Are there any special garden tub plumbing provisions for the winter? Are the pipes of the garden tub susceptible to freezing? How do we winterize our garden tub? 

QUESTION ABOUT: Garden Tub Plumbing

We just installed a gorgeous garden tub in our master bathroom. Every year, we leave Naperville, IL to head to Arizona for the winter.  Our neighbor, who used to be an auto mechanic, told us that we should find out what the special instructions are for  “winterizing” our garden tub. When we contacted the manufacturer, they said they did not have any literature about preparing our garden tub plumbing for the winter. Also, we found little information on the Internet. What should we do?

 Needing wintering garden tub plumbing advice in Naperville, IL

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ANSWER

Although outdoor hot tubs require winterizing, it does not apply to the garden tub. While your neighbor may be an expert at winterizing automobiles, there’s no truth to winterizing the garden tub before you leave for Arizona. Nonetheless, remember to take the proper steps to protect the garden tub plumbing – pipes from freezing:

1)    Always disconnect the outside water hose  to prevent any pipes, waterspouts or the garden tub faucet from freezing and breaking.

2)    If your home is configured with an interior shut-off valve, close them. Don’t forget to drain any remaining water.

3)    For an added measure of protection, especially if the pipes from the garden tub faucet are housed in an unheated area of the home, insulatepipe.

Garden tub plumbing do-it-yourself (DIY) tip: Purchase a thermostat-controlled heat cable or heat tape. Next, apply the tape until the exposed pipes are completely covered. This will insulate the pipes, leading to the garden tub.

Finally, before you leave for the winter, make sure the thermostat is not set any lower than 55 degrees. This ensures that your garden tub plumbing does not freeze with the rest of your home’s piping.