BLOG How to Prepare Your Home's Plumbing for Winter: Advice from SOS Plumbing May 25, 2025

As the chill of winter approaches, homeowners often find themselves rushing to prepare their homes for the colder months. However, one crucial area that often goes overlooked is the plumbing system. Preparing your home's plumbing for winter is essential to avoid costly repairs and potential water damage. At SOS Plumbing, we want to share some essential tips to help you winterize effectively.

First, let's consider why winterizing your plumbing is so crucial. During the colder months, temperatures can dip below freezing, causing the water in your pipes to freeze and expand. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on your pipes, leading to cracks and, subsequently, the risk of bursting. A burst pipe can flood your home, causing significant water damage and necessitating costly repairs. By taking preventative measures, you can ensure your home's plumbing remains in tip-top shape throughout the winter.

One vital step in winterizing your plumbing is to insulate exposed pipes. Pipes located in unheated areas such as attics, garages, and crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to freezing. You can use insulating sleeves or wrapping to provide these vulnerable pipes with an extra layer of protection. In areas where the temperatures are particularly low, consider heating cables which provide a gentle warmth to keep pipes from freezing.

Another essential tip is to disconnect and drain your outdoor hoses. Water left inside hoses can freeze and expand back into the faucet and connecting pipes, causing them to burst. Make it a priority to disconnect any garden hoses and store them indoors. Also, shut off and drain any outdoor faucets. You might want to install frost-free spigots for added protection.

It's equally important to inspect and maintain your water heater. During winter, your water heater works harder than usual to provide hot water, often leading to increased energy costs. Insulate your water heater to improve its efficiency and conserve energy. Also, check for any signs of wear and tear and consider scheduling a professional inspection before the winter chill sets in.

An often overlooked but simple action is to seal any leaks around doors and windows. Cold air seeping into your home can not only drive up energy costs but also cool down interior spaces housing pipes. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any obvious gaps, ensuring your home stays warm and your pipes remain safe.

For those travelling during the winter months, consider leaving your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This setting keeps your plumbing pipes above freezing without consuming excessive energy. Remember to open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

Finally, ensure you know where your main water shutoff valve is located. In the unfortunate event of a burst pipe, knowing how to quickly shut off your water supply can prevent extensive water damage.

With these steps, you can better safeguard your home against the threats posed by winter weather. At SOS Plumbing, we are always ready to assist with any plumbing needs or questions yWinyou might have. Preparing your plumbing for winter not only gives you peace of mind but also helps maintain the longevity and efficiency of your home’s water system. Enjoy a cozy winter knowing your plumbing is secure.