13 March 2025
Let’s face it—winter doesn’t just mean cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and questionable snow angels. It also means your plumbing system is about to face its arch-nemesis: cold weather. If you’ve ever dealt with frozen pipes, you know it’s not just inconvenient—it's a full-blown home disaster waiting to happen. So, before Jack Frost comes knocking (or freezing), let’s talk about how to protect your property’s plumbing system when temperatures drop below "brrr." 
Why Cold Weather Is Plumbing’s Worst Nightmare
First off, let’s appreciate how badly your pipes dread winter. Water has this quirky little habit of expanding when it freezes. (Science, am I right?) When the water inside your pipes takes on its icy form, it can cause the pipe itself to expand to the point of bursting. Imagine stuffing one too many marshmallows into your hot chocolate—it’s not going to end well.Leaking, flooding, and costly repairs? Definitely not on anyone’s winter bucket list. That’s why prepping your plumbing system is the difference between sipping cocoa by the fire and mopping up water in the basement. 
Easy Steps To Winterize Your Plumbing System
1. Insulate Your Pipes Like They’re Moving to Antarctica
Pipes hate the cold as much as you do. Start by wrapping any exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation. It’s cheap, easy to install, and works like a winter coat for your plumbing. Think of it as giving your pipes their own trendy puffer jackets.Got pipes in unheated areas, like the garage, crawl space, or attic? They’re the most vulnerable to the cold, so don’t skip those spots!
2. Seal the Drafts—Your Pipes Are Not Fans of Cold Breezes
Got tiny gaps or cracks around your doors, windows, or walls where cold air can sneak in? Seal them up with caulking or weather-stripping. It’s not just about keeping your house cozy—it’s about keeping your pipes alive.Remember, your plumbing system isn’t Superman. Even the smallest draft can cause freezing temps to seep in and wreak havoc.
3. Drain the Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Outdoor faucets are like the “party animals” of the plumbing world—they get hit hardest when the temperatures drop. Disconnect all hoses, drain any water in the outdoor faucet, and shut off the water supply to these fixtures.Leaving water in outdoor faucets is like leaving soda in the freezer—it WILL burst, and it won’t be pretty.
4. Let Your Faucets Drip—Yes, On Purpose!
This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. Letting your taps drip during freezing temperatures can prevent pressure from building up in the pipes. It’s like leaving the lid slightly ajar on a pressure cooker.A slow drip might seem wasteful, but trust me, it’s way cheaper than dealing with a burst pipe repair bill. Bonus tip: Let the warm water side drip, if possible.
5. Keep Your Home Toasty (Even When You’re Away)
Planning to head somewhere warm while your house braves the winter chill? Good move! But don’t turn off the heat completely. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (about 13°C). Your budget might groan a little, but your pipes will thank you.6. Open Cabinet Doors—Because Pipes Deserve Fresh Air Too
Under-sink cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom can act like little cold lockers. Opening those cabinet doors lets warm air circulate around the pipes. Think of it as giving your plumbing a VIP pass to the house heating system.Pro tip: This trick works especially well when the outdoor temperatures drop into single digits. 
What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze Anyway
Sometimes life happens, and despite your best efforts, your pipes might still freeze. Before you panic and start googling “how to unfreeze pipes at 2 a.m.,” follow these steps:1. Locate the Frozen Pipe
Turn on your faucets and see which ones aren’t working. The frozen pipe is likely somewhere along that line.2. Grab Your Hair Dryer (Yes, Really)
Use a hair dryer to warm up the frozen section of the pipe. Start near the faucet and work your way back towards the frozen area. Do NOT use anything like a blowtorch or open flame—this isn’t a camping trip, people!3. Turn On the Tap
As the ice melts, water will slowly start to flow. Congratulations, your pipe has officially defrosted itself!If this doesn’t work, or if the pipe has burst, call a plumber ASAP. There’s no DIY fix that can magically patch up a burst pipe. 
Long-Term Investments to Protect Your Plumbing
If you’re a “Plan Ahead Polly” (and honestly, good for you), there are some bigger investments you can make to safeguard your plumbing system for winters to come.1. Install Frost-Proof Outdoor Faucets
These faucets are like the superheroes of the plumbing world—they’re designed to prevent freezing. Once installed, you can wave goodbye to the annual hassle of draining outdoor faucets.2. Upgrade To Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats let you manage your home’s heating even when you’re away. Forgot to leave the heat on? Just whip out your phone and adjust the settings from wherever you are.3. Insulate Your Whole Plumbing System
If you’re planning a big renovation or building a new property, consider insulating the entire plumbing system. It’s a one-time cost that’ll save you a lifetime of potential headaches.Common Myths About Winter and Plumbing (Debunked!)
Let’s bust some myths that might’ve been clogging your brain:- “It’s not that cold; I don’t need to worry.”
Stop right there. Even temps slightly below freezing can damage your pipes.
- “Hot water pipes don’t freeze.”
Oh, they absolutely do. Don’t let their “hotshot” name fool you—they’re just as susceptible as cold water pipes.
- “Letting taps drip wastes too much water.”
Sure, it’s not ideal, but it’s a minor trade-off compared to the chaos of a burst pipe. Consider it an investment in your plumbing’s health.
Winter Plumbing: A Little Prep Goes A Long Way
Winter-proofing your plumbing system isn’t rocket science, but it does take a little planning. Think of it like bundling up for a snowstorm—you wouldn’t leave the house without a jacket, would you? So, why leave your pipes unprotected?Taking these simple steps now can save you a ton of stress, time, and money later on. Because nobody—absolutely nobody—wants to deal with a burst pipe when it’s -10°F outside.
So go on, show your plumbing system some love this winter. Trust me, it’ll repay you in water pressure and leak-free living for years to come.
Christa McFarlin
Warm pipes, happy home. Great tips!
March 29, 2025 at 3:52 AM