{"id":765,"date":"2025-08-04T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.potterhvac.com\/blog\/?p=765"},"modified":"2026-02-24T14:24:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T19:24:17","slug":"winter-plumbing-prep-protecting-pipes-water-heaters-from-freezing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.potterhvac.com\/blog\/plumbing-service\/winter-plumbing-prep-protecting-pipes-water-heaters-from-freezing\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Plumbing Prep: Protecting Pipes & Water Heaters From Freezing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Winter in Upstate New York brings breathtaking snowfalls, but it also brings bitter cold\u2014and that cold can do real damage to your home\u2019s plumbing system if you\u2019re not prepared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s how to prepare your pipes and water heater for freezing conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Winters Are Hard on Plumbing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014raising the risk of corrosion, sediment buildup, and even system failure if not properly maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple Ways Homeowners Can Prevent Winter Plumbing Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, there are several simple and cost-effective steps homeowners can take to protect their plumbing from winter\u2019s worst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use foam pipe insulation or fiberglass wraps to insulate pipes in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n