Cold weather can be tough on your home’s plumbing system, and December is when most problems begin to show. From frozen pipes to overworked kitchens during holiday gatherings, now is the time to prepare. Here are four essential plumbing tips to help keep your home safe, efficient, and stress-free all month long.

1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses & Faucets.

The number one culprit for burst pipes is often a forgotten garden hose. When a hose remains connected to an outdoor faucet (a hose bib), water trapped inside the hose and the faucet can freeze. The ice expands backward into the pipe leading into your home, causing it to rupture.

• Disconnect: Remove all garden hoses, sprinklers, and splitters from outdoor spigots.
• Drain: Allow the disconnected hoses to fully drain, then coil them up and store them in a garage or shed until spring.
•  Shut Off: If your outdoor faucets have dedicated indoor shut-off valves (often located near the main water shut-off), turn these off. Open the outdoor faucet to allow any remaining water to drain, and then close the outdoor faucet again.

2. Insulate Exposed Pipes (Especially in Vulnerable Areas)

Any pipes located in unheated areas of your home are highly susceptible to freezing. This includes pipes in crawl spaces, basements, attics, and garages. Insulation provides a crucial barrier against the cold.

• Identify Risky Areas: Check any area where cold air can easily penetrate and reach the water lines.
• Apply Protection: Use pipe sleeves, foam insulation (often called “pipe noodles”), or even heat tape for areas that are difficult to insulate with foam. These materials are inexpensive and available at any hardware store.
• Focus on the Cold: Pay special attention to pipes running along exterior walls or near vents and windows.

3. Tackle the Air Leaks Around Cabinets & Appliances

Any pipe running in an exterior wall cavity is a risk, but the pipes under sinks and behind appliances often freeze because of easily preventable air leaks.

• Under the Sink: Open the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially those on exterior walls. Look closely at the back wall where the supply lines enter. Seal any tiny gaps around these pipes using inexpensive caulking or expanding foam sealant.
• Washer/Dryer Area: Check the utility connections behind your washing machine. The walls here often have poor sealing, allowing cold air from the outside or a garage to enter the wall space and chill the pipes.
• The Draft Check: On a cold day, hold your hand near the pipe openings in these areas. If you feel a draft, you have a leak that needs sealing.

4. Know Your Emergency Shut-Off Valve Location

Preparation is key, but sometimes a burst pipe is unavoidable. In that worst-case scenario, the difference between a minor mess and a catastrophic flood is how quickly you can stop the water flow.

• Locate It: Find your main water shut-off valve. This is usually located where the main water line enters your home (often in the basement, near the water heater, or in a utility closet).
• Test It: Ensure the valve is easy to turn and that you have the correct tool (a wrench or a special key) readily available if needed.
• Inform Others: Make sure every adult in your household knows the location and how to operate the valve.

💡 Bonus Tip for Extreme Cold: If temperatures plummet, consider leaving a small, steady trickle of water running from a few indoor faucets, especially those on exterior walls. Moving water is less likely to freeze, relieving pressure in your pipes.

BONUS TIP

Locate, Clear, & Confirm Your Emergency Plan

When a pipe bursts, the first five minutes are critical. The flood damage is determined by how fast you can turn off the water. Your emergency plan needs to be clear, confirmed, and accessible.

• Clear the Path: Move any stored items, boxes, or furniture that block easy, fast access to your main water shut-off valve. The path must be clear enough to reach the valve in the dark and under pressure.
• Confirm the Plan: Ensure you know which way to turn the valve and that you have the right tool (like a wrench) nearby if your valve requires one.
•  Have an Expert on Speed Dial: Despite the best preparation, emergencies happen. For ultimate peace of mind, make sure you have a reliable professional lined up.

For Total Peace of Mind, Call Long Heating, Air and Plumbing

Don’t guess when it comes to winter plumbing safety. If you have vulnerable piping, an older home, or just want the confidence that comes with a professional inspection, call Long Heating, Air and Plumbing today!

We can perform a thorough Winter Plumbing Inspection to identify hidden freeze risks, check your water heater for efficiency, and ensure your system is ready for the coldest months. And if the unexpected happens, we are here for your 24/7 emergency needs.