How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter Freezes & Storms

When the mercury drops and the wind howls, pipes can become a homeowner’s weak link. Water expands as it freezes—sometimes turning a peaceful night into a plumbing emergency by dawn. If you’ve ever heard the unmistakable crack of a pipe on a freezing morning, you know the chaos and cost that follow.

At A+ Plumbing, we’ve seen it all—burst pipes, frozen sump pumps, backed-up sewer lines in the heart of winter. We help families prepare, so you’re not left scrambling when nature turns your plumbing into an ice sculpture.

Why Plumbing Freezes

Water inside pipes behaves a lot like soda in the freezer—left too long, it’s bound to burst. Pipes in unheated spaces (think basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and even exterior walls) are especially at risk. When temperatures dip below 32°F (0°C), standing water can freeze, expand, and split even sturdy piping.

But it’s not just cold air that’s the culprit. Wind can sneak through tiny cracks, carrying the cold deeper. Even a small draft near a pipe can mean trouble. Add in a sudden storm or power outage, and the risk climbs higher.

• Plastic pipes are more flexible but can still split.
• Copper pipes conduct cold quickly.
• Older homes often have less insulation, putting pipes at greater risk.
• Storm surges and rapid temperature swings can send water where it shouldn’t go, straining your system even more.

Insulation & Protection Tips 🧤

Prepping your plumbing for winter is a bit like dressing for the cold. You wouldn’t go out without a coat, and your pipes shouldn’t either.

Pipe Insulation

• Foam pipe sleeves: Slide these over exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, and attics.
• Heat tape: Wrap vulnerable sections. Follow manufacturer directions and local electrical codes.
• Caulk and seal: Fill cracks or gaps in walls near piping, especially where cables or pipes exit your home.

Outdoor Faucet Prep

• Disconnect garden hoses: Always. A hose left on can trap water and freeze back into the faucet and pipe.
• Install faucet covers: These work like mittens for your outdoor spigots.
• Shut off and drain: If your home has an interior shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, close it and open the faucet outside to drain.

Sump Pump & Drainage

• Test your sump pump: Pour a bucket of water into the pit to ensure it kicks on.
• Clear discharge lines: Make sure the line is free of blockages and not prone to freezing. Consider insulating exposed sections.
• Check battery backups: Winter storms can knock out power, so a backup is your safety net.

Spotting Freeze Risks

• Frost on pipes: Like a can from the fridge, frost means a freeze is close.
• Strange noises: Gurgling, banging, or whistling pipes signal trouble.
• Sluggish drains: Ice can block sewer lines just as easily as clogs.

Draining and Shutting Off

Sometimes, the best defense is to take water out of the equation.

When to Drain

• Vacant homes: If you’re leaving for winter, consider draining your water system.
• Seasonal properties: Shut off main supply, open faucets, and flush toilets.
• Before major storms: In areas prone to power outages or storm surge, turn off water to at-risk zones.

How to Shut Off

• Locate your main shut-off valve: It’s usually where the water line enters your home.
• Turn it clockwise to close.
• Open a faucet at the lowest point to drain remaining water.

Refer to the International Plumbing Code (IPC) for guidelines on proper shutoff procedures, or contact a professional for help.

Emergency Actions for Frozen Pipes 🚨

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, pipes freeze. Quick action can prevent a full-blown flood.

What to Do If You Suspect a Freeze

• Turn on the faucet: If only a trickle comes out, suspect a freeze.
• Leave the faucet open: This relieves pressure as ice melts.
• Apply warmth: Use a hair dryer, hot towels, or a portable heater—never an open flame.
• Work from the faucet back: Start warming the pipe near the faucet, then move toward the coldest section.
• Check for leaks: As the ice melts, watch for water escaping from cracks.

If you notice bulging pipes, water stains, or hear hissing, call for emergency plumbing help immediately. Water damage can spread fast.

Quick Winter Plumbing Safety Checklist

• Insulate exposed pipes in cold spaces.
• Disconnect all outdoor hoses.
• Install faucet and spigot covers.
• Seal gaps near pipes with caulk or spray foam.
• Test sump pumps and check battery backups.
• Know your main water shut-off location.
• Keep a hair dryer or portable heater handy—not a torch.
• Monitor for frost or strange pipe noises.
• Schedule a plumbing inspection if you’re unsure.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

Some winter prep is straightforward—a trip to the hardware store and an afternoon’s work. But not every freeze risk is visible, and sometimes a hidden leak or faulty sump pump can go unnoticed until disaster strikes.

