As the cooler days roll in and we start swapping out t-shirts for hoodies, it’s also time to think about something a little less cozy—your home’s plumbing system. Yep, those pipes under your sinks and in your walls need some TLC before winter shows up in full force.
Whether you’re new to winterizing your home or just need a friendly reminder, we at Heavenly Throne Plumbing have got your back. Let’s walk through some easy, practical ways to keep your plumbing safe, warm, and functioning all winter long.
Table of Contents
Toggle1. Wrap Up Those Pipes Like It’s Sweater Weather
Got pipes in your garage, attic, or crawl space? They’re at high risk of freezing when temperatures dip. To keep them cozy, wrap them up with foam insulation or heat tape—just like giving them a warm winter jacket.
You can find pipe insulation at most hardware stores, and it’s super easy to install. Trust us, this small step can save you from big plumbing disasters later.
2. Say Goodbye to Garden Hoses (For Now)
We know it’s hard—especially if you’re still clinging to those last green patches in your yard—but now’s the time to disconnect and drain your garden hoses. Leaving them connected can trap water in the spigot and lead to frozen pipes. Roll up your hoses, store them in the garage, and call it a season.
3. Shut Off Outdoor Faucets
This one’s a game-changer. Find the shut-off valve for your exterior faucets (usually in the basement or crawl space), turn it off, and then go outside and open the faucet to let any leftover water drain out.
Bonus tip: install faucet covers for extra protection against the cold. They’re cheap and do a great job.
4. Seal the Sneaky Gaps
Walk around your home and look for gaps or cracks where pipes enter from outside. Cold air loves to sneak in there and wreak havoc. Grab some caulk or spray foam and seal up those areas to keep the warmth in and Jack Frost out.
5. Garage Door = Closed
If you have water supply lines running through your garage, keep that garage door shut as much as possible. It’s a simple move that helps retain heat and protect vulnerable pipes from freezing
6. Let It Drip (Just a Little)
On super cold nights, let your faucets drip just a bit—especially those on exterior walls. It might seem wasteful, but keeping water flowing prevents it from freezing in the pipes. Think of it as a tiny insurance policy.
7. Open Your Cabinet Doors (Really)
This trick is old school, but it works. Open the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially if they’re on exterior walls. This lets warm air circulate around the pipes and keeps them from getting too chilly.
8. Keep That Thermostat Steady
We get it—you want to save on energy costs. But don’t drop your thermostat too low at night, even if you’re bundled up in blankets. Keep it consistent, day and night. If you’re heading out of town, set the heat to at least 55°F to prevent frozen pipes while you’re away.
9. Flush Your Water Heater
Winter = hot showers, right? Make sure your water heater is ready to perform. Before the real cold hits, flush the tank to get rid of sediment that can build up and reduce efficiency. If that sounds a bit daunting, we’d be happy to handle it for you.
10. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
Okay, this one’s really important. If a pipe bursts, your best move is to shut off your home’s main water valve—fast. Take a few minutes to locate it and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is, too. Trust us, you don’t want to be Googling this mid-crisis.