Why Winterizing Your Plumbing Matters
Water expands when it freezes. When that expansion happens inside a pipe, the pressure can split even strong copper or PVC — leading to burst pipes, water damage, mold, and expensive repairs. The good news is that winterizing your plumbing is largely a DIY task you can complete in an afternoon, and it can save you from a significant headache.
When Should You Start?
Begin winterizing before your first expected freeze — ideally when nighttime temperatures start consistently dropping below 40°F (4°C). Don't wait for a cold snap warning. The work takes time, and last-minute rushing leads to missed spots.
Outdoor Plumbing Checklist
✅ Disconnect and drain garden hoses
Water left in a hose can freeze and back pressure into the spigot, damaging the valve inside the wall. Disconnect every hose, drain it, and store it indoors.
✅ Shut off and drain outdoor faucets (hose bibs)
Locate the interior shut-off valve for each outdoor faucet (typically in the basement or crawl space). Turn it off, then open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water from the line. Leave the outdoor faucet slightly open over winter to allow any residual moisture to escape.
✅ Install insulated faucet covers
For extra protection, add foam faucet covers over outdoor spigots. These are inexpensive and provide a meaningful barrier against wind chill.
✅ Drain irrigation and sprinkler systems
Blow out sprinkler lines with compressed air or drain them manually using the drain valves. Residual water in underground lines is a major freeze risk.
Indoor Plumbing Checklist
✅ Insulate pipes in unheated spaces
Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls are the most vulnerable. Wrap them with foam pipe insulation sleeves (available at any hardware store) or use heat tape/cable for especially vulnerable runs. Pay special attention to pipes that run against exterior walls.
✅ Seal gaps and cracks near pipes
Cold air entering through holes around pipes in exterior walls dramatically increases freeze risk. Use caulk or spray foam to seal any gaps where pipes pass through walls, floors, or the foundation.
✅ Know where your main shut-off valve is
If a pipe does burst, the first thing you'll need to do is shut off the main water supply. Make sure every household member knows where it is and that it operates smoothly (turn it off and on once to confirm it's not seized).
✅ Set your thermostat correctly
Keep your home at a minimum of 55°F (13°C) even when you're away. The small extra heating cost is far less than the cost of burst pipe damage. If leaving for an extended trip, have someone check the home regularly.
✅ Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
On extremely cold nights, open the cabinet doors below bathroom and kitchen sinks on exterior walls. This allows warm household air to circulate around the pipes.
✅ Let faucets drip on the coldest nights
A slow drip from a faucet served by vulnerable pipes keeps water moving, which dramatically reduces freeze risk. Both hot and cold handles should drip since both supply lines need protection.
If You're Closing a Vacation Property
For a home that will be unoccupied all winter, a full drain-down is the safest approach:
- Shut off the main water supply valve.
- Open all faucets (starting from the highest floor down) to drain water from the lines.
- Flush all toilets and pour RV-safe antifreeze into toilet bowls, tanks, and sink/tub/shower drain traps to protect the P-traps from freezing.
- Drain the water heater and washing machine supply lines.
- Have a plumber blow out lines with compressed air for a complete drain-down.
Quick Reference Checklist Summary
- ☐ Disconnect and store garden hoses
- ☐ Shut off and drain outdoor faucets
- ☐ Install faucet covers on hose bibs
- ☐ Blow out / drain irrigation system
- ☐ Insulate pipes in unheated areas
- ☐ Seal gaps around exterior pipe penetrations
- ☐ Confirm main shut-off valve location and function
- ☐ Maintain minimum 55°F indoor temperature
- ☐ Open under-sink cabinets on cold nights
- ☐ Let faucets drip during extreme cold
Taking a couple of hours now to work through this list can save you from thousands of dollars in water damage — and the stress of dealing with a burst pipe in the middle of winter.