How to Winterize Your Home Plumbing

When the temperature starts to drop, do you plan an immediate escape to sunnier climes? Or do you dream about cozy nights by the fire while the snow falls? No matter which camp you fall into, it’s important to take care of your plumbing during the winter months. By prepping for frigid temps, you can keep your pipes from freezing and avoid a wet mess.

A Simple Best Practice to Winterize Exterior Plumbing

Whether you’re staying in town or heading to the beach, it’s always a good idea to winterize exterior faucets and plumbing fixtures. If you have a freeze-protected hose bib, simply drain and disconnect external hoses. As an extra precaution, drain any water from the exterior line to keep it from freezing when it gets cold. 

How to Protect Your Pipes During Cold Weather 

Building codes vary by climate, and homes are designed to keep people comfortable during the winter months no matter where you live. But when the weather hits unusually low temperatures for a day or longer, you may want to take extra steps to protect your pipes from freezing.

1. Open the doors to under-sink cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes and any special equipment (e.g., an under-sink reverse osmosis system), helping to protect them from freezing.
2. Allow your faucets to drip. Turn on both the hot and cold water slightly and let faucets drip. Water continuously flowing through the pipes is less likely to freeze. Faucets with Touch₂O® or Touch₂O® with Touchless™ Technology have an automatic shut-off, so they must be in manual mode to drip. To de-activate the technology, follow these steps:
   • Turn on the water and leave it running.
   • Take off the battery cap or remove the batteries. For AC-operated models, unplug the unit and make sure it’s operating on battery power before disconnecting the batteries.
   • Adjust the water with the handle to allow it to drip.
3. Open the access panel for your shower to increase air circulation around the plumbing and help prevent pipes from freezing. If you don’t have an access panel, turn on the hot and cold water and allow your shower to drip.
4. Open the access panel for a steam shower generator to increase air circulation and help keep pipes from freezing. 

If you’re taking an extended vacation or wintering in another location, consider completely winterizing your home to avoid unwelcome surprises, like frozen pipes or leaks. A plumbing professional can help accomplish these winterization tasks. 

• Turn off the water supply. 
• Drain the water heater and other tanks that hold water, including water softeners, steam generators and reverse osmosis systems. 
• Drain the pipes by turning on the faucets and showers. Be sure to drain the lowest part in the water line. The water heater is the most likely spot, but it could be elsewhere. 
• Use an air compressor to blow air through the plumbing system and ensure water is removed from low spots in the line. 
• Remove the cartridge from shower fixtures. Even after draining the lines, they can hold a little water. 
• Remove water from toilet tanks. 
• Add non-toxic RV/water line antifreeze to toilet bowls, sink/tub/shower drains, and washing machine discharge pipes. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using.
• Check with your appliance manufacturers for winterization tips for refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers. 

Cracked pipes and leaks are sure to crush any cozy winter feelings or happy vacation vibes. By taking these precautions, you can simply relax and enjoy winter any way you want without having to worry about your pipes freezing or being damaged by cold weather. To find a professional in your area to help winterize your home and protect your pipes from freezing, check out our Pro Directory.