Turning on the outdoor hose tap
Spring is here! In the local area, temperatures are expected to stay at 0 degrees and higher over the next two weeks. This means it should be safe to turn on your outdoor hose tap.
The hose tap on the outside of the house. Location varies depending on the house.
Turning on the tap is something that most homeowners can do on their own. There are several steps to complete. If at any point you run into trouble though, we’d be happy to help you out.
Step 1: Make sure the outdoor hose tap is turned off. There is a chance that it was left open in the fall when it was winterized. If there is more than one hose tap, make sure they are all turned off.
Step 2: Locate the valve going to your outdoor tap on the inside of your house. Mine are in the basement, near the ceiling - your space may be different.
The inside valve going to the hose tap. This one needs repair.
Step 3: Open up the valve. You should hear a rush of water, and then the water should stop. Inspect the area around the valve and the line going out of the house for any new water. If the water doesn’t stop, or if you see new water, turn the valve back off. Something is leaking and needs repair.
Step 4: Now it’s time to check that everything is okay outside. If someone else is home, have them keep an eye on the inside valve while you go out. Open up the outdoor tap and make sure that water comes out. Close it again to make sure the water stops. If the water pressure is low, or the water doesn’t stop, it might need to be looked at.
Step 5: Re-check that indoor valve if you didn’t have a second set of eyes watching. Make sure there is no new water in the area. Opening up the outdoor tap is often when a problem relating to winter-related pipe damage will make itself known. If there is water, turn off that valve again and give us a call.
That’s it! Now that the water is turned back on, you have a nice easy source of water outside the home. While you are in a maintenance mood, make sure your hoses and sprayers are in good condition, before you need them.
Hoses on a hanger.
Stock image courtesy of Unsplash, artist @nzokajohn