THE COMPLETE WINTER PLUMBING CHECKLIST FOR NORTH TEXAS HOMEOWNERS
North Texas winters can turn on you in no time, so it's smart to get your plumbing prepared before the cold weather arrives.
This winter plumbing checklist for North Texas homeowners will get you ready to protect your pipes, water heater, and home's plumbing from freezing temperatures. By following these tips, you should be able to avoid the hassle of expensive emergency repairs, from leaks to burst pipes and water damage.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Insulate exposed pipes and get your outdoor faucets ready for the coming cold snap before it's too late.
Keep the heat on and let the warm air reach all the areas of your home's plumbing that need it.
Give your water heater, sump pump, and plumbing systems a once-over before the cold weather hits.
Get your home and emergency supplies ready in case of a power outage or a big winter storm.
If you notice any leaks, damaged pipes, or any sign of freezing, call a licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing as soon as possible.
1. HOW SHOULD YOU PROTECT YOUR PIPES BEFORE FREEZING TEMPERATURES?
Use this plumbing checklist to protect your home's water lines when the winter weather arrives:
Locate and insulate exposed piping pipes around your home, especially in your garage, attic, crawl space, and kitchen and bathroom cabinets. We recommend using foam pipe insulation or something similar to suit the type of pipe and where it's located.
Protect your outdoor faucets by disconnecting any garden hoses, draining them, and stashing them somewhere safe and out of the way. Get your exterior faucets and outdoor spigots covered with insulated covers made for the job.
Seal air leaks. Check gaps around pipe penetrations, windows, and doors.
Check for any existing leaks in your plumbing. Look for any damp patches, corrosion, dripping connections, or unexplained changes in your water bill.
If you need to insulate pipes in a hard-to-reach location, pick the right materials and make sure they fit securely. Insulation will slow heat loss, but keep in mind that it won't make pipes ice-proof in extreme cold.
The National Weather Service's winter home safety guidance also recommends insulating exposed pipes and sealing gaps around your windows and doors.
2. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH OUTDOOR FAUCETS?
Your outdoor faucets are often the weak link in a freeze. With that in mind, before winter sets in, follow these steps:
Disconnect all hoses from your outdoor faucets.
Drain and store them somewhere indoors.
Get insulated covers on the most vulnerable exterior faucets.
Check outdoor spigots for any leaks or damage.
If you've got an irrigation system, make sure it's drained or winterized according to the manufacturer's instructions.
This will help keep your outdoor water lines from freezing and cracking. If a faucet still leaks even when it's turned off, contact a local plumbing service for an outdoor plumbing repair before the weather gets too cold.
3. HOW CAN YOU PREVENT FROZEN PIPES INSIDE YOUR HOME?
Keeping your home warm is one of the simplest ways to protect your plumbing during a cold snap. If you can, keep your heating system running, so warm air gets to the places it needs to be. Your garage and any rooms with exposed water lines will need extra attention.
It's also smart to open cabinet doors beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air get to the plumbing, especially the pipes along those exterior walls.
If you know a freeze is on its way, turn on your faucets to a slow drip. This can help reduce the pressure in your pipes. But you should only do this if your local water supplier says it's okay, and make sure you've got the proper insulation in place.
Finally, make sure you know where the shut-off valve is, and teach your family how to turn off the main water supply if a pipe freezes and bursts. That way, if the worst happens, you can hopefully minimize damage and avoid costly repairs.
Pro Tip: If you think you've got frozen pipes, don't try to thaw them with a flame. If a pipe has burst, shut off the main water supply if safe to do so and get a plumber on to visit your home right away.
4. IS YOUR WATER HEATER READY FOR WINTER?
Your water heater works the hardest during the colder months, so we recommend scheduling an inspection and seasonal maintenance in October or November.
You can assess your heater yourself, with no professional required. Check the unit for leaks, rust, and unusual noises, and take a look at the insulation. Are any of the accessible hot water pipes looking a bit bare?
During your checks, clear the area if necessary, making sure there are no obstructions around the heater and that any vents are clear. You can also check the manual to see if the manufacturer recommends anything specific as part of winter home maintenance for your heater.
A professional inspection can be helpful if you're dealing with an issue like sediment buildup, unusual noises, or hot water that isn't reaching the desired temperature. Our Mission Ready Plan includes an annual water heater flush and plumbing system inspection, helping keep your heater in great condition instead of waiting for a problem to develop. If needed, we may also recommend repairing or replacing your water heater.
5. WHAT OTHER HOME MAINTENANCE SHOULD YOU COMPLETE BEFORE WINTER?
Your home maintenance checklist should cover more than plumbing. North Texas weather can bring heavy rain and occasional hard freezes, which is why we recommend following this checklist:
Check your thermostat settings and make sure your heating system is working properly.
Replace the air filter every 30-45 days if you're getting heavy use out of it; otherwise, follow the manufacturer's advice on when to change it.
Inspect any ductwork that you can access for any leaks that can affect heating efficiency.
Look around your windows and doors for any gaps where cold drafts could seep in.
Clean gutters and downspouts around your property so that water can flow freely again.
Inspect your roof and make sure there are no loose shingles, and look for any evidence of leaks or damaged flashing.
Pack away any outdoor furniture or cover it up before the weather gets bad.
EMERGENCY READINESS
Stock up on a few days' worth of bottled water, and keep flashlights, spare batteries, and some non-perishable food on hand.
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every month, and make sure you're all set for a prolonged power outage with essential medicines and phone chargers on hand.
Prepare a winter car kit with a blanket, water, a flashlight, and some basic supplies in case you get caught out in the cold.
If you have a sump pump, check it out to make sure it's working properly, and think about getting some backup options in case the power goes out (ask your neighbours what they do).
If you're looking for a broader plan, use Ready.gov's emergency supply guidance to check what your household might need during a prolonged outage.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR WINTER PLUMBING CHECKLIST?
You don't need to wait for a burst pipe to call in a plumber. At Military Plumbing, we're here to help North Texas homeowners get their plumbing systems ready for the cold weather and deal with any problems that might come up.
When we work with you, you get:
Over 500 five-star reviews from customers just like you, plus a reputation for fast, local service across 26+ cities in the DFW Metroplex and Northeast Texas.
Licensed, insured plumbers who are trained to handle any plumbing issue that comes up.
Whether you need help insulating exposed pipes, a water heater check, or urgent attention for a leak, we're here to help. We're on call 24/7 for any emergency plumbing problems that come up. Contact us here.
FAQs
Q: At what temperatures should I worry about my pipes freezing?
Pipes can freeze when temperatures drop below 32°F, especially if they're exposed to cold air or poorly insulated. The risk increases when it gets really cold for a long time, so rather than waiting for your pipes to freeze, it's smart to take precautions before the next cold snap hits.
Q: Does my water heater need winter maintenance?
It's a good idea to check your water heater over in the winter for any signs of leaks, unusual noises, or wear and tear. Follow the manufacturer's advice on how to keep it in good condition, and consider getting a professional to take a look every year. Our Mission Ready Plan includes an annual flush for tank-style water heaters and an annual plumbing system inspection.
Q: What should I do if a pipe bursts in my home?
If a pipe bursts, switch off your home's water supply if you can do it safely, and stay clear of any water near electrical equipment. Get in touch with a plumber right away to stop the leak and assess the damage, and don't go into any affected areas unless it's safe to do so.
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