Winter in Upstate New York brings breathtaking snowfalls, but it also brings bitter cold—and that cold can do real damage to your home’s plumbing system if you’re not prepared.
Freezing temperatures can cause water in your pipes to expand, leading to cracks, bursts, or leaks that result in costly repairs and severe water damage. Here’s how to prepare your pipes and water heater for freezing conditions.
Why Winters Are Hard on Plumbing
When water inside your pipes freezes, it expands and builds pressure. This can result in burst pipes when the pressure has nowhere else to go, especially in unheated or poorly insulated areas like crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls.
Water heaters also experience thermal stress during long winters. The increased demand for hot water, combined with incoming icy groundwater, makes the unit work harder—raising the risk of corrosion, sediment buildup, and even system failure if not properly maintained.
Simple Ways Homeowners Can Prevent Winter Plumbing Damage
Luckily, there are several simple and cost-effective steps homeowners can take to protect their plumbing from winter’s worst.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Use foam pipe insulation or fiberglass wraps to insulate pipes in:
- Unheated basements or garages
- Crawl spaces
- Attics
- Along exterior walls
2. Keep Faucets Dripping
When temperatures dip below 20°F, keep a slow trickle of water running through vulnerable faucets—especially those connected to exterior walls. Moving water is less likely to freeze, and this small action can prevent major pipe damage.
3. Maintain Safe Indoor Temperatures
Set your thermostat to at least 55°F, even if you’re away from home. Sudden temperature drops inside your house can lead to frozen interior plumbing, especially overnight. You can even leave bathroom and kitchen cabinets under the sink open so heat can reach those pipes, too.
4. Install Outdoor Faucet Covers
Outdoor spigots are one of the most common sources of pipe freeze-ups. Cover them with insulated faucet covers in the fall to prevent freezing. Even better, consider installing freeze-proof sillcocks, which shut off water deeper in the wall to avoid exposure to cold air.
Don’t Forget Outdoor Plumbing and Irrigation
In addition to indoor prep, it’s crucial to winterize:
- Irrigation systems by blowing out water with compressed air
- Pool lines and pumps to prevent cracks from expanding ice
- Outdoor showers, hose bibs, and fountains, which should be drained and shut off from the inside
Upgrade to Freeze-Proof Plumbing Products
To take it a step further, consider upgrading specific components. Freeze-proof outdoor valves automatically drain excess water, eliminating the risk of pipe bursts. Pipe insulation wraps come with built-in heat tape or self-regulating cables that actively warm your pipes during extreme cold. These small investments can save thousands in potential water damage repair costs.
One of our licensed plumbers can inspect vulnerable areas, install insulation or freeze-proof components, and ensure your system is fully prepped for Upstate NY’s harshest weather.
Contact Potter Heating Cooling & Plumbing today to schedule your plumbing services. Our team is here to help with all of your heating and air conditioning needs.