5 Plumbing Tasks to Tackle Before the First Hard Freeze
When the temperatures start to drop, most homeowners shift their focus to warm blankets, hot drinks, and making sure the furnace is ready for winter. But your plumbing system needs some attention, too! A hard freeze can cause burst pipes, damaged fixtures, and expensive water damage, all of which are completely avoidable with a little preparation. Abel Plumbing is committed to helping you keep your home safe and running smoothly year-round. Here are five essential plumbing tasks to check off before the first deep freeze of the season.
#1: Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
It might seem like it’s not a big deal, but leaving a garden hose connected is one of the fastest ways to damage an outdoor faucet. When temperatures drop, water left in the hose (and the faucet) can freeze and expand, causing the faucet or connected piping inside the home to burst.
What to do:
Disconnect all hoses
Drain them completely
Store them indoors
If you have a shutoff valve for outdoor spigots, shut it off and drain the line
Your future spring self will thank you.
#2: Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in garages, crawlspaces, basements, attics, or near exterior walls are more likely to freeze. A frozen pipe isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s one of the most common causes of winter water damage.
Prevent freezing by:
Wrapping pipes with foam insulation sleeves
Adding heat tape to extremely cold-prone areas
Sealing drafts near pipes
Not sure if your pipes are vulnerable? Abel Plumbing can inspect your home and identify risk areas before temperatures plummet.
#3: Service Your Water Heater
When winter hits, your water heater works overtime. Giving it a quick tune-up before the cold improves performance, extends lifespan, and prevents mid-winter breakdowns.
A pre-winter water heater check should include:
Flushing sediment
Inspecting the tank and valves
Checking the pressure relief valve
Testing the temperature settings
A well-maintained water heater runs more efficiently, saving you money during the months you're using it the most. If you find that your water heater isn’t working properly or need to replace it altogether, Abel Plumbing can repair or replace it for you!
#4: Check Your Sump Pump
Melting snow, sudden warmups, and winter rainstorms can put your sump pump to work unexpectedly. A failing sump pump can quickly turn into a flooded basement.
Make sure your sump pump is winter-ready by:
Lifting the float to ensure the pump activates
Checking the discharge line for clogs or freezing risk
Cleaning out the pit
Ensuring you have a backup power source
If your pump is old or unreliable, Abel Plumbing can help you repair or replace it before the next thaw.
# 5: Seal the Gaps Where Pipes Enter Your Home
Cold air often sneaks in through the small openings around pipes, like under sinks, behind toilets, in basements, or where outdoor spigots connect inside. These hidden drafts can make nearby pipes much more likely to freeze.
Before freezing temperatures arrive:
Look for gaps or holes around plumbing under sinks, in utility rooms, and in your basement
Seal openings with caulk or spray foam
Pay close attention to pipes on exterior walls, which are most vulnerable
Closing up these small gaps helps keep warm air in, cold air out, and pipes protected all winter long. Bonus: This not only protects your plumbing but improves home efficiency, too!
Stay Ahead of the Freeze with Abel Plumbing
A little preventative maintenance now can save you time, stress, and costly repairs later in the winter season. Whether you need help insulating pipes, inspecting your water heater, or winterizing your plumbing system, the professionals at Abel Plumbing are here to help. Don’t wait until the first hard freeze, schedule your winter plumbing check today!