Good DIY tasks:

• Installing foam pipe insulation.
• Fitting faucet covers.
• Sealing obvious gaps.
• Testing sump pumps.

Call a professional for:

• Pipe repairs or repiping.
• Sewer line inspection or repair.
• Leak detection when you can’t find the source.
• Gas line safety checks (always leave gas work to licensed experts).
• Water heater installation or repair.
• Backflow testing and prevention.

Remember, plumbing codes exist for a reason. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and local ordinances provide standards to keep your home safe. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution.

What Pros Do On Arrival

When A+ Plumbing arrives for a winter emergency or tune-up, here’s what you can expect:

• Thorough inspection: We check exposed and hidden pipes, sump pumps, and water heaters.
• Thermal imaging: Used to spot hidden freeze points or leaks.
• Safe thawing: We use approved heaters and methods—never flames or unsafe shortcuts.
• Sewer line checks: Video cameras reveal blockages or freeze risks.
• Immediate repairs: Broken pipes, fittings, valves, or gas lines are handled on the spot.
• Preventative advice: We’ll show you how to minimize future risks.

We bring specialized tools and years of experience—so you’re not gambling with your home’s safety.

Prevention & Maintenance

Think of plumbing maintenance like brushing your teeth. Skip it, and the problems sneak up. Consistent attention now saves stress (and money) later.

Annual Winter Plumbing Prep

• Schedule a professional inspection each fall.
• Flush and drain water heaters—sediment builds up faster in cold weather.
• Check for leaks under sinks, behind toilets, and near appliances.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts—overflow can freeze and damage pipes.
• Test backflow prevention devices.

Ongoing Vigilance

• Watch your water bill for unexplained spikes.
• Listen for odd sounds in the pipes—especially during cold snaps.
• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on freezing nights to let warm air circulate.

Preventative maintenance is always less expensive than an emergency call. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety recommends annual checks and insulation as first lines of defense.

Costs & Time Factors

How much will all this take? It depends.

• DIY insulation: A few hours and minimal expense for materials.
• Professional inspection or minor repairs: Typically a half-day visit.
• Major repairs (burst pipes, sewer line repair, repiping): Can take several hours to days, depending on the extent and accessibility.
• Emergency plumbing after-hours: Costs more, but fast action can prevent even bigger losses.

Remember, the costs of prevention are almost always less than the price of fixing water damage, replacing flooring, or restoring a flooded basement.

When It’s an Emergency

Not all plumbing problems can wait for business hours. Call for emergency plumbing if:

• You see water spraying or flooding.
• You smell gas (leave the home first).
• No water is coming out of faucets—could be a main break or major freeze.
• There’s sewage backup or water coming up through drains.
• Sump pump fails during a heavy storm.

These issues can cause rapid, costly damage and may be dangerous. A+ Plumbing’s emergency response means help is always “near you”—no matter the hour or weather.

FAQ: Winter Plumbing Worries

Q: How do I know if my pipes are about to freeze?
A: Watch for frost on the outside of pipes, slow or trickling water flow, and odd noises when you turn on taps.

Q: Is it safe to use a space heater or hair dryer on frozen pipes?
A: Yes, but never use open flames. Start near the faucet and move toward the frozen section. Always monitor for leaks as pipes thaw.

Q: Can I prevent sewer line freezes?
A: Insulate exposed lines, avoid pouring grease down drains, and have regular sewer line inspections—especially before winter.

Q: Should I shut off the water if I’m leaving for more than a day in a freeze-prone area?
A: Yes, shutting off and draining the system is wise for extended absences.

Local/Seasonal Considerations 🌨️

Where you live changes the game:

• Deep freeze zones (Midwest, Northeast, Mountain West): Insulate all pipes in unheated spaces. Use heat tape where needed. Consider basement and crawlspace heaters.
• Storm surge & coastal areas: Elevate sump pumps and electrical components. Check for saltwater risks—corrosion can weaken pipes.
• Milder climates: Don’t let your guard down. Sudden cold snaps catch many homeowners off-guard.

Check your local building code—some regions require extra insulation or backflow prevention. FEMA and the American Red Cross both publish seasonal home prep tips worth reviewing.

Ready for winter’s worst? Whether you need preventative maintenance, emergency plumbing, or just peace of mind, A+ Plumbing is here to help.

Call A+ Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  888-568-9182 .