How To Winterize Outdoor Shower

How to Winterize Your Outdoor Shower: A Complete Guide

Winter is coming, and that means it's time to winterize your outdoor shower to protect it from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. Failing to do so can lead to cracked pipes, burst plumbing, and costly repairs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your outdoor shower survives the winter unscathed and is ready for use again in the spring.

Preparing Your Outdoor Shower for Winter

Before you begin the winterization process, gather the necessary tools and materials. You'll need:

• A garden hose: To drain the water lines.
• An air compressor (optional but recommended): To blow out any remaining water.
• Rags or towels: To clean up any spills.
• Plumbing tape (optional): For added security on connections.
• Covering material: This could be a tarp, plastic sheeting, or a purpose-built shower cover.
• Insulation (optional): Pipe insulation sleeves can further protect pipes from freezing.

Step-by-Step Winterization Process

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the shut-off valves for the hot and cold water lines supplying your outdoor shower. Turn them completely off. This prevents any further water from entering the system.

2. Drain the Water Lines: Connect your garden hose to the showerhead and allow the water to drain completely. If your shower has multiple spray heads or nozzles, make sure to drain each one individually.

3. Use an Air Compressor (Recommended): After draining, connect your air compressor to the showerhead (after disconnecting the garden hose) and blow compressed air through the lines. This forces out any remaining water that might freeze and cause damage. Be careful and use appropriate pressure; excessive force can damage the system.

4. Disconnect the Showerhead (If Possible): If your showerhead is easily detachable, remove it to fully drain the pipe leading to it. This allows for more thorough drying.

5. Protect the Showerhead: If you cannot remove the showerhead, wrap it with a towel or insulating material to further protect it from freezing.

6. Insulate Pipes (Optional): If your pipes are exposed to the elements, consider wrapping them with pipe insulation sleeves. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezing.

Protecting the Shower Structure

Once you've winterized the plumbing, it's time to protect the shower's structure itself:

• Remove any removable parts: This includes shower curtains, soap dishes, and anything else that could be damaged by frost or could retain moisture.
• Cover the Shower: Use a tarp, heavy plastic sheeting, or a dedicated shower cover to shield the shower structure from snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. Secure the covering firmly to prevent it from being blown away by wind.

Post-Winter Preparation

Remember to carefully inspect your outdoor shower for any damage before using it in the spring. Check for cracks in pipes, fittings, and the shower structure itself. Before turning the water supply back on, remove any winterizing materials and flush the lines with water.

By following these steps, you can effectively winterize your outdoor shower, ensuring it's ready for many more seasons of enjoyment. Remember, prevention is always cheaper and easier than repair! Taking these steps now can save you significant time, money, and headaches in the spring.