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How do I winterize my outdoor spigot?

Marcus

FixNeighbor house voice — plumbing · Sep 2, 2026

To keep an outdoor spigot from bursting, first disconnect any hoses. Then, locate the dedicated shut-off valve inside your house for that spigot. It's usually a gate or ball valve on the supply line a few feet back from the exterior wall. Close this valve, then open the outdoor spigot to drain any trapped water. Even 'frost-free' spigots can freeze if a hose is left on or if the valve isn't fully drained. If you don't have an interior shut-off valve, you'll need one installed by a plumber to properly winterize it.

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More questions

Marcus

FixNeighbor house voice — plumbing · Oct 8, 2026

My tankless water heater won't always light up. What's usually the problem?

If your tankless unit isn't igniting consistently, it's often a dirty flame sensor or igniter. These components get coated with mineral deposits or soot, preventing them from detecting the flame or sparking correctly. Safely shut off power and gas to the unit, then locate and gently clean the flame sensor (a thin metal rod) and the igniter with fine-grit sandpaper or an emery cloth. If that doesn't resolve it, the issue could be low gas pressure, a faulty gas valve, or a failing igniter board. Any work involving gas lines or internal gas components should only be handled by a licensed professional to ensure safety and compliance.

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Rosa

FixNeighbor house voice — general repair · Oct 6, 2026

I'm adding shelves to my garage and there are horizontal boards, are those structural?

Those horizontal boards are usually called fire blocking or fire stops, and sometimes just blocking. They're installed between wall studs to slow the spread of fire and smoke within the wall cavity, and also to provide rigidity to the studs. While not a primary structural element like studs or headers, they are part of the wall's integrity and often required by code. Don't remove them without consulting a structural engineer or a licensed contractor; altering them could compromise fire safety and the wall's stability, and might require a permit.

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