Osbourn Plumbing’s Guide to Preparing Your Home’s Plumbing for Winter

As the temperatures start to dip, it's essential to get your home’s plumbing ready for the cold. At Osbourn Plumbing, we know that a bit of preparation now can help prevent frozen pipes, burst lines, and costly repairs. Here’s our guide to prepping your plumbing for winter, including some DIY tips and areas where our team can lend a hand.

Insulate Your Pipes  
Exposed pipes, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and garages, are vulnerable to freezing. You can DIY this by wrapping pipes with insulation sleeves or foam covers to keep them warm. If you’re unsure which areas need insulation, our team at Osbourn Plumbing can inspect your home and add insulation to any spots you may have missed.

Seal Up Any Cracks  
Cold air can creep into your home through cracks and gaps, especially near pipes. Use caulk or foam sealant to close up these gaps, keeping warm air in and cold air out. For larger openings or hard-to-reach spots, Osbourn Plumbing can help with a thorough inspection and professional sealing to make sure your home is properly protected.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Drain Faucets  
Disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses is essential to prevent freezing and damage. Once you’ve disconnected them, let Osbourn Plumbing take care of any exterior plumbing winterization, including draining sprinkler systems and shutting off outdoor faucets.

Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve  
Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is can save you time and prevent damage if a pipe bursts. If you’re unsure, Osbourn Plumbing can show you where it is and even add a labeled tag for quick reference.

Flush and Insulate Your Water Heater  
Your water heater works hard during the winter, so flushing out any sediment that’s built up can help it perform better. You can also insulate your water heater with a heater blanket to keep it running efficiently. Not comfortable handling this? Our team can take care of it with a routine inspection to keep your hot water steady all winter long.

Leave Faucets Dripping on Cold Nights  
When temperatures are extremely low, a slow drip in your faucets can help keep pipes from freezing by relieving pressure. It’s a simple DIY that can make a big difference during the coldest nights.

Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks  
On very cold days, open the cabinet doors under your sinks to let warm air circulate around the pipes. This simple trick can prevent freezing in those harder-to-insulate spots.

Check Your Sump Pump  
If you have a sump pump, ensure the discharge line is clear to prevent freezing and blockages. For extra peace of mind, we offer sump pump inspections to make sure your basement stays dry all winter.

Going Away for Winter? Consider Draining the System  
If you’re leaving your home for an extended period, draining the plumbing system can prevent frozen pipes while you’re away. Osbourn Plumbing can help shut off the main water supply, drain pipes, and add antifreeze to drains and toilets to ensure your plumbing is safe while your home is unoccupied.

Call Osbourn Plumbing for a Winter-Ready Inspection  While there are many steps you can handle yourself, having a professional inspection is the best way to catch any hidden issues. Osbourn Plumbing can help you get ahead of potential problems, from pipe insulation to water heater checks, so you’re fully prepared for winter.

Protecting your plumbing system before winter hits can save you time, money, and stress. Contact Osbourn Plumbing for any of your winterization needs, and let’s keep your home safe, warm, and running smoothly all season long!