Freezing temperatures ever a concern?

[tv2016]

Do the temperatures ever get cold enough in The Villages to be concerned about freezing pipes?

I notice the low temp in the next few days may get down to the mid 20's.

I'm thinking about my sprinkler system, washer in the garage, etc.

Thanks ahead for your insights and experiences.

[redwitch]

There is some concern for manufactured homes. It is recommended that manufactured homes leave a slow drip in one faucet when temperatures hit the freezing level. So far as I know, nothing need be done for other properties.

[tv2016]

Thank you both very much. It sounds like the washer and hot water heater in the garage are probably ok, but it may be a good idea to let the outside water lines drip when there are hard freezes forecasted. Thank you!

[rjm1cc]

You can buy for about $2 a cover for your outside water spigots.
More important is to cover your sprinkler backflow. If you do not have insulation a blanket might work.

I would put insulation on any pipe on the outside of the house.

[KathieI]

A couple of years ago when we had a hard frost for days, my neighbor tied a towel around the outside hose bib for me. Also, you should cover most plants outside that won't tolerate the cold.

That's all I know because I haven't lived where there could be freezing temperatures for many years, so I was clueless.

[Cobh521]

Florida master Gardner suggests that you turn your sprinkler off during a hard freeze. We are new here. Is there something else that needs to be done to the system

[BobnBev]

They say only certain areas of FL will get a hard freeze, and that will only be for 2 or 3 hours.

[gomoho]

They say only certain areas of FL will get a hard freeze, and that will only be for 2 or 3 hours.

We are in that area that is expected to get a hard freeze - 2 or 3 hours can be devastating to tender plants and unprotected water lines and hoses.

[billethkid]

Anybody with a pool or waterfall or fountain needs to be sure to leave the pumps running during the time temps will be below 35 degrees.

Some pool controls do it automatically with a freeze protection cycle.

. If you have solar panels make sure they drain and set the panel supply on bypass.

(In case there are some new owners of this stuff here for the first freeze exposure)

[graciegirl]

Anybody with a pool or waterfall or fountain needs to be sure to leave the pumps running during the time temps will be below 35 degrees.

Some pool controls do it automatically with a freeze protection cycle.

. If you have solar panels make sure they drain and set the panel supply on bypass.

(In case there are some new owners of this stuff here for the first freeze exposure)



Gee never thought of that. We don't have them, but that is indeed useful for the folks who do. Our combined expertise on here is awesome.

[senior citizen]

Do the temperatures ever get cold enough in The Villages to be concerned about freezing pipes?

I notice the low temp in the next few days may get down to the mid 20's.

I'm thinking about my sprinkler system, washer in the garage, etc.

Thanks ahead for your insights and experiences.


Thankfully, the "freeze" in Florida should be short lived compared to our frozen tundra north, but I'd say the following is good advice for anyone anywhere whenever a freeze occurs........

We take the following steps as autumn nears.....each and every year, in preparation for winter's freezing temps......and some, such as keeping the cabinet doors open by the kitchen sink plumbing pipes, when it's been sub zero such as most recently up here, is an additional step to remember.....

We know a lot of Vermonters who wintered in Florida two years ago and came back to burst pipes in their northern homes......


With freezing temps on the way , no matter where, it's time again to consider the 4 P's -- protecting people, pets, pipes and plants during the freezing temps.

Pets - Do NOT leave pets outside. Even the healthiest outdoor dogs and cats will need warmth when the temperatures dip.

Pipes - Pipes that are not insulated should be allowed to drip (both the cold and the hot water faucets).


During the night, when temps drop below freezing and thermostats are usually lowered, leave the cabinet door to the under the sink area propped open to allow heat to the plumbing. This is often needed if the plumbing is in an outside wall that is not well insulated. This space will often get colder than the room during freezing temperatures. Be sure the open cabinet does not contain hazardous materials that can be accessed by children or pets.


Disconnect garden hoses outside the house to prevent water from freezing and breaking faucet. Wrap the faucet with insulation or a cloth and cover. Consider investing in a cover for the outside faucets.


The swimming pool pump should be running to prevent damage to the pump. Most pool equipment timers have sensors that will turn the pump on when temperatures reach freezing.

Plants - Winter garden plants and flowers need to be covered or brought indoors. Bed sheets are often used for cover; some gardeners put shop lights under the sheets to keep the plants from freezing. Plastic can kill plants so is not recommended as a cover. It's good to uncover plants a couple of hours after daylight and cover them again at dark. Any watering should be done before midday so plants are not wet or damp when temperatures reach freezing.


Protecting yourself, pets, plants and pipes takes a little preparation and basic common sense. Stock up on needed items and food, and stay safe and warm.


************************************************** **********************
For southern climates.....additional info.

Automatic sprinkler systems turned OFF.

To help prevent broken pipes and water leaks outside the home or business, cover all outside water spigots using common Styrofoam covers or other materials that will insulate the spigots during freezing temperatures. Before covering, outdoor water spigots should be inspected for leaks and repaired. Automatic sprinklers and other irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, be turned OFF at the control box.

"Protecting faucets and turning off sprinkler systems helps prevent damage to pipes caused by freezing weather," "While many cities require freeze sensors on sprinkler systems, some systems may not have the freeze sensors and if scheduled watering occurs during freezing weather, dangerous icing to streets and sidewalks can result from misdirected sprinkler heads or overwatering,"

[rjm1cc]

Do the temperatures ever get cold enough in The Villages to be concerned about freezing pipes?

I notice the low temp in the next few days may get down to the mid 20's.

I'm thinking about my sprinkler system, washer in the garage, etc.

Thanks ahead for your insights and experiences.

My lawn care company just stopped by to turn off the water to the sprinkler system and drain the back-flow. The brass part of the back-flow has a high risk of freezing and breaking. Normally most of their customers have insulated covers over the back-flow and the above ground pipes are insulated. They do not purge the system of water as we would in the North. Tonight is scheduled to be a hard freeze.