Is your home's plumbing ready for the cold weather ahead? Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or it's your first winter in a new home, making a list and checking it twice has a very different meaning when it comes to home winterization. From indoor inspections to outdoor assessments, taking the right steps now can save you plenty of headaches later. We all know how expensive and disruptive plumbing issues can be.

At what temperature do I need to start worrying about frozen pipes?

When temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C), pipes, particularly those in uninsulated areas like basements and attics, are at high risk of freezing. However, outdoor hoses, faucets, and exposed pipes should be winterized even earlier, around 32°F (0°C), to prevent ice buildup and potential damage.

How to Take Care of Your Indoor Household Plumbing Before Winter

1. Service your hot water tank and all heating systems. There are certain measures homeowners can take to prevent pipes from freezing. "Ahead of the peak wintertime, make sure to have your heaters or furnace serviced," recommends Joseph Wade, VP of Operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. "The last thing you want is to deal with a broken-down heater as the temperatures begin to drop."
2. Don’t turn your heat off entirely when you aren’t home. "If you go away for more than a few days, have a friend or neighbor stop by periodically to make sure the furnace is still running," he notes.
3. Winterize vacant properties. Don't leave your cabin plumbing to chance. "Homes that are vacant during the winter months, such as a lake house, should be winterized while you're away," notes Wade. Unheated spaces are subject to higher risk. Again, citing the importance of hiring a plumber for the whole-home winterizing process, he adds, "The contractor can drain your water lines to prevent frozen water lines."
4. Be sure you know where the main water shutoff valve is in your house. If a water pipe bursts, at the very least you'll know how to quickly turn off the water to limit the damage.
5. Install water flow sensors and automatic shut-off valve. Smart home technology has come a long way. "Today you have the option of installing sensors that detect water, and in some cases temperature change," reminds Wade. "If the sensors detect a problem, it will notify you through the app and the water valve will shut off the water to prevent water damage."

How to Winterize Exterior Plumbing Fixtures Outside Your Home

1. Disconnect hoses and shut off exterior faucets. "Before temperatures drop, disconnect any garden hoses from your outdoor faucets," reminds Wade. "Water left in hoses can freeze, leading to ice buildup that may extend into your home’s plumbing, causing potential damage."
2. Winterize your sprinkler system. Turn off the water supply by shutting off the main valve to the sprinkler system, then manually or automatically drain the pipes, depending on your system. "After draining your sprinkler system, cover any exposed pipes or sprinkler heads with foam insulation or tape to protect them from freezing temperatures," notes Wade. "And be sure to leave air vents and drain outlets uncovered to maintain airflow."
3. Check and seal gaps. Inspect your exterior walls, doors, and windows near outdoor pipes for any drafts or gaps. If they're not in great condition, make sure you seal any cracks with caulk or weatherproofing materials to prevent cold air from reaching pipes, increasing the risk of freezing.

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Will my homeowner's insurance cover a burst pipe if I don’t winterize my plumbing?

It always depends on the terms of your policy, but Homeowners insurance is likely to cover sudden and accidental damage, including burst plumbing pipes, under "peril" coverage. That said, if you file a claim and they determine you neglected basic winterizing measures, coverage may be denied.