Winter can be tough on your plumbing if you’re not prepared. Frozen pipes, bursts, and leaks are all risks when temperatures drop. Properly winterizing your plumbing can prevent these issues and keep your home safe and comfortable all season long. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about plumbing winterization—from why it’s important to practical steps you can take to protect your pipes.
Why Plumbing Winterization Matters
Winterizing your plumbing isn’t just about avoiding the inconvenience of frozen pipes—it’s also about preventing costly damage to your home. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, which can lead to cracks or even bursts. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage, resulting in expensive repairs and potential mold growth. With some simple preventive measures, you can avoid these problems and save money.
Personal Tip: One winter, I had a call from a homeowner whose kitchen pipe burst after a particularly cold snap. The pipe had frozen and expanded, leading to a massive leak that caused water damage throughout the kitchen. With proper winterization, this could have been easily prevented. Don’t wait until it’s too late—prepare now to avoid these kinds of emergencies.
Top Ways to Winterize Your Plumbing
1. Insulate Your Pipes
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your plumbing in the winter is to insulate your pipes—especially those located in unheated areas like the basement, attic, or garage. Pipe insulation sleeves or wraps are inexpensive and easy to install, and they go a long way toward preventing pipes from freezing.
Personal Tip: I remember helping a family whose garage pipes froze every winter. We added insulation to those pipes, and since then, they haven’t had any issues. A little insulation can make a big difference!
2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor hoses are a common culprit for burst pipes in winter. If hoses are left connected, any water inside can freeze, causing pressure to build up in the pipes. Be sure to disconnect all garden hoses, drain them, and store them away until spring.
3. Shut Off Outdoor Faucets
If your outdoor faucets have a shut-off valve, turn it off, then open the faucet to drain any remaining water. This step will help prevent water from freezing in the line and causing damage. If you don’t have a shut-off valve, consider installing one before the cold weather hits.
4. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can enter through gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and where pipes enter the house, which can lead to freezing pipes. Seal any cracks with caulk or foam insulation to keep cold air out and protect your plumbing.
5. Keep the Heat On
If you plan on being away during the winter, make sure to keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F. This will help ensure that your pipes stay warm enough to prevent freezing, even if you’re not home.
6. Open Cabinet Doors
For pipes located under sinks, especially on exterior walls, keeping cabinet doors open allows warm air from the room to circulate around the pipes. This simple step can help prevent pipes from freezing on particularly cold nights.
7. Let Faucets Drip
On especially cold nights, leaving a faucet to drip slightly can relieve pressure in the system and help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. This trick is especially useful for faucets on exterior walls.
8. Service Your Water Heater
Winter is when you rely on your water heater the most, so it’s important to make sure it’s in good working condition. Have your water heater serviced before winter to avoid any issues. Flushing out sediment can improve efficiency and prevent breakdowns when you need hot water the most.
When to Call a Professional
While many winterization tasks can be done by homeowners, there are some situations where it’s best to call in a professional:
- Persistent Cold Spots: If certain pipes are constantly exposed to cold, a plumber can suggest advanced insulation solutions or even reroute exposed pipes to a safer location.
- Pipe Leaks or Cracks: If you notice any leaks, even minor ones, it’s best to have them repaired before winter. Freezing temperatures can make small leaks much worse.
- Water Heater Maintenance: A professional plumber can inspect your water heater to ensure it’s ready for the increased demands of winter.
Personal Tip: A customer once called me about a pipe that kept freezing despite their best efforts. After inspecting the situation, I rerouted the pipe away from an exterior wall and added some insulation. They haven’t had any issues since!
Local Considerations for Winterizing Plumbing in Idaho
Winter temperatures in Idaho can be brutal, making proper plumbing winterization especially important for homeowners in Nampa and surrounding areas. The cold weather puts extra strain on pipes, particularly those in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. If you’re in the Treasure Valley, consider these local tips:
- Keep Your Garage Closed: If you have water lines running through your garage, keep the garage doors closed as much as possible to keep temperatures higher.
- Regular Maintenance: The local climate can be unpredictable, so staying on top of regular plumbing maintenance is crucial for avoiding surprises during a sudden cold snap.
FAQs About Plumbing Winterization
Q: Can I use heat tape to protect my pipes? A: Yes, heat tape can be a great way to add extra protection to pipes that are prone to freezing. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
Q: Is it necessary to winterize an unoccupied home? A: Absolutely. If a home will be vacant for an extended period, it’s important to winterize the entire plumbing system to avoid frozen pipes and potential water damage.
Q: What temperature do pipes start freezing? A: Pipes generally begin to freeze when temperatures drop to 20°F or lower. However, pipes that are exposed or in unheated areas can freeze at temperatures slightly above that, depending on how long they’re exposed.
Final Thoughts: Prepare Now to Avoid Problems Later
Winterizing your plumbing is a small investment of time and effort that can save you a lot of stress and money in the long run. From insulating pipes to keeping the heat on, these simple steps can make all the difference when temperatures start to drop. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take the time to prepare your plumbing for winter now.
If you’re unsure about winterizing your plumbing or need help getting your home ready, give Prime Plumbing LLC a call at 208-278-2870. Our team is ready to assist you with all your plumbing winterization needs so that you can rest easy knowing your home is protected.
