TL;DR: To winterize a hose bib, take the hose off, shut the indoor valve, and open the outdoor tap so the pipe can drain. If yours is frost-free, just take the hose off and check that it drains. Try to get it done in October, before the first overnight frost....
Vacation Plumbing Checklist: 7 Quick Steps
TL;DR: A small leak can run for days while you are away, and the damage grows every hour. Before any summer trip, close the main water shut-off valve, set your water heater to vacation mode, and work through the seven checks below. Ten minutes of prep protects your home until...
5 DIY May Plumbing Fixes to Avoid Repairs
TL;DR: May's the right month to knock out five plumbing maintenance jobs that prevent expensive repairs later. Flush the water heater, test the sump pump, check washing machine hoses, look behind your outdoor spigots for hidden winter damage, and clean your faucet aerators. Do them now; they cost nothing. Skip...