Cold Weather Plumbing Preparation

Turn on both hot and cold water faucet valves (handles) with a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing. 

Leaving your cabinet doors open is one of our go-to tips to prevent the disaster of pipes freezing and bursting.  The open cabinet doors will allow heated air to circulate through and raise the temperature of the pipes.

Pilot Mode is referred to as the “standby” or “sleep” setting for your hot water system.  To switch your water heater to Pilot Mode, locate the control knob on your water heater.  Usually, it’s located near where your gas line comes into the water heater.  Turn the control knob to "Pilot".  Your water heater is now on Pilot Mode.  

Insulate all exposed pipes with pipe sleeves, UL-listed heat tape or heat cable, which most home improvement stores carry.  All hose bibs must be drained properly as any remaining water can freeze and negatively impact the plumbing system. 

Close interior shutoff valves leading to outdoor faucets, then open the outside hose bibs so water can drain. Keep the outside valve open so any water that remains in the pipe can expand without breaking the pipe. 

If you have a lawn irrigation system, drain it per the manufacturer’s instructions. Installing insulation and heat trace tape on sprinkler system piping may also help prevent freezing pipes. 

Disconnect and wrap up your garden hoses for the season. Putting them away prevents cold water from freezing your faucets and connecting pipes.