How to Winterize Your Plumbing
Insulate exposed pipes ($1-$3/ft), disconnect garden hoses, shut off exterior faucet valves, set the thermostat to 55°F+ when away, and open cabinet doors during cold snaps. If winterizing a vacant home, turn off the main water supply, drain all pipes, and add antifreeze to drain traps. Professional winterization costs $150-$300.
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe insulation (DIY) | $1/ft | $3/ft | Foam sleeves |
| Faucet covers | $3 | $5 | Per outdoor faucet |
| Heat tape/cable | $30 | $100 | High-risk pipes |
| Professional winterization | $150 | $300 | Vacant home |
| RV antifreeze | $5 | $10 | Per gallon, for traps |
| Frozen pipe repair | $500 | $2,000 | If prevention fails |
Complete Plumbing Winterization Guide
For Occupied Homes
These steps prevent frozen pipes during winter while you continue living in the home:
- Insulate exposed pipes in attics, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. Foam pipe insulation costs $1-$3 per foot and installs in minutes.
- Disconnect all garden hoses and drain them. A connected hose traps water in the faucet, which freezes and cracks the pipe inside the wall.
- Close interior shut-off valves for outdoor faucets. Open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water.
- Install faucet covers on exterior hose bibs ($3-$5 each at hardware stores).
- Seal air leaks near pipes — gaps around dryer vents, electrical wiring, and where pipes enter the house.
- Know your main shut-off valve location — in an emergency you need to find it fast.
During Cold Snaps
- Let faucets drip (both hot and cold) on vulnerable pipes
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
- Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when away
- If power goes out, shut off the main water supply and open faucets
For Vacant or Seasonal Homes
- Turn off the main water supply
- Open all faucets and flush all toilets to drain the system
- Use an air compressor to blow remaining water from pipes
- Pour RV antifreeze (NOT automotive) into all drain traps — toilets, sinks, tubs, floor drains
- Turn off and drain the water heater
- Set the thermostat to at least 55°F if heating is available
Related Questions
At what temperature should I worry about pipes freezing?
Start taking precautions below 28°F (-2°C). Pipes can begin freezing at 20°F (-7°C). Uninsulated pipes in exterior walls, attics, and crawl spaces are most vulnerable. Wind chill makes it worse.
Should I drip faucets during a freeze?
Yes. Running even a small trickle through vulnerable pipes prevents freezing by keeping water moving. Open both hot and cold taps slightly. The small increase in water bill is nothing compared to burst pipe repair.
How much does a burst pipe cost to repair?
Burst pipe repair costs $500-$2,000 for the plumbing fix. Water damage restoration can add $2,000-$50,000+ depending on how long the water flowed and what was damaged. Prevention is vastly cheaper.