How to Winterize Your Home: Protect Your Plumbing from Freezing Temperatures
- 3rd Rock Plumbing, LLC
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
When temperatures start to dip, your home’s plumbing system becomes one of the most vulnerable parts of the house. A single frozen pipe can burst and cause thousands of dollars in water damage, not to mention the stress of emergency repairs in the middle of winter.
The good news? A few simple steps now can keep your plumbing system safe and your winter worry-free.
Why Winterizing Matters
When water freezes, it expands. Inside your pipes, that expansion creates pressure that can make even strong pipes burst. The most at-risk areas are:
Pipes in unheated spaces (attics, crawlspaces, garages)
Outdoor faucets and hose bibs
Plumbing on exterior walls
Once those lines freeze, it can block water flow, and when they thaw, the leaks begin.
Steps to Protect Your Plumbing from Freezing Temperatures
1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Leaving a hose connected traps water inside both the hose and the faucet line. Disconnect all hoses, drain them, and store them indoors. If your outdoor faucets have shut-off valves, close them and open the exterior spigot to drain out any leftover water.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Check your garage, basement, and crawlspaces for any visible pipes. Wrap them with foam pipe insulation or heat tape — both are inexpensive and easy to install. Don’t forget areas under sinks, especially on exterior walls.
3. Seal Gaps and Drafts
Cold air can sneak in around pipes that enter through walls or floors. Seal openings with caulk or expanding foam to keep the warm air in and the cold out.
4. Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature
Even if you’re away, don’t let your thermostat drop below 55°F (13°C). Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms along exterior walls.
5. Know How to Shut Off Your Water
If a pipe bursts, knowing where your main shut-off valve is can make the difference between a quick cleanup and major damage. (👉 Find out how to find and turn off your shut-off valve.)
6. Service Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder in cold months. Flushing sediment and checking the pressure relief valve ensures it’s running efficiently and safely all winter long.
Bonus: Going Away for the Holidays?
If you’ll be out of town, it's even more important to protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures:
Shut off the main water supply and drain the system if you’ll be gone for a while.
Keep the heat on low, and open cabinet doors to let air circulate.
Ask a neighbor to check your home periodically.
Peace of Mind, Year-Round
Taking an hour to prepare NOW can save you from a flooded basement or burst pipe later. If you’re not sure where to start, or want a professional to give your plumbing a full winter check-up, 3rd Rock Plumbing is happy to help.