Simple Plumbing Steps That Can Save You Thousands

When temperatures drop into the single digits, frozen pipes become a real threat, even in homes with heat. The good news? A few smart moves can dramatically reduce your risk of burst pipes and major water damage.

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Let Warm Air Reach Your Pipes

When it’s bitter cold outside, your pipes need all the help they can get.

• Open cabinet doors under sinks, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

• Leave vanity cabinets open where plumbing is tucked inside exterior walls.

• Keep toilet lids open so warmer air can circulate around the supply lines.

This small step helps prevent cold air pockets from forming around pipes.

Step 2: Skip the Dripping Faucet Myth

You’ve probably heard this advice before: “Just drip the faucet.”

Here’s the honest truth, it’s not foolproof.

If a pipe is going to burst, it can still burst while dripping. Worse, if it fails while water is flowing, you’re dealing with a much bigger mess and faster flooding.

Bottom line, dripping faucets can give a false sense of security. There are better ways.

Step 3: If You Lose Power and Must Leave, Do This Immediately

This is the most important part, especially during winter storms.

1. Shut off the main water supply

Find your main water shutoff and turn it off completely. This stops new water from entering the system.

2. Start at the highest level of your home

Go to the top floor or highest plumbing fixture in the house.

• Turn on every faucet and shower.

• Let the water run until it slows to a trickle and then stops.

This allows gravity to help drain the pipes.

3. Flush toilets repeatedly

Flush each toilet as many times as it will allow.

The tank won’t refill because the water is off, but this helps empty remaining water in the lines.

4. Work your way down

Move from the top floor to the lowest level of the house.

• Turn on every sink, shower, and tub.

• Let any remaining water drain out.

What you’re doing here is bleeding pressure out of the entire plumbing system. Pressure is what causes the real damage when pipes freeze.

5. Turn everything off last

Once all fixtures have drained, go back and turn every faucet and shower off.

Important note: Always drain the system before shutting everything back down. Don’t skip this step.

Why This Matters

Frozen pipes don’t just crack, they explode. When they thaw, water damage can spread fast, soaking floors, walls, cabinets, and everything you thought was safe.

These steps take maybe 15 minutes. Cleanup from a burst pipe can take months and cost tens of thousands.

A little prevention now beats a massive insurance claim later.