As winter sets in and temperatures drop, it's essential to take proactive measures to winterize your plumbing. The frigid weather can wreak havoc on your pipes, both inside and outside your home. Frozen pipes can lead to expensive repairs and water damage. In this blog, we'll explore how to protect your plumbing by winterizing outside faucets and preventing pipes from freezing inside your house.

Winterizing Outside Faucets:

Detach Hoses:

Start by disconnecting all garden hoses from outside faucets. Leaving hoses attached can trap water inside, causing it to freeze and expand, potentially damaging both the hose and the faucet.

Drain the Faucet:

After detaching the hose, make sure to drain any remaining water from the outdoor faucet. This can be done by turning off the water supply to the faucet and opening the valve to let any remaining water flow out.

Insulate Faucets:

Insulating outdoor faucets is a crucial step in preventing freezing. You can use faucet covers or wrap towels, foam, or insulating tape around the faucets. This provides an extra layer of protection against the cold.

Install Frost-Free Faucets:

Consider replacing standard outdoor faucets with frost-free models. These faucets are designed to prevent freezing by shutting off water flow inside the house, allowing the remaining water to drain out.

Protecting Pipes Inside the House:

Insulate Exposed Pipes:

Insulating pipes in unheated or exposed areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics is crucial. Pipe insulation, available at most hardware stores, can be easily applied to protect against freezing.

Seal Gaps and Cracks:

Identify and seal any gaps or cracks in your home's exterior, especially in areas where pipes are located. This helps prevent cold air from infiltrating and causing your pipes to freeze.

Let Faucets Drip:

On extremely cold nights, allow faucets connected to vulnerable pipes to drip slowly. This can relieve pressure and reduce the likelihood of pipes freezing.

Maintain a Constant Indoor Temperature:

Keep your home heated to a consistent temperature, even when you're away. Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that the interior remains warm enough to prevent freezing.

Open Cabinet Doors:

For pipes under sinks, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. This helps maintain a warmer environment around the pipes.



Taking the time to winterize your plumbing can save you from the headaches and expenses associated with frozen pipes. By following these simple steps to protect both your outside faucets and indoor pipes, you can ensure a smooth and worry-free winter. Don't let the cold weather catch you off guard—prepare your plumbing now for a cozy and stress-free season.