When winter rolls around, your home’s plumbing system faces one of its biggest seasonal challenges: freezing. A frozen pipe can stop water flow, burst under pressure, and cause costly water damage. Winterizing your pipes and outdoor hose bibs before the cold weather hits is the best way to protect your home and keep your plumbing running smoothly all season long.
Why Winterization Matters
As outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, standing water inside your plumbing can freeze quickly. Since ice expands, it creates pressure that pushes against the inner walls of your pipes. Once it becomes too great, the pipe can crack or burst. That kind of damage can lead to flooding in your basement, soaked insulation, and exorbitant repair costs.
By winterizing early, you keep water moving, minimize the chance of freezing, and safeguard every part of your plumbing system, from outdoor taps to indoor valves.
Disconnect and Drain Your Hose Bibs
Outdoor hose bibs are among the first areas to freeze because they’re directly exposed to the cold. Before the first frost, remove any attached hoses and store them inside. Even a small amount of water left in the hose can freeze and back up into the pipe that feeds the tap.
Once the hose is detached, open the outdoor tap fully to let any remaining water drain out, and then close the shutoff valve inside your home that supplies that line. If your plumbing includes a bleeder cap on that valve, loosen it to let out trapped water and air. This step keeps the line dry and prevents hidden ice buildup when the cold fronts hit.
Protect Exposed Pipes
Any pipe located along an exterior wall, in a crawl space, or inside an unheated area of the home needs extra attention. Wrap these pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape to help them retain warmth. In especially cold areas, such as garages or unfinished basements, add a space heater to maintain a consistent temperature above freezing.
If you have plumbing lines running behind your kitchen sink or bathroom vanity, consider opening the cabinet doors during cold nights. This lets warm air from your home circulate around the pipes, keeping them safe from freezing conditions.
Maintain Steady Indoor Heat
It can be tempting to lower the thermostat to save on heating costs, but steady heat is essential for your plumbing’s protection. Keep your home’s temperature set no lower than 13°C (about 55°F), even when you’re away. The consistent warmth prevents the water inside pipes from reaching freezing points.
If you have rooms that stay colder than others, consider adding a small space heater to those areas. Just remember to keep heaters away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
Check Valves, Thermostat, and Water Pressure
Frozen pipes aren’t the only winter plumbing concern. Low water pressure can indicate that ice has started forming in your system. Keep an eye on your taps and toilets during cold spells. If you notice reduced flow, shut off the main valve immediately and call a professional plumber before the pipe bursts.
While you’re checking valves, test your thermostat to make sure it’s reading accurately. Inaccurate readings can allow temperatures to drop below safe levels without realizing. A properly calibrated thermostat helps balance your home’s comfort and energy use while keeping your plumbing safe from freezing.
Inspect the Basement and Crawl Spaces
Your basement is often the coldest area of the house and home to much of your plumbing. Walk through these areas periodically during the winter. Look for signs of condensation, frost, or small puddles around the pipes. These can indicate that the pipe is close to freezing.
Adding foam insulation or adjusting the room’s airflow can help maintain a safe temperature. For homes with crawl spaces, closing exterior vents and sealing gaps around the foundation can help trap heat inside.
Don’t Forget the Toilet and Interior Fixtures
Many homeowners focus on outdoor taps but overlook indoor fixtures that also need attention. Toilets located near exterior walls are especially prone to freezing. Keeping bathroom doors open allows warm air to reach these areas. If you’ll be away for an extended period of time, it could be a good idea to shut off the main water supply to the home to prevent any flooding or major leak damages should there be any freezing issues while you’re away.
Similarly, sinks in laundry rooms or garages can freeze if not properly insulated or protected. Make sure these areas have adequate heat circulation, and close off any drafts that let cold air reach the pipes.
Call the Professionals Before the Cold Hits
Preparing your plumbing system for winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to act early, before freezing temperatures arrive. A professional inspection can catch vulnerabilities you might overlook, ranging from aging valves to small leaks that could turn into big problems once it gets cold enough.
Quan Plumbing & Heating is ready to help homeowners across Vancouver protect their homes this winter. Our certified technicians can inspect your plumbing, insulate exposed pipes, and make adjustments to keep your water flowing smoothly all season long. We handle everything from basement plumbing repair and frozen taps to water pressure issues and broken valves.
Don’t wait for ice to cause damage. Call Quan Plumbing & Heating today to schedule your winter plumbing service or diagnostic appointment. Let our team bring warmth, reliability, and peace of mind to your home before the next cold front moves in.