Winter Plumbing Maintenance Guide

Winter brings beautiful snow and cold weather, but it also poses serious challenges to your home's plumbing system. Frozen pipes, burst water lines, and frozen outdoor fixtures are common problems that can lead to expensive repairs and water damage. By taking proactive steps now, you can protect your plumbing throughout the cold months ahead.

Understanding Frozen Pipes

When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, creating pressure that can burst even the strongest pipes. This damage often doesn't become apparent until the pipe thaws and water begins leaking. Some areas of your home are particularly vulnerable to freezing:

• Attic pipes
• Basement or crawl space pipes
• Garage pipes
• Pipes near exterior walls
• Outdoor water lines

Winterization Steps for Your Home

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape. Pay special attention to pipes in unheated areas. This simple step can prevent most freezing problems.

2. Drain Outdoor Water Lines

Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain all water from the lines. Leave the valve open during winter to allow any remaining water to escape safely without freezing.

3. Winterize Outdoor Fixtures

Remove garden hoses and store them indoors. Install frost-proof covers on outdoor faucets (though draining is the best prevention).

4. Keep Interior Pipes Warm

Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Let faucets drip slightly during extremely cold nights—moving water is less likely to freeze.

5. Seal Air Leaks

Check for cracks and gaps around pipes where they enter your home. Seal these areas with caulk or weatherstripping to keep cold air out.

6. Maintain Heat

Keep your home adequately heated, even if you're away. A temperature of at least 55°F throughout your home helps prevent pipe freezing.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you suspect frozen pipes:

• Turn off the main water supply immediately
• Open all faucets to relieve pressure
• Do NOT use direct heat (torch or heater) on pipes—risk of fire
• Use warm water or a heat lamp to gradually warm the pipes
• Call a professional if you can't locate or thaw the frozen section
• Call DeMonte Contracting immediately if pipes burst—water damage spreads quickly

Emergency Preparedness

Even with prevention, emergencies happen. Be prepared:

• Know where your main water shut-off is located
• Keep our emergency number handy: 412-275-5702
• Have towels and buckets available to contain water if leaks occur
• Document your home's condition with photos before winter
• Keep contact information for your insurance company accessible

Professional Winter Inspection

Consider scheduling a professional plumbing inspection before winter. Our technicians can identify vulnerable pipes, recommend insulation improvements, and ensure your water heater is functioning efficiently. We'll also check for existing leaks that could worsen in freezing temperatures.

Western Pennsylvania Winter Considerations

Our region experiences significant winter weather, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Older homes with aged pipes are particularly at risk. If your home is over 50 years old or you've experienced pipe problems before, professional winterization is especially important.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Frozen pipes and winter water damage are far more expensive to repair than preventive winterization. The cost of insulation and winterization is minimal compared to repairing burst pipes, water damage, and mold remediation.