"Insulated covers can help, sure, but honestly they're not foolproof. I've seen faucets freeze even with those things on."
Yeah, learned that the hard way myself last winter. Thought I was being smart by just using insulated covers, but woke up one morning to a frozen faucet and a mini ice rink on my patio... not fun. Ended up installing frost-free faucets afterward, and honestly, it's been worth the extra upfront cost. Peace of mind beats dealing with burst pipes any day.
Same here. Insulated covers seemed fine until we hit a really nasty cold snap. Woke up to no water at the outdoor tap—total headache. Ended up just shutting off and draining the outdoor lines each fall. Bit more work, but zero issues since.
Insulated covers are hit or miss, honestly. Had a customer last winter who thought he was good with just insulation—until his pipe burst overnight. Messy cleanup. Personally, I always shut off and drain outdoor lines at my place too. Takes maybe 15 mins tops, saves hours of headaches later. Learned that lesson the hard way years ago...
"Personally, I always shut off and drain outdoor lines at my place too. Takes maybe 15 mins tops, saves hours of headaches later."
Yeah, draining the lines is definitely the safer bet. I've seen insulated covers work fine in milder winters, but once temps really drop, it's a gamble. One thing I've wondered though—anyone ever had issues with indoor pipes freezing near exterior walls? I've heard mixed advice on whether extra insulation or just keeping cabinets open is better... thoughts?
I've seen insulated covers work fine in milder winters, but once temps really drop, it's a gamble.
Extra insulation definitely helps, but cabinets open is usually enough in moderately cold snaps. If your pipes run super close to exterior walls though, I'd seriously consider foam pipe sleeves...cheap and effective peace of mind.
