

This one tip can save you from a nasty surprise this winter! Of course,  if you still find yourself soaked, Mahoney Plumbing is available 24-7.  You can find more tips on our website  at www.MahoneyPlumbing.com.

*PLUMBERS TERMS 101

Silcock – The outside hose connection that mounts flush with the house.

Hose Bibb – A outside hose connection that stick out from the way.