Water freezes at a temperature of 0° Celsius. This causes it to expand. If it is in a water pipe, it can be severely damaged. By spring at the latest, when you have to water your garden again, you may be in for a nasty surprise. What are your options to avoid this?
Winterizing Faucets
As soon as night-time temperatures plummet and there is a risk of frost, the outdoor taps must be made frost-proof. Even if the faucet has not been used for a long time, there is always some water in it. This can freeze at sub-zero temperatures. This can damage the pipes that run inside, as well as the inside of the fittings. This can be very expensive because the water leaks out of the burst pipes and can penetrate the masonry. The plaster and insulation are also damaged in this way. To prevent this, you should completely empty and turn off the water tap in good time. You should also dismantle parts that can be removed and coat the seals with petroleum jelly to prevent them from becoming brittle.
Alternative: the frost-proof faucet
An alternative to this method is a freeze-proof faucet, such as that offered by Kull Design. This winter-proof variant can withstand pressures of up to 16 bar because it is equipped with a volume compensator that is located in the frost-proof area. It ensures that the amount of water or ice is automatically compensated. Such outdoor faucets have another advantage, because you can use them even in winter. Fittings with a shut-off valve are also available. This is connected to the faucet by a long shaft and keeps the water back in the house. In the area at risk of frost, there is only air, which, as is well known, does not freeze. In addition, such outdoor fittings are provided with a ventilation system that automatically empties the water-bearing areas.
You can easily retrofit the frost-proof outside water taps, as they are possible for different wall thicknesses. In any case, the effort is worth itthis is significantly lower than the remedial effort that would be necessary in the event of damage.
Freeze protection for water pipes
Hobby gardeners like to lay water pipes to optimally water every spot in the garden and ensure lush plants. This has the advantage that you don't have to worry about whether the garden hose is long enough. In addition, it doesn't get in the way unsightly. However, you have to consider when laying them that the lines should be protected for the winter. If there is a frost, the water that is still in the pipes can freeze and damage them because it has expanded. Therefore, install a shut-off valve and a connection tap when laying the lines. You can then connect a compressor to the tap using a hose. The inflowing air forces the remaining water out of the pipes and can escape from the outside valves. Use PE pipes for this because they are corrosion-free and no deposits can form.
Pay attention to the correct depth
A certain depth also protects against frost. House connections are therefore laid underground from a depth of one meter. Covering them with a good layer of sand also protects them from frost. Garden water pipes do not necessarily have to be laid that deep if they are not used in winter. It is sufficient if you drain and turn off these like the outside faucet. You can find detailed instructions on how the installation works here.