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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?
Burst pipes become an issue when temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C). Uninsulated areas like basements and attics are at high risk of freezing and should be outfitted with foam pipe insulation sleeves . 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 Maintain Indoor Plumbing Before Winter
- 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."
- 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," Wade notes.
- 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."
- 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.
- Install water flow sensors and an 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 Care For Exterior Plumbing Fixtures
- 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." Put insulated covers over the outdoor faucets to protect the plumbing system.
- 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."
- Fix damaged gutters. A plumbing inspection doesn't focus on gutters and downspout maintenance, but gutters do play a large role in preventing indoor water damage. "Homes with faulty or aging gutters can often be a recipe for damage to the home’s walls and foundation, as the rainwater forms a pool at the base of the home and is not redirected away from it," explains Groundworks National Structural Installation Trainer, Clint Dixon. "Gutter downspouts should extend approximately 6 to 10 feet away from the home, but depending on soil type and the yard slope, they may need to be extended further."
- Check and seal gaps. Inspect your exterior walls, doors, and windows near outdoor pipes for any air leaks. 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.
The Overlooked Systems That Keep Your Plumbing Winter-Ready
Beyond pipes and faucets, several lesser-known systems quietly determine how well your home handles the cold. Use this quick checklist to make sure nothing gets missed:
- Hot Water Tank/Water Softener: Flush your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment or calcification buildup that can strain the system and reduce efficiency. Check your water softener for salt levels and clean the brine tank if needed.
- Pressure Tank and Jet Pump Case: For homes on well water, inspect the pressure tank and jet pump case for cracks, leaks, or air loss. Winter pressure changes can stress the rubber diaphragm, leading to system failure or uneven water pressure throughout the home.
- Sump Pump Systems: Test and clear drain valves to make sure they’re operating correctly. Inspect your sump pump for debris or freezing issues. A blocked or frozen pump can cause flooding when snow begins to melt.
- Main Water Valve and Supply Lines: Locate your main water valve and main supply lines to make sure they’re well insulated and accessible. Add insulating sleeves or heat tape to exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, or basements to prevent frozen bursts and heat loss.
- Utility and Ventilation Gaps: Seal cracks or openings around exhaust vents, pipes, and utility penetrations in garages or utility rooms. These gaps often allow frigid air to reach plumbing lines, especially near exterior walls.
FAQ
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.
How does my HVAC system impact plumbing winterization?
Your HVAC system plays a surprisingly big role in protecting plumbing during cold spells.
A well-maintained furnace or central heating setup keeps interior spaces above freezing—even inside walls where pipes run.
Regularly replace your furnace filter to avoid airflow blockages that can trigger uneven heating or sudden temperature drops.
If you rely on space heaters in areas like the garage or basement, be sure to use them safely and never near flammable materials.
Should I winterize other home features like my garage door or toilet bowls?
Garages and crawl spaces, yes. Toilets? Probably not.
Sealing the garage door is important if the garage is attached to your home. Fresh weather stripping keeps cold air from seeping into adjacent rooms or affecting pipes routed through garage walls. Detached garage? The added insulation is nice-to-have if the garage is heated, or contains your home gym or workshop.
It's important to winterize bathrooms in vacant houses (unheated). Pour a small amount of antifreeze solution into toilet bowls and the toilet tank to maintain the trap seal and prevent cracking from ice formation. In your everyday house? It isn't likely that you'd need to winterize a toilet unless the heat was off and you were away for an extended period of time.
If your home has hose bibs, frost-free hose bibs, or a wall hydrant, make sure each is drained, capped, and protected with insulated covers. Doing these things (along with periodic checks of the main water shut-off valve) can save you from mid-winter plumbing emergencies and expensive service calls to a plumbing professional.
