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If you live in a place with cold weather, you can winterize your outdoor spigot whenever you finish using your hose for the year. Start by disconnecting and draining your hose, then store it until springtime. Next, close your water shut-off valve and open the bleeder cap, releasing any water inside, and open the outdoor faucet to get rid of any excess water in the fixture. Finally, put an outdoor faucet cover over your spigot until the weather warms up again.

The type of sealant you use on a leaking pipe will depend on the pipe material and the cause of the leak. PVC P-traps should avoid petroleum-based sealants, which can degrade the plastic and worsen the leak. Pipe sealant is specifically designed for use on pipes, but remember—if your P-trap has a crack–it’s best to replace the pipe to avoid future leaks.

Water pipes will unfreeze once temperatures stay above freezing long enough to thaw. As things warm up, you might hear gurgling and banging sounds from the pipes. It can take a while for the pipes to unfreeze, and they won’t without help if temperatures stay below freezing. Open cupboard doors, turn up the heat, and get out hair dryers, heat guns, space heaters, and heat lamps to speed up the thawing process. If you live where it’s frequently below freezing, consider whether pipe insulation is worth installing.

The average lifespan of plumbing ranges from 20 to 100 years, primarily determined by the pipe material. For example, PEX piping can last 80 to 100 years, while copper and cast iron pipes have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years. Other materials like CPVC, brass, and steel typically last between 50 and 70 years, and galvanized steel pipes have a shorter lifespan of up to 50 years. The longevity of any pipe material is also affected by factors like soil acidity, extreme temperatures, and proper maintenance, which is crucial for ensuring a long service life.