When should I shut off my outdoor water in Ottawa?

You should shut off your outdoor water by mid to late October in Ottawa, typically before the first hard frost which usually occurs between October 15th and November 1st. The key is to complete this task before nighttime temperatures consistently drop below -2°C (28°F).

The timing is critical because Ottawa's climate can bring sudden temperature drops in fall. Even a brief freeze can cause water in outdoor pipes and faucets to expand, leading to burst pipes and costly repairs. Once water freezes in your outdoor plumbing, the damage is often already done - you might not discover cracked pipes until spring when you turn the water back on.

In Ottawa, most homes have a shutoff valve inside the basement or crawl space that controls water flow to outdoor faucets. After closing this valve, you'll need to open the outdoor faucets to drain any remaining water from the lines. Some homes also have drain plugs or bleeder valves that should be opened to ensure complete drainage. If you have an irrigation system, it should be professionally blown out with compressed air, as simply draining the lines isn't sufficient for sprinkler systems.

Don't forget about garden hoses and attachments - these should be disconnected, drained, and stored indoors. Water trapped in hoses can freeze and damage both the hose and the faucet it's connected to. Any outdoor water features, decorative fountains, or pool equipment should also be winterized according to manufacturer instructions.

If you're unsure about your home's outdoor water shutoff system or discover leaks when turning the water back on in spring, Ottawa Pro Plumbing can help identify and repair any freeze damage. We also offer fall plumbing inspections to ensure your home is properly winterized before Ottawa's harsh winter arrives.

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