Winter preparation is most useful before the first hard cold snap. Focus on plumbing exposed to outdoor air or located in spaces that may not stay heated.
Walk the vulnerable areas
Disconnect garden hoses. Follow the installation instructions for outdoor taps or irrigation equipment, since different setups need different winter steps. Check accessible pipes in garages, crawlspaces and outside-wall cabinets for suitable insulation and signs of past leaks.
Keep the home warm enough when away to protect its plumbing. If you are unsure whether the heating system depends on the water supply, ask before closing the main valve for a trip.
Be ready to respond
Find the main shutoff and keep the route clear. If a pipe stops flowing or begins to leak during a cold spell, avoid open flames or forced thawing. Our plumbing repair team can help assess a frozen or damaged line. For more detail, see our cold-snap guide.
Plan for time away
If the home will be vacant, arrange enough heat for vulnerable spaces and make sure someone knows how to reach you. A garage, crawlspace or cabinet on an outside wall may be colder than the main living area. Ask about any pipes whose location or condition you cannot see, rather than assuming indoor plumbing is protected by the thermostat reading.
Follow the instructions for the specific outdoor tap or irrigation system; not all fixtures are winterized the same way. Our pre-trip plumbing checklist covers leaks and shutoff decisions when the house will be empty. If a line freezes, a plumber can assess it and discuss a longer-term fix for that location.