With winter now in the rear view mirror, it’s time to turn your water system back on. Before proceeding, please remember: Water responsibly! Water is a precious resource and it is vital to respect its limited availability. More on good watering technique to come!
Once nighttime temperatures are consistently at or above zero, head outside and make sure the exterior faucet is closed by turning it to the right until it stops. Inside the house, locate the shut-off valve that feeds the exterior faucet. Make sure the Bleeder Cap is finger-tight to ensure water doesn’t leak out when you turn it back on. Do not overtighten. to make sure it’s water-tight.
Now, open the shut-off valve. You should hear the water run through. Make sure it’s fully open as some valves will leak if only partially opened. Go outside and gently open the faucet, and the water should flow. It may sputter for a few seconds as air is forced out by the water.
Finally, check the inside shut-off valve and bleeder cap to make sure there are no leaks.
As for your hose, let it sit in the warm sun before trying to unravel and reconnect it. You may need a new rubber washer (mere pennies at the hardware store) to make a tight, drip-free connection between the hose and the tap or from hose to hose if you’re connecting multiples.
If you have built-in irrigation, it’s likely your irrigation company has already been in touch to get the system up and running.
And again, please water responsibly. Water is for feeding the plants and cleaning your dirty Fido, not for washing a leaf off the sidewalk.
We have brooms for that.