Your Comprehensive Guide to Winter Plumbing Prep

Winter Plumbing Prep: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

As winter rolls in, cold temperatures can strain your home’s plumbing. Frozen pipes, burst hoses, and inefficient water heaters are common when the mercury drops. The good news: a few proactive steps can help you prevent damage and avoid expensive repairs. Use the checklist below to make sure your plumbing is winter-ready.

1. Insulate Your Pipes

Exposed pipes are most likely to freeze and burst. When water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe, which can cause cracks and major water damage.

• Focus on exposed pipes: Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
• Use pipe insulation: Install foam sleeves or fiberglass wrap on vulnerable lines, especially under sinks and along exterior walls.
• Heat tape: Use electric heat tape for pipes that are especially prone to freezing.
• Cover outdoor faucets: Remove hoses and use foam covers or faucet socks to block cold air.

2. Maintain Your Water Heater

Your water heater works hard all year, but winter demand makes maintenance even more important. Neglect can lower efficiency, raise bills, and increase the risk of a breakdown.

• Flush the tank: Remove sediment buildup to improve heating efficiency.
• Check temperature: Set the thermostat to 120°F to avoid energy waste.
• Insulate the tank: For older units, add an insulating blanket to help retain heat.
• Inspect the anode rod: Replace a worn rod to help prevent rust and extend tank life.

3. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing problems. Freezing can block water flow or cause a pipe to burst.

• Open cabinet doors: Let warm air circulate around pipes under sinks (especially on exterior walls).
• Let faucets drip: During extreme cold, a slow drip keeps water moving and reduces freezing risk.
• Seal cracks and gaps: Close drafts around windows, doors, and pipe penetrations with caulk or spray foam.

4. Inspect and Maintain Your Sump Pump

Test your sump pump before winter storms arrive, especially if you’re prone to basement moisture.

Snowmelt and heavy winter rain can cause basement flooding, so make sure your sump pump is ready.

• Test the pump: Pour a few gallons of water into the pit. It should turn on and discharge water properly.
• Clear debris: Remove dirt and debris from the pit so the pump can work efficiently.
• Check the discharge pipe: Confirm it’s clear and directs water away from your foundation.
• Add a battery backup: Power outages are common in winter, and backup power can prevent flooding.

5. Inspect Gutters and Downspouts

Working gutters direct water away from your home. If gutters are clogged, water can back up and contribute to roof, wall, and foundation problems.

• Clear debris: Remove leaves, twigs, and buildup to improve flow and reduce ice dam risk.
• Check for leaks: Inspect gutters and downspouts for damage and repair as needed.
• Extend downspouts: Direct water away from the foundation to reduce basement and crawl space seepage.

6. Maintain Outdoor Plumbing

Winterize outdoor water lines before the first hard freeze to prevent hidden bursts.

• Drain and disconnect hoses: Empty hoses fully and store them indoors.
• Shut off exterior water supply: Turn off the interior shutoff valve (if you have one) and drain the line.
• Winterize sprinklers: Drain irrigation lines and shut down the system to prevent freeze damage.

7. Check for Plumbing Leaks

Small leaks can worsen in winter, especially when pipes expand and contract with temperature changes.

• Inspect visible plumbing: Look for moisture, drips, corrosion, or pooling water and fix issues early.
• Watch for hidden leak signs: Check for water stains or dampness on walls, ceilings, and floors near plumbing runs.

8. Prepare for Cold Weather Emergencies

Be ready to limit damage fast if a pipe freezes or bursts.

• Know how to shut off the water: Locate your main shutoff valve and make sure you can turn it off quickly.
• Keep emergency supplies: Have basics like a wrench, plunger, and pipe sealant available.
• Keep a plumber’s number handy: For major issues, have a trusted local plumber contact ready.

Winter Plumbing Prep Made Easy

Winterizing your plumbing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this checklist, you can help protect your pipes, water heater, and drainage systems from seasonal damage. Taking these steps now can reduce the risk of emergency repairs and high energy bills later, so you can enjoy a warm, comfortable home all winter long